How far is Petersburg, VA from Roanoke, VA?
The driving distance from Petersburg, VA to Roanoke, VA is about 179.5 miles (288.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 152.8 miles (245.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 41m 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 50m.
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.
Independent city in Virginia, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Petersburg and Roanoke.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Petersburg and Roanoke.
-
1
Start on John Marshall Highway
2.6 mi · 5 min · John Marshall Highway
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2
Turn right onto Apple Mountain Road
1209 ft · 29 sec · Apple Mountain Road
-
3
Take the ramp left
1453 ft · 36 sec
-
4
Merge slight left
12.6 mi · 13 min
-
5
Keep slight left to continue on I 81 South: Roanoke
1 km · 1 min
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6
Merge slight right onto I 81 South: Roanoke
108.7 mi · 1 hr 58 min
-
7
Keep slight left
47.7 mi · 52 min
-
8
Take the exit slight left toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke
5.9 mi · 8 min
-
9
Take the exit slight right toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown
587 ft · 17 sec
-
10
Keep slight left
1668 ft · 56 sec
-
11
Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast
849 ft · 31 sec · Salem Avenue Southeast
-
12
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
145 m · 20 sec · South Jefferson Street
-
13
Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest
115 m · 22 sec · Kirk Avenue Southwest
-
14
Turn left
35 m · 14 sec
-
15
Turn left
40 m · 10 sec
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Petersburg 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 South
Merge slight right onto I 81 South: Roanoke
109 mi · 01h 58m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Petersburg and Mostly Cloudy near Roanoke.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Petersburg to Roanoke?
The road trip is about 179.5 miles (288.8 km) and usually takes 02h 50m 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?
Staunton is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.7 miles from Petersburg and 89.8 miles from Roanoke.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 152.8 miles (245.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 26.7 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 12:48 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.07 one way or $50.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Petersburg and Mostly Cloudy near Roanoke.
Stop Ideas Near Staunton
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 Staunton.
Staunton station
Charlottesville Union Station
Clifton Forge
Kemper Street station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Petersburg and Roanoke. Straight-line distance: 152.81 mi (245.93 km).
#1 Petersburg
Independent city in Virginia, United States
| Population | 30,446 |
| Coordinates | 38.9092800, -78.0533300 |
| Altitude | 240 |
| 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: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $25.07 | $50.15 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $28.04 | $56.07 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $30.24 | $60.49 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $35.60 | $71.20 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.