How far is Roanoke, VA from Radford, VA?
The driving distance from Roanoke, VA to Radford, VA is about 49.1 miles (79 km), with a travel time of about 01h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 36.2 miles (58.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 05m 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 02m.
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.
Census designated place
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Roanoke and Radford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke and Radford.
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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 left to continue on I 81 South: Salem, Bristol
2487 ft · 39 sec
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9
Merge slight right
38.1 mi · 44 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward VA 232, SR 605: Radford
1583 ft · 31 sec
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11
Turn right onto 1st Street
86 m · 4 sec · 1st Street
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12
Continue on West Main Street
3.4 mi · 7 min · West Main Street
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13
Turn right onto Berkley Street
135 m · 20 sec · Berkley Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Berkley Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Roanoke and Radford.
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
38.1 mi · 00h 44m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving Roanoke and Partly Sunny near Radford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Roanoke to Radford?
The road trip is about 49.1 miles (79 km) and usually takes 01h 02m 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?
Shawsville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 24.5 miles from Roanoke and 24.5 miles from Radford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 36.2 miles (58.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 12.9 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 4:24 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.85 one way or $13.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 15.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Roanoke and Partly Sunny near Radford.
Stop Ideas Near Shawsville
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 Shawsville.
Blacksburg, VA
Roanoke
White Sulphur Springs
Alderson
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Roanoke and Radford. Straight-line distance: 36.24 mi (58.33 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 Radford
Independent city in Commonwealth of Virginia, United States
| Population | 18,255 |
| Coordinates | 37.1317900, -80.5764500 |
| Altitude | 567 |
| Country | United States |
End: Radford (-80.57645, 37.13179)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 79 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 58m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 49m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 36m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $6.85 | $13.71 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $7.66 | $15.32 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $8.27 | $16.53 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $9.73 | $19.46 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.