How far is Bristol, VA from Roanoke, VA?
The driving distance from Bristol, VA to Roanoke, VA is about 148.3 miles (238.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 17m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132.5 miles (213.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 35m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 17m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Virginia, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bristol and Roanoke.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bristol and Roanoke.
-
1
Start on Sullins Street
23 m · 5 sec · Sullins Street
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2
Turn right onto Commonwealth Avenue
1.1 mi · 1 min · Commonwealth Avenue
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3
Continue straight
1.1 mi · 2 min
-
4
Keep slight right to continue on I 81 North: Roanoke
1959 ft · 30 sec
-
5
Merge slight left
70 mi · 1 hr 15 min
-
6
Continue straight
7.1 mi · 8 min
-
7
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 North, US 11 North: Roanoke
62 mi · 1 hr 9 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke
1832 ft · 29 sec
-
9
Continue straight
5.5 mi · 7 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown
587 ft · 17 sec
-
11
Keep slight left
1668 ft · 56 sec
-
12
Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast
849 ft · 31 sec · Salem Avenue Southeast
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13
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
145 m · 20 sec · South Jefferson Street
-
14
Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest
115 m · 22 sec · Kirk Avenue Southwest
-
15
Turn left
35 m · 14 sec
-
16
Turn left
40 m · 10 sec
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bristol and Roanoke.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 81 North
Merge slight left
70 mi · 01h 15m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Bristol and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Roanoke.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bristol to Roanoke?
The road trip is about 148.3 miles (238.6 km) and usually takes 02h 17m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Wytheville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 74.1 miles from Bristol and 74.2 miles from Roanoke.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132.5 miles (213.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:54 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.72 one way or $41.43 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 46.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Bristol and Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms near Roanoke.
Stop Ideas Near Wytheville
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Wytheville.
Blacksburg, VA
Hinton
Alderson
Prince
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bristol and Roanoke. Straight-line distance: 132.56 mi (213.33 km).
#1 Bristol
Independent city in Virginia, United States
| Population | 17,329 |
| Coordinates | 36.5964900, -82.1884700 |
| Altitude | 512 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Roanoke
The most populous city in Roanoke County, Virginia.
| Population | 99,058 |
| Coordinates | 37.2709700, -79.9414300 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
End: Kirk Avenue Southwest (-79.941424, 37.271173)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 239 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 56m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 42m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 50m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $20.72 | $41.43 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $23.16 | $46.33 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $24.99 | $49.98 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $29.41 | $58.83 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Virginia · Apr 25, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.