Richmond VA to Roanoke drive: Distance, time & best stops

The distance from Richmond VA to Roanoke is 164 miles, with a 3h driving time. The best road trip stops on the Richmond VA to Roanoke drive are Appomattox Court House, Lynchburg VA and the National D-Day Memorial.

Planning a Richmond VA to Roanoke road trip itinerary

The Richmond to Roanoke drive takes you from the capital of Virginia to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Once the capital of the Confederacy, Richmond VA is not entirely weighed down by its history. The surprisingly wild James River runs through it, and the west end feels energetic and more of the North than the South.

The top attraction, though, is the huge American Civil War Museum at the historic Tredegar Ironworks. After that, walk the suspension bridge to Belle Isle in the middle of the James River, see the dubious Confederate monuments on Monument Avenue, or see the grandiose tombs of the Hollywood Cemetery.

Other good Richmond experiences include food tours of the Arts District or Church Hill, Segway tours of the city landmarks, nighttime ghost walks and guided hikes along the James River.

For Richmond accommodation, the Moxy Richmond Downtown brims with fun, youthful energy. The Residence Inn by Marriott, meanwhile, is a short walk from the lively Shockoe Bottom neighbourhood.

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.

Richmond VA to Roanoke distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Richmond VA to Roanoke is 164 miles. You can expect a driving time of around three hours.

The best stops to add to a Richmond VA to Roanoke road trip itinerary are Appomattox Court House, Lynchburg VA and the National D-Day Memorial.

Richmond VA to Roanoke drive: Appomattox Court House

Appomattox Court House was where the American Civil War effectively ended. Here, the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia was cut off, leading to its surrender.

The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park covers the battlefield, with the centerpiece being the McLean House. This was where the surrender conference was held. Ranger-guided tours and self-guided tours are available, while a theater in the Visitor Center delves more deeply into the events of April 1865.

Richmond VA to Roanoke road trip attractions: Lynchburg VA

Lynchburg VA is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It plays host to a fair few historic homes, including Point of Honor. This former plantation was once an unofficial duelling ground, and it has fabulous views over the city and James River.

The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum was the home of Harlem Renaissance poet Anne Spencer. It has 95% of the original furnishing still intact, and the garden has been lovingly restored.

For something more entertaining, try an evening ghost tour or year-round skiing at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center.

Check out the best Lynchburg accommodation deals here.

Best stops between Richmond VA and Roanoke: National D-Day Memorial

The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford VA commemorates the events of June 6, 1944. This was when the Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in France, an invasion that decisively turned the course of World War II. The expansive memorial is built on sand imported from Normandy, and has marvellous views of the surrounding mountains. 4,415 names of Allied troops who died during the D-Day landings are engraved on the Memorial Wall.