How far is Roanoke, VA from Charlottesville, VA?
The driving distance from Roanoke, VA to Charlottesville, VA is about 121.1 miles (194.9 km), with a travel time of about 01h 54m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 95.8 miles (154.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 48m 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 01h 54m.
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Roanoke and Charlottesville.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke and Charlottesville.
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1
Start on the route
87 m · 26 sec
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2
Turn left onto 1st Street Southwest
602 ft · 34 sec · 1st Street Southwest
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3
Turn sharp left onto Franklin Road Southwest
1304 ft · 27 sec · Franklin Road Southwest
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4
Turn left onto Williamson Road Southeast
990 ft · 36 sec · Williamson Road Southeast
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5
Continue on Williamson Road Northeast
1625 ft · 49 sec · Williamson Road Northeast
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6
Take the ramp slight right toward I 581 North, US 220 North: Lexington, Bristol
878 ft · 36 sec
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7
Merge slight left
5.6 mi · 8 min
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 81 North, US 220 North: Lexington
13.1 mi · 15 min
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9
Continue straight
64.7 mi · 1 hr 10 min
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10
Keep slight right to continue on I 64 East: Richmond
32.6 mi · 36 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward VA 631: Charlottesville
1079 ft · 28 sec
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12
Turn left onto 5th Street
1.7 mi · 3 min · 5th Street
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13
Continue on Ridge Street
2100 ft · 1 min · Ridge Street
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14
Turn slight right onto Water Street West
787 ft · 32 sec · Water Street West
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15
Turn left onto 2nd Street Southwest
567 ft · 29 sec · 2nd Street Southwest
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16
Turn right onto West Market Street
1620 ft · 59 sec · West Market Street
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17
Turn right onto 7th Street Northeast
87 m · 16 sec · 7th Street Northeast
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18
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Roanoke and Charlottesville.
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
Continue straight
64.7 mi · 01h 10m
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 then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Roanoke and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Charlottesville.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Roanoke to Charlottesville?
The road trip is about 121.1 miles (194.9 km) and usually takes 01h 54m 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?
Buena Vista is a useful midpoint, sitting about 60 miles from Roanoke and 61.1 miles from Charlottesville.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 95.8 miles (154.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.3 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 2:42 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.91 one way or $33.83 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 37.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms around Roanoke and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Charlottesville.
Stop Ideas Near Buena Vista
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 Buena Vista.
Kemper Street station
Clifton Forge
Staunton station
Roanoke
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Roanoke and Charlottesville. Straight-line distance: 95.73 mi (154.07 km).
#1 Roanoke
The most populous city in Roanoke County, Virginia.
| Population | 99,058 |
| Coordinates | 37.2709700, -79.9414300 |
| Altitude | 285 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Charlottesville
The capital of Virginia.
| Population | 46,950 |
| Coordinates | 38.0293100, -78.4766800 |
| Altitude | 142 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-78.476567, 38.029526)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 195 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 02m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 25m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $16.91 | $33.83 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $18.91 | $37.82 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $20.40 | $40.80 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $24.01 | $48.03 |
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 · May 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.