Origin
Roanoke, VA
Morning in Roanoke on Friday
Local time
10:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Roanoke, VA to Buena Vista, VA
Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 6m
Distance
55.9 mi
90 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 1m
★
6 AM
1h 6m
8 AM
1h 17m
10 AM
1h 10m
12 PM
1h 9m
3 PM
1h 11m
5 PM
1h 17m
8 PM
1h 3m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Roanoke, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Buena Vista, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This straightforward 55.9-mile drive from Roanoke, VA to Buena Vista, VA takes about 1 hour and 6 minutes, making it an ideal day trip. You'll primarily travel on I-81, US-220, and I-581, with 91% of the journey on highways. Expect a fuel cost of around $9 for this relatively short distance. Since it's a quick trip, you won't need to split it overnight, offering plenty of flexibility for your schedule. This route stays within the Southeast region, specifically within Virginia, offering a familiar and accessible journey.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 6m. Total distance: 55.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 6m drive, comfortable solo distance.
EV Driver
0 DC fast chargers along the route. Coverage: unknown.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with a substantial 91% of the mileage on interstates and major roadways. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 31.8 miles on I-81, offering a consistent pace. The character of the drive is largely defined by its efficiency, allowing you to cover ground quickly. While primarily highway, the use of US-220 and I-581 ensures you're on well-maintained roads designed for smooth travel.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 81 is the longest continuous segment at about 31.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and US 220. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near 1st Street Southwest.
Driving Effort
6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 55.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (1st Street Southwest): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.9 miles (US 220 BUS): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
1st Street Southwest
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
Navigation decision point
6
0.2 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest
Turn sharp left onto US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
7
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
US 220 BUS
Take the ramp onto US 220 BUS toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Bristol
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Br...
5
1.1 mi into trip
|
~3m in
|
I 581; US 220
Merge onto I 581; US 220
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
9
6.7 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
US 220
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220 toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Exit 1N
Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 81 | 31.8 mi | 34m |
| US 220 | 13.1 mi | 15m |
| I 581 | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| East Midland Trail | 2.7 mi | 3m |
| 29th Street | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| Beech Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Williamson Road Northeast | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Franklin Road Southwest | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 31.8 mi, about 34m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke, VA and Buena Vista, VA.
1
Start on this road
285 ft
·
26 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
1st Street Southwest
3
Turn sharp left onto US 221; US 220 BUS
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
·
Franklin Road Southwest
4
Turn left onto US 221; US 220 BUS; VA 116
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Williamson Road Southeast
5
Continue on US 11; US 221; US 220 BUS; VA 116
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
·
Williamson Road Northeast
Use the straight lane.
6
Take the ramp onto US 220 BUS
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
US 220 BUS
Toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Bristol
Use the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto I 581; US 220
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
I 581; US 220
Use the straight lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 220
13 mi
·
15 min
·
US 220
Exit 1N
Toward I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
Use the straight lane.
9
Continue on I 81
32 mi
·
34 min
·
I 81
10
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward US 60 East: Buena Vista
11
Merge onto US 60
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
East Midland Trail
12
Continue on US 60
0.6 mi
·
39 sec
·
29th Street
13
Take the exit
302 ft
·
8 sec
14
Merge onto US 501
0.4 mi
·
30 sec
·
Beech Avenue
15
Continue on US 501
483 ft
·
13 sec
·
Sycamore Avenue
16
Turn left onto West 21st Street
444 ft
·
19 sec
·
West 21st Street
17
Arrive at destination
East 21st Street
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 28 mi from Roanoke, VA · 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
28 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 12 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 28 miles from Roanoke, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Buena Vista, VA
The final approach into Buena Vista, VA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$8.74 one way
$17.48 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
20 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $9.56 | $19.12 |
| premium | $4.70 | $10.35 | $20.69 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $12.34 | $24.68 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Drive Cost (one way)
Fuel
$9
Estimated CO2 emission: 19.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $6 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 16.8 | 0 | $5.87 | $2.68 |
| Efficient EV | 14 | 0 | $4.89 | $2.24 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 22.4 | 0 | $7.83 | $3.58 |
Gas CO2
20 kg
EV CO2
7 kg (65% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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.
Destination
Buena Vista, VA
Morning in Buena Vista on Friday
Local time
10:25 AM
EDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
49°F
Buchanan, VA
28 mi in
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
33 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
1h 6m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Roanoke, VA to Buena Vista, VA covers 55.9 miles and takes about 1h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, US 220, I 581. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 28 miles from Roanoke, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.74 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 55.9 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (1st Street Southwest): Navigation decision point; at 0.2 miles (US 221; US 220 BUS / Franklin Road Southwest): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.9 miles (US 220 BUS): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Roanoke, VA to Buena Vista, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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