How far is Salem, VA from Roanoke, VA?
The driving distance from Salem, VA to Roanoke, VA is about 137.1 miles (220.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 121.5 miles (195.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 18m 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 09m.
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.
Mostly Cloudy
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Salem and Roanoke.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Salem and Roanoke.
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1
Start on the route
6.4 mi · 9 min
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2
Continue on East Lee Highway
1.6 mi · 2 min · East Lee Highway
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3
Turn left onto East Old Cross Road
1 mi · 3 min · East Old Cross Road
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4
Turn left
1220 ft · 30 sec
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5
Merge slight left
73.2 mi · 1 hr 20 min
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6
Keep slight left
47.7 mi · 52 min
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7
Take the exit slight left toward I 581, US 220 South: Airport, Roanoke
5.9 mi · 8 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward US 11 South, US 220 Business South: Downtown
587 ft · 17 sec
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9
Keep slight left
1668 ft · 56 sec
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10
Turn right onto Salem Avenue Southeast
849 ft · 31 sec · Salem Avenue Southeast
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11
Turn left onto South Jefferson Street
145 m · 20 sec · South Jefferson Street
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12
Turn right onto Kirk Avenue Southwest
115 m · 22 sec · Kirk Avenue Southwest
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13
Turn left
35 m · 14 sec
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14
Turn left
40 m · 10 sec
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Salem and Roanoke.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
East Old Cross Road
Merge slight left
73.2 mi · 01h 20m
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.
Sunny leaving Salem 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 Salem to Roanoke?
The road trip is about 137.1 miles (220.6 km) and usually takes 02h 09m 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 68.4 miles from Salem and 68.6 miles from Roanoke.
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 15.6 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 2:12 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 Sunny around Salem and Mostly Cloudy near Roanoke.
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 Salem and Roanoke. Straight-line distance: 121.52 mi (195.57 km).
#1 Salem
City in Page County, Virginia, United States
| Population | 25,340 |
| Coordinates | 38.6442900, -78.5477900 |
| Altitude | 261 |
| 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: 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 · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.