Atlanta to Roanoke VA road trip: Drive time, distance & best stops

Finding the best things to do between Atlanta and Roanoke VA

The Atlanta to Roanoke drive takes you from the capital of Georgia to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia.

Atlanta played a massive part in the Civil Rights movement, and a black history and civil rights tour is pretty much a must-do.

For more Atlanta experiences, try a sightseeing trolley tour for orientation and overview. Or a guided bike ride to get a better feel for the neighbourhoods.

Other Atlanta favourites include the World of Coca Cola, Midtown food and cocktail tours and multi-brewery beer tours.

The giant star on the side of Mill Mountain is the famed symbol of Roanoke VA. But there’s more on offer in this Blue Ridge Mountains city. For a start, you can head to the top of Mill Mountain – the park also contains Mill Mountain Zoo.

For museums, the Harrison Museum of African-American Culture and the Taubman Museum of Art are the best bets. The highly playable Roanoke Pinball Museum is arguably more fun, though.

Good Roanoke activity options include ebike tours that combine sightseeing and craft breweries, and downtown food tours.

For Roanoke accommodation, the Country Inn and Suites offers good value but the more luxurious Hotel Roanoke has plenty of character.

Atlanta to Roanoke VA distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Atlanta to Roanoke is 434 miles. That makes for a driving time of around six hours and 27 minutes. The quickest route is usually – but not always – along the I-85 and US-220.

The best stops to add to an Atlanta to Roanoke road trip itinerary are Greenville SC, Charlotte NC and Greensboro NC.

Atlanta to Roanoke VA road trip attractions: Greenville SC

Greenville SC is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. It strikes a nice balance between outdoorsiness, culture and decadence. Falls Park on the Reedy brings cascades near the city center.  The Upcountry History Museum covers regional history. And the Roper Mountain Science Center has a planetarium, dinosaur adventure trail, butterfly garden and a living history farm.

Enjoyable Greenville experiences include craft cocktail tours, Segway adventures, paranormal walking tours and dessert-themed foodie tours.

Great Greenville accommodation choices include the spacious SpringHill Suites and the charming Pettigru Place Bed and Breakfast.

Atlanta to Roanoke VA drive: Charlotte NC

Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina. Major attractions include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the thrill-packed Carowinds amusement park and the Billy Graham Library. Another popular option is the Sea Life aquarium.

For top Charlotte activities, try historical city tours by golf cart, Segway tours through the Uptown neighbourhood and after dark ghost tours.

Best stops between Atlanta and Roanoke VA: Greensboro NC

Greensboro NC has a handful of strong cultural attractions. The first port of call should be the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, which houses the original FW Woolworth’s lunch counter. This was where four college freshmen staged a sit-in at the whites-only venue – a key moment of non-violent direct action in the Civil Rights struggle.

There are more backstories at the Greensboro History Museum, and the Guildford Courthouse National Military Park focuses on a Revolutionary War turning point.

More Atlanta road trips

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More Roanoke VA road trips

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