How far is Roanoke, VA from Fairfax, VA?
The driving distance from Roanoke, VA to Fairfax, VA is about 223.6 miles (359.9 km), with a travel time of about 04h 13m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 179.9 miles (289.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 26m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 13m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
The most populous city in Virginia.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Roanoke and Fairfax.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke and Fairfax.
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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 left
78.9 mi · 1 hr 26 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward I 66 East: Front Royal, Washington
1920 ft · 47 sec
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12
Continue straight
42.8 mi · 46 min
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13
Keep slight right
13.6 mi · 16 min
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14
Take the exit slight right toward US 50 East: Fairfax, National Firearms Museum
1.5 km · 2 min
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15
Keep slight right to continue on US 50 East: Fairfax, National Firearms Museum
2871 ft · 1 min
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16
Turn straight onto Route 50
2252 ft · 51 sec · Route 50
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17
Continue on Fairfax Boulevard
2894 ft · 1 min · Fairfax Boulevard
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18
Continue on Main Street
1.1 mi · 3 min · Main Street
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19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Main Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Roanoke and Fairfax.
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
Keep slight left
78.9 mi · 01h 26m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Roanoke and Sunny near Fairfax.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Roanoke to Fairfax?
The road trip is about 223.6 miles (359.9 km) and usually takes 04h 13m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Harrisonburg is a useful midpoint, sitting about 111.8 miles from Roanoke and 111.8 miles from Fairfax.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 179.9 miles (289.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 43.7 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:34 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.25 one way or $62.50 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 70.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Roanoke and Sunny near Fairfax.
Stop Ideas Near Harrisonburg
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 Harrisonburg.
Staunton station
Charlottesville Union Station
Culpeper station
Clifton Forge
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Roanoke and Fairfax. Straight-line distance: 179.97 mi (289.64 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 Fairfax
Independent city in Virginia, United States
| Population | 23,429 |
| Coordinates | 38.8462200, -77.3063700 |
| Altitude | 131 |
| Country | United States |
End: Fairfax (-77.30637, 38.84622)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 360 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 27m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 35m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 28m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 43m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 47m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $31.25 | $62.50 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $34.94 | $69.89 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $37.70 | $75.40 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $44.37 | $88.75 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.