Trip from Tazewell, VA to Roanoke, VA

Drive Time

2h 33m

Distance

131.2 mi

211 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min

4 AM

2h 23m ★

6 AM

2h 34m

8 AM

2h 54m

10 AM

2h 41m

12 PM

2h 39m

3 PM

2h 42m

5 PM

2h 53m

8 PM

2h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

Google Maps Waze Apple Maps

Download GPX

Tazewell, VA

Eric Joseph

Roanoke, VA

Kelly

Trip Overview

Stretching 131.2 miles across Southwest Virginia, this trip from Tazewell to Roanoke is a straightforward journey that typically takes 2 hours and 33 minutes. Given the manageable duration, it functions perfectly as a single-day excursion, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $21 on fuel for the trip, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers. The route primarily relies on I-81, US-52, and I-77 to navigate through the Southeast. Whether you are heading into the city for business or leisure, this drive offers a reliable link between these two regional hubs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

65.6 miles from Tazewell, VA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 16m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience, as 81% of this route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend the bulk of your time navigating major thoroughfares, including a significant 62-mile stretch on I-81. While the drive is efficient, the character of the road shifts as you transition between US-52 and the interstate system. This mix provides a steady pace that is ideal for those who prefer consistent speeds over technical, winding backroads. Overall, the journey is designed for those looking to cover the distance quickly and comfortably.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 21 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 62 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 81 and US 52. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near US 19 BUS; US 460 BUS; VA 16 / Main Street.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 131.2 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 0.1 miles (US 19 BUS; US 460 BUS; VA 16 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 62.6 miles (I 81; US 11): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 124.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 15 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | US 19 BUS; US 460 BUS; VA 16 / Main Street

Turn right onto US 19 BUS; US 460 BUS; VA 16 / Main Street

Navigation decision point

62.6 mi into trip | ~1h 13m in | I 81; US 11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11 toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight lane. Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke

124.6 mi into trip | ~2h 22m in

Take the exit toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 143 Toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke

130.4 mi into trip | ~2h 30m in | US 220 BUS

Take the exit onto US 220 BUS toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Down...

131 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in | South Jefferson Street

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

Navigation decision point

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
I 81	62 mi	1h 9m
US 52	19.7 mi	22m
I 77	16 mi	17m
Governor G C Peery Highway	13.3 mi	16m
Trail of the Lonesome Pine	9.8 mi	11m
I 581	5.5 mi	7m
US 52 Truck	2.3 mi	2m
Tazewell Avenue	0.8 mi	1m

Longest stretch: I 81 — 62 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tazewell, VA and Roanoke, VA.

Start on Mill Road

397 ft · 19 sec · Mill Road

Turn right onto US 19 BUS; US 460 BUS; VA 16

436 ft · 7 sec · Main Street

Continue on US 19 BUS; US 460 BUS; VA 16

0.4 mi · 44 sec · Fincastle Turnpike

Turn left onto VA 16

0.8 mi · 1 min · Tazewell Avenue

Take the ramp

0.1 mi · 18 sec

Toward Bluefield

Merge onto US 19; US 460

13 mi · 16 min · Governor G C Peery Highway

Continue on US 19; US 460

9.8 mi · 11 min · Trail of the Lonesome Pine

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit onto US 52 Truck

2.3 mi · 2 min · US 52 Truck

Take the exit onto US 52

20 mi · 22 min · US 52

Continue on I 77

16 mi · 17 min · I 77

Use the straight lane.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 81; US 11

62 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 81; US 11

Toward I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke Use the straight lane.

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 28 sec

Exit 143 Toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 581; US 220

5.5 mi · 7 min · I 581; US 220

Use the straight lane.

Take the exit onto US 220 BUS

0.1 mi · 17 sec · US 220 BUS

Toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown

Keep slight left at fork onto US 220 BUS

0.3 mi · 56 sec · US 220 BUS

Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast

0.2 mi · 30 sec · Salem Avenue Southeast

Turn left onto South Jefferson Street

477 ft · 20 sec · South Jefferson Street

Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest

379 ft · 22 sec · Kirk Avenue Southwest

Turn left

115 ft · 13 sec

Turn left

132 ft · 9 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a relatively short drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time to avoid potential traffic congestion on I-81. Planning for at least one stop is recommended to break up the 131.2-mile journey, especially since the longest uninterrupted segment spans 62 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel levels before merging onto the interstate, as gas prices can fluctuate along the highway corridors. Because the entire trip is easily completed in under three hours, you can comfortably leave in the morning and arrive in Roanoke by midday. Use the single planned stop to stretch your legs and ensure a refreshed arrival at your final destination.

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.

Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 65.6 miles from Tazewell, VA, or about 1h 16m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62 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 33m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 65.6 miles or 1h 16m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 3m

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 Tazewell, 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 Tazewell, VA

This is one driving day of about 131.2 miles and 2h 33m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Tazewell, 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 I 81 for about 62 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 65.6 mi from Tazewell, VA · 1h 16m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Winston-Salem, NC

66 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

Winston-Salem, NC

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Winston-Salem, NC

Meal break

The midpoint is around 65.6 miles from Tazewell, VA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 81 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 62 miles.

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.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$21.00 one way

$41.99 round trip

$4.07/gal 25.4 MPG avg 46 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$4.43	$22.88	$45.75
premium	$4.78	$24.68	$49.36
diesel	$5.64	$29.15	$58.30

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	39.4	$13.78	$6.30
Efficient EV	32.8	$11.48	$5.25
EV Truck/SUV	52.5	$18.37	$8.40

Gas CO2

46 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (67% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Tazewell, VA

Evening in Tazewell on Sunday

Local time

7:40 PM

EDT

Current temp

75°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Roanoke, VA

Evening in Roanoke on Sunday

Local time

7:40 PM

EDT

Current temp

90°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

15 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 33m 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 Tazewell, VA to Roanoke, VA covers 131.2 miles and takes about 2h 33m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are I 81, US 52, I 77. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 65.6 miles from Tazewell, VA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $21.00 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.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

The route from Tazewell, VA to Roanoke, VA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Explore more options from Tazewell, VA or browse trips ending in Roanoke, VA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse VA road trips.

Explore maps for Tazewell, VA or Roanoke, VA on MapSof.net.

Trip from Tazewell, VA to Roanoke, VA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Drive Character

How Hard Is This Drive?

Critical Maneuvers

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Arriving in Roanoke, VA

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Tazewell, VA

Roanoke, VA

Same local time

15 degrees warmer at arrival

2h 33m on the road

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this route helpful?

Explore More

Continue From Roanoke, VA

More from Tazewell, VA

More trips to Roanoke, VA