- Recommended
Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center
Local history museum in a former school building with exhibits on Fairfax, Civil War history, and community heritage.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Roanoke, VA to Fairfax, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $228.
Distance: 180 miles (290 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $330 Average price | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 1m Average total duration 5h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Roanoke, VA to Fairfax, VA:
A train is $16 (€13) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Roanoke, VA to Fairfax, VA costing on average $53 (€43).
A train is $293 (€240) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Roanoke, VA to Fairfax, VA costing on average $330 (€270).
Other travel options to Fairfax, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 55m.
Flight takes on average 5h 1m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $46 |
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Roanoke, VA to Fairfax, VA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€37) but you can travel from only $30 (€25) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:25, the last at 19:10. The fastest bus covers the 180 miles (290 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 180 miles (290 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€37) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 4:25 AM |
Last bus 7:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Fairfax — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fairfax trip today.
Local history museum in a former school building with exhibits on Fairfax, Civil War history, and community heritage.
Hands-on science center for families with interactive STEM exhibits and maker activities at Fair Oaks Mall.
Interpretive center with Civil War context and unusual soldier graffiti in the historic Blenheim house nearby.
Walkable historic center with civic buildings, shops, events, and the city's most recognizable small-town streetscape.
Popular local park with wooded trails, a creek, and easy access from central Fairfax.
Green corridor park with walking paths and streamside scenery close to Old Town Fairfax.
Small biscuits filled with salty cured Virginia ham, a classic snack tied to Virginia’s long ham-curing tradition.
Crab cakes made with regional blue crab, popular across Northern Virginia menus because of Fairfax’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay food culture.
A hearty Virginia stew usually made with chicken and vegetables, long associated with traditional cookouts and local Southern cuisine.
Well-regarded modern Vietnamese restaurant and beer spot, especially known for creative small plates and energetic ambiance.
Casual and established spot for Persian and Mediterranean food, appreciated for kebabs, stews, and generous portions.
Popular Fairfax City restaurant in a historic firehouse, known for American comfort food, burgers, and a lively casual atmosphere.
Fairfax is pricier than many U.S. suburbs, with moderate dining costs and high hotel prices near Washington, D.C.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 1-5, and round up for cafes if desired.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Roanoke, VA to Fairfax, VA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Fairfax, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Roanoke, VA to Fairfax, VA buses use the Roanoke, Third Street Station to Springfield, Frontier Dr (Franconia-Springfield Metro Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Roanoke, VA and Fairfax, VA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need