How far is Roanoke, VA from Salem, VA?
The driving distance from Roanoke, VA to Salem, VA is about 137.2 miles (220.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 38m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121.5 miles (195.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 16m 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 38m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
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.
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Roanoke and Salem.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Roanoke and Salem.
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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
43.4 mi · 48 min
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11
Take the exit slight right toward US 211, VA 211: New Market, Luray
1380 ft · 36 sec
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12
Turn right onto West Old Cross Road
1.4 km · 2 min · West Old Cross Road
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13
Turn right onto East Lee Highway
8 mi · 11 min · East Lee Highway
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14
Turn left onto Egypt Bend Road
62 m · 12 sec · Egypt Bend Road
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15
Turn sharp right
58 m · 15 sec
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16
Turn uturn
68 m · 11 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 Roanoke and Salem.
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 Cloudy leaving Roanoke and Mostly Sunny near Salem.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Roanoke to Salem?
The road trip is about 137.2 miles (220.8 km) and usually takes 02h 38m 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?
Stuarts Draft is a useful midpoint, sitting about 68.6 miles from Roanoke and 68.6 miles from Salem.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 121.5 miles (195.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.7 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 1:14 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $19.17 one way or $38.34 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 43 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Cloudy around Roanoke and Mostly Sunny near Salem.
Stop Ideas Near Stuarts Draft
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 Stuarts Draft.
Staunton station
Charlottesville Union Station
Kemper Street station
Clifton Forge
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Roanoke and Salem. Straight-line distance: 121.52 mi (195.57 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 Salem
City in Page County, Virginia, United States
| Population | 25,340 |
| Coordinates | 38.6442900, -78.5477900 |
| Altitude | 261 |
| Country | United States |
End: Salem (-78.54779, 38.64429)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 221 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 04h 34m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 25m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 17m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 42m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $19.17 | $38.34 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $21.44 | $42.87 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $23.13 | $46.25 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $27.22 | $54.44 |
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 16, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.