Origin
Roanoke, VA
Afternoon in Roanoke on Thursday
Local time
4:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
79°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Roanoke, VA to Nellysford, VA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
2h 5m
Distance
96.9 mi
156 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 57m
★
6 AM
2h 6m
8 AM
2h 24m
10 AM
2h 12m
12 PM
2h 10m
3 PM
2h 13m
5 PM
2h 23m
8 PM
2h 0m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Roanoke, VA
Wikimedia Commons
Nellysford, VA
Guilherme Simão
Trip Overview
This 96.9-mile drive from Roanoke to Nellysford, Virginia, is a straightforward trip that can easily be completed in about 2 hours and 5 minutes. Primarily utilizing I-81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, this route is heavily highway-focused, with 84% of the journey on faster roads. Given its manageable length and duration, it's an ideal day trip, allowing for a relaxed pace without the need for an overnight stay. The estimated fuel cost is around $15, making it an economical choice for a short excursion. You'll be traveling within the Southeast region for the entirety of this journey.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
48.4 miles from Roanoke, VA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 57m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 5m. Total distance: 96.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 5m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (84%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 84% of your travel time spent on faster roads like I-81. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 43.6 miles on I-81, offering a solid period of consistent driving. While the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a change of pace, the overall character leans towards efficient travel. The transition between major highways and potentially more local roads as you approach Nellysford will provide some variation, but the core of this drive is about covering ground effectively.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 20 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 43.6 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and Blue Ridge Parkway. You will hit about 15 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 96.9 miles you will encounter 15 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 15 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 | 43.6 mi | 46m |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 13.4 mi | 22m |
| US 220 | 13.1 mi | 15m |
| Beech Grove Road | 5.7 mi | 7m |
| I 581 | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| North Lee Highway | 5.4 mi | 7m |
| Tye River Turnpike | 5.4 mi | 8m |
| Rockfish Valley Highway | 2.9 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
I 81
— 43.6 mi, about 46m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke, VA and Nellysford, 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
44 mi
·
46 min
·
I 81
10
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward SR 710: Fairfield
11
Turn right onto SR 710
0.1 mi
·
11 sec
·
Sterrett Road
12
Continue on SR 710
364 ft
·
7 sec
·
Sterret Road
13
Turn left onto US 11
5.4 mi
·
7 min
·
North Lee Highway
14
Turn right onto VA 56
1.7 mi
·
2 min
·
Tye River Turnpike
15
Keep slight left at fork onto VA 56
3.7 mi
·
5 min
·
Tye River Turnpike
16
Turn left
450 ft
·
21 sec
17
Turn right onto Blue Ridge Parkway
13 mi
·
22 min
·
Blue Ridge Parkway
18
Turn right onto SR 664
5.7 mi
·
7 min
·
Beech Grove Road
19
Turn left onto VA 151
2.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Rockfish Valley Highway
20
Arrive at destination
VA 151
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour drive, consider leaving in the morning to maximize your daylight hours, especially if you plan to explore Nellysford upon arrival. Since the total distance is only 96.9 miles, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience. There are no specific mandatory stops indicated, so you can pace yourself and pull over as needed. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the longest stretch without a clear break is 43.6 miles on I-81. A practical tip: download offline maps for the Blue Ridge Parkway section, as cell service can be spotty in mountainous areas.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 48.4 miles from Roanoke, VA, or about 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 43.6 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 21 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 48.4 miles or 57m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Nellysford, VA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, VA
This is one driving day of about 96.9 miles and 2h 5m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 21 miles from Roanoke, VA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 81 for about 43.6 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 48.4 mi from Roanoke, VA · 57m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
48 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 21 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 48.4 miles from Roanoke, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Nellysford, VA
The final approach into Nellysford, 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 Nellysford, VA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$15.15 one way
$30.31 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
34 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.34 | $16.57 | $33.14 |
| premium | $4.70 | $17.93 | $35.87 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $21.39 | $42.79 |
Estimated Tolls: $0.38
Tye River Turnpike
(5.4 mi)
$0.38
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
$15
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$41–$66
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 33.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 29.1 | 0 | $10.17 | $4.65 |
| Efficient EV | 24.2 | 0 | $8.48 | $3.88 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 38.8 | 0 | $13.57 | $6.20 |
Gas CO2
34 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (68% 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
Nellysford, VA
Afternoon in Nellysford on Thursday
Local time
4:53 PM
EDT
Current temp
50°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
29 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
2h 5m 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 Nellysford, VA covers 96.9 miles and takes about 2h 5m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 81, Blue Ridge Parkway, US 220. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 48.4 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 $15.15 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 96.9 miles you will encounter 15 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 Nellysford, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Nellysford, VA
More trips to Nellysford, VA
Explore more options from Roanoke, VA or browse trips ending in Nellysford, VA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.
Explore maps for Roanoke, VA or Nellysford, VA on MapSof.net.