From south to north, US 11 serves the cities and towns of Bristol, Abingdon, Wytheville, Pulaski, Radford, Christiansburg, Roanoke, Lexington, Staunton, Harrisonburg, Strasburg, and Winchester.

Prior to the construction of the Interstate Highway System, it was the primary long-distance route for traversing the western part of the state.

Highways reach the northern end of SR 113 (Moore Street), which heads south toward Virginia Intermont College and downtown Bristol.

US 11 and US 19 continue northeast on Lee Highway, which, here and in much of Virginia is a three-lane road with center turn lane.

US 11 and US 19 pass under Norfolk Southern Railway's Pulaski District and cross Beaver Creek before leaving the city of Bristol.

The two highways continue northeast through Washington County, where they pass Virginia Highlands Airport before entering the town of Abingdon.

At the east end of town, US 11 crosses over the rail line and meets I-81 at a partial cloverleaf interchange.

US 11 has an interchange with I-81 where the highway crosses to the north side of the Interstate shortly before entering Smyth County.