Best route to get to town? (Roanoke, Blacksburg: area, cities, interior)

[dorothyzbornak]

I'm driving up to Roanoke from Charlotte next week and was wondering if people had a preferred northern route. I've heard mixed things about taking 77, but 40 seems like a roundabout way.

Thanks so much!

[sandykatan]

I have made the trip probably 30 times over the last 10 years and it makes a difference on where you start and stop. From uptown Charlotte to downtown Roanoke (or most of Roanoke city) the 77 to 81 route is fastest. If you are leaving from the Concord area 85 to 52 to Winston-Salem, then 158 to 220 is an option.

[OuttaFlorida]

I just drove the 220 route from Greensboro the other day, 99% less trucks on the road that way and you drive 65mph through most of the route. Pretty too.

[Nebat]

I take that route every year on my way to Florida.(I-81 to I-77) I have never encountered a problem. I think it's a 3 hour drive, maybe not even that much. Traffic above Statesville really thins out, until you get to 81. Then once you get to Roanoke just take I-581 into the city. It's the main highway through the interior of Roanoke. It turns into U.S. 220 on the southside of the city.

[Appalachianwx71]

Would defintely recommend the I 77 N to I 81 route. One negative about going that way, is the Dense Fog as you climb the mountain at the VA/NC line. Could be a whole new exp up there in the Fog and it can be dense at times.
Otherwise it is a scenic drive, not too much in the way of traffic or big cities, outside of statesville in NC. Max Meadows/Ft Chiswell where I 81 and I 77 join/separate is the one area where you will see an increase in traffic and perhaps around Blacksburg with VT having students returing to the city, I would guess.
Have a fun trip