Bristol, Tennessee to Salem, Virginia: Road Trip Guide & Distance

127.3 miles 204.9 km · straight line
159.1 miles estimated 256.1 km · driving distance
3h 12min estimated drive time
$15 - $19 estimated fuel cost
~45min flight time
67° ENE bearing direction

How far is Bristol, Tennessee from Salem, Virginia?

The distance from Bristol, Tennessee to Salem, Virginia is 127.3 miles (204.9 km) as the crow flies. Salem, Virginia is located ENE of Bristol, Tennessee. By car, the driving distance is approximately 159.1 miles, taking about 3h 12min. A direct flight would take roughly 45min. Both are located in United States — Bristol, Tennessee in Tennessee and Salem, Virginia in Virginia.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Bristol, Tennessee and Salem, Virginia. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Bristol, Tennessee to Salem, Virginia

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 3h 12min $15 - $19 Flexible stops
Fly ~45min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~3h 50min $13–$24* Budget
Train ~3h 2min $19–$56* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Bristol, Tennessee & Salem, Virginia

Quick Facts

Bristol, Tennessee
36.60°N, 82.19°W
America/New_York
511m elevation
Salem, Virginia
37.29°N, 80.05°W
America/New_York
325m elevation
Explore more routes from Salem, Virginia

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 42 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 11 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 195.6 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients