The Commute from Burlington to Roanoke: How Long Will It Take?

If you're planning a trip from Burlington, North Carolina to Roanoke, Virginia, you're probably wondering about how long it will take you to get there. Thankfully, there are a few different routes you can take to get from one city to the other, and each one comes with its own set of pros and cons when it comes to travel time.

The Fastest Route: Taking US-29 North

If you're looking to get to Roanoke as quickly as possible, your best bet is to take US-29 North. This route is a straight shot from Burlington to Roanoke, and you can expect to cover the distance of roughly 105 miles in just under two hours. This is assuming that traffic is relatively light, of course. If you hit any rush hour or other traffic snarls, your travel time could easily increase by 30 minutes or more.

The Scenic Route: Taking the Blue Ridge Parkway

If you're not in a hurry and want to take a more scenic route to Roanoke, the Blue Ridge Parkway is right up your alley. This route will take you through the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provide stunning views of the Appalachian region. The catch? The Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding, two-lane road, and it can be closed in certain areas due to weather or other factors. When open, it makes for a beautiful drive. The 175-mile drive takes around four hours, making it the slowest option, but one well worth the time.

The Middle Ground: Taking I-40 East and I-77 North

If you're looking for a middle-ground option that balances speed and scenery, you can take I-40 East and I-77 North. This route will take you through both the Piedmont and the Blue Ridge Mountains and take you roughly 150 miles to reach Roanoke. Plan on around three hours of driving time for this route, again based on traffic and weather conditions.

Best Times to Drive

No matter which route you choose, it's worth considering the best times to travel to avoid traffic. Rush hour times, between 6:30am - 9:30am and 3:30pm - 6:30pm on weekdays, will have the heaviest traffic. Also, holidays, long weekends and major events will see increased traffic. If you want to avoid the worst of the traffic, plan on driving either early in the morning or later at night, on weekends, or outside of peak travel times.

No matter which route you take, plan on enjoying a beautiful drive through scenic areas like the Blue Ridge Mountains. By planning ahead and avoiding peak travel times, you'll be able to enjoy your trip without worrying about sitting in traffic. Safe travels!