This 227.9-mile drive from Carrollton to Roanoke, Virginia, will take you approximately 4 hours and 51 minutes, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll primarily follow Richmond Highway and US 460, with a small portion on New Cox Road. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, this route offers a straightforward journey through the Southeast region of Virginia. The drive's character is more of a turn-heavy local experience rather than a high-speed interstate cruise, so plan accordingly. It’s a solid option if you're looking for a direct way to get from point A to point B without extensive highway time.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
114 miles from Carrollton, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 23m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a 'turn-heavy local drive' for most of this 227.9-mile journey. Only about 29% of the route is on highways, meaning you'll encounter more local roads and traffic signals than open interstate. The longest continuous stretch you'll experience is 31.1 miles on Richmond Highway, so be prepared for frequent changes in speed and direction. This profile suggests a route that winds through communities rather than bypasses them, offering a more intimate feel of the Virginia landscape as you progress towards Roanoke.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 39 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Richmond Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 31.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 62.3 miles in.
Route Complexity8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 227.9 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 62.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.3 miles (US 460): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
62.3 mi into trip|~1h 18m in
Take the exit toward I 85 South, I 95 South
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
8
62.8 mi into trip|~1h 19m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: Durham
8
69.3 mi into trip|~1h 27m in|US 460
Take the exit onto US 460 toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 61
Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, Lynchburg
5
154.6 mi into trip|~3h 12m in|US 460 / Richmond Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460 / Richmond Highway toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
5
227.7 mi into trip|~4h 49m in|South Jefferson Street
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
Navigation decision point
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Carrollton, VA to Roanoke, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Lynchburg along the way.
Lynchburg
69.3 mi in|~1h 27m|via US 460
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Richmond Highway
31.1 mi
38m
US 460
29.4 mi
35m
New Cox Road
23 mi
26m
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
16 mi
20m
James River Drive
14.6 mi
19m
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
14.6 mi
18m
Colonial Trail West
13.3 mi
15m
West Colonial Trail Highway
13.1 mi
16m
Longest stretch:
Richmond Highway
— 31.1 mi, about 38m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Carrollton, VA and Roanoke, VA.
1
Start on SR 670
178 ft·4 sec·Norsworthy Drive
2
Turn left onto SR 665
0.8 mi·1 min·Reynolds Drive
3
Turn right onto US 258; VA 32
0.9 mi·1 min·Brewers Neck Boulevard
4
Merge onto US 258; VA 10
12 mi·15 min·Benns Church Boulevard
5
Continue on VA 10
9.9 mi·11 min·Colonial Trail East
6
Turn left onto VA 10; VA 31
1.0 mi·1 min·Rolfe Highway
7
Turn right onto VA 10
13 mi·15 min·Colonial Trail West
8
Continue on VA 10
15 mi·19 min·James River Drive
9
Continue on VA 10; VA 156 BUS
1.2 mi·2 min·East Randolph Road
10
Turn left onto VA 156 Business
1.8 mi·2 min·Winston Churchill Drive
11
Continue on VA 36
0.4 mi·26 sec·Oaklawn Boulevard
12
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi·1 min·Woodlawn Street
13
Continue on VA 36
1.0 mi·1 min·Oaklawn Boulevard
14
Continue on VA 36
4.3 mi·5 min·East Washington Street
Use the straight / left lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·58 sec
Toward I 85 South, I 95 South
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward I 85 South, US 460 West: DurhamUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 85
6.3 mi·7 min·Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
18
Take the exit onto US 460
0.2 mi·25 sec·US 460
Exit 61Toward US 460 West: Blackstone, LynchburgUse the slight right lane.
19
Continue on US 460
1.1 mi·1 min·Airport Street
20
Continue on US 460
23 mi·26 min·New Cox Road
21
Continue on US 460
4.3 mi·5 min·East Colonial Trail Highway
22
Continue on US 460
6.9 mi·7 min·East Colonial Trail Road
23
Continue on US 460
7.5 mi·11 min·East Colonial Trail
24
Merge onto US 360; US 460
1.5 mi·2 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
25
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
12 mi·14 min·West Colonial Trail Highway
26
Keep slight left at fork onto US 460
29 mi·34 min·US 460
27
Keep slight right at fork onto US 460
31 mi·38 min·Richmond Highway
Toward US 460 West: Lynchburg
28
Continue on US 460
16 mi·20 min·East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
Use the straight lane.
29
Continue on US 221; US 460
15 mi·18 min·West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
30
Continue on US 221; US 460
5.5 mi·7 min·Blue Ridge Boulevard
31
Continue on US 221; US 460
2.0 mi·3 min·Challenger Avenue Northeast
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 221; US 460; US 220 Alternate
3.1 mi·6 min·Orange Avenue Northeast
33
Turn left onto US 11; US 221
0.8 mi·1 min·Williamson Road Northeast
Use the left lane.
34
Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast
0.2 mi·30 sec·Salem Avenue Southeast
35
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
477 ft·20 sec·South Jefferson Street
36
Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest
379 ft·22 sec·Kirk Avenue Southwest
37
Turn left
115 ft·13 sec
38
Turn left
132 ft·9 sec
39
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 4-hour and 51-minute estimated duration, this trip is best tackled in a single day. Aim to depart early from Carrollton to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic delays. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing, but be mindful of the longest stretch of 31.1 miles on Richmond Highway; plan your break before or after this segment. The fuel cost is estimated at $36, so ensure you have adequate funds or a full tank before you begin. Keep an eye out for the transitions between main roads like Richmond Highway and US 460, as this is where navigation will be key.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 114 miles from Carrollton, VA, or about 2h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 31.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 114 miles or 2h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 52m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Roanoke, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Carrollton, VA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Carrollton, VA
This is one driving day of about 227.9 miles and 4h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Carrollton, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Richmond Highway for about 31.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 114 mi from Carrollton, VA
· 2h 23m into the drive
The midpoint is around 114 miles from Carrollton, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Roanoke, VA
The final approach into Roanoke, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Roanoke, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
National Historical Park
On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the effective end of the nation's largest war. Question...
2 mi from route
~6 min detour
Free
near mile 157.2
Two hundred ninety-two days, eight offensives, over 70,000 casualties, U. S. Colored Troops, and the decline of Gen. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia all describe the Siege of Petersburg. U.S. forces c...
On May 13, 1607, Jamestown was established as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Three cultures came together – European, Virginia Indian and African–to create a new society that...
11 mi from route
~28 min detour
$15
near mile 15.7
Fort Monroe's story spans from prehistory to the 2000s. Kecoughtan Indians occupied Old Point Comfort before the arrival of English colonists. The first enslaved Africans arrived in 1619. Those escapi...
Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later...
16 mi from route
~39 min detour
Free
near mile 227.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$35.64 one way
$71.28 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg80 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.34
$38.97
$77.93
premium
$4.70
$42.18
$84.36
diesel
$5.61
$50.32
$100.63
Estimated Tolls: $2.58
East Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(16 mi)$1.12
West Lynchburg Salem Turnpike
(14.6 mi)$1.02
Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike
(6.3 mi)$0.44
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$36
Tolls
$3
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$63–$88
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 79.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
68.4
0
$23.93
$10.94
Efficient EV
57
0
$19.94
$9.12
EV Truck/SUV
91.2
1
$31.91
$14.59
Gas CO2
80 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast data refreshed 1 day ago
Origin
Carrollton, VA
Night
in Carrollton on Tuesday
Local time
11:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
87°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Roanoke, VA
Night
in Roanoke on Tuesday
Local time
11:22 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
86°F
Middletown, MD
114 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
43 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 51m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Carrollton, VA to Roanoke, VA covers 227.9 miles and takes about 4h 51m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Richmond Highway, US 460, New Cox Road. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 114 miles from Carrollton, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $35.64 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 227.9 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 62.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 62.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 69.3 miles (US 460): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Carrollton, VA to Roanoke, VA, road signs begin pointing toward Lynchburg along the way.
