Roanoke, Virginia: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Roanoke, Virginia, is served by the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), which is located within five miles of downtown Roanoke. The airport offers direct flights to eight international airports, including Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York, and one-stop service to over 70 international cities and 400 domestic destinations. With an average of 116 operations per day, the airport provides convenient travel options for those visiting or living in the Roanoke region.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport

The airport has a rich history, dating back to the period after World War I when local leaders prioritised the development of an airport in the Roanoke Valley. The Roanoke Municipal Airport was established, and American Airlines began service to the airport in 1934, although they later moved their operations due to poor conditions. The current airport was officially dedicated on December 15, 1941, and named after Clifton A. Woodrum, a congressional representative from Virginia.

In terms of flight offerings, the airport provides over 40 scheduled flights daily, with nonstop service to eight major cities across the United States. These include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Sanford-Orlando, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Washington, D.C. The airport is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Allegiant Air, which provides frequent service to Florida.

The airport has two runways and an average of 116 operations per day, covering an area of 912 acres. With a focus on expansion and improvement, there have been discussions about expanding the airport's facilities to accommodate additional flights and improve peak-time operations.

Airlines and destinations

Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), located in Virginia, offers direct flights to eight international airports and hubs through American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air. The airport provides non-stop service to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, Sanford-Orlando, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Washington, D.C.

American Airlines offers daily direct flights from Roanoke to Charlotte (CLT) and New York LaGuardia (LGA). United Airlines provides daily direct flights to Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Chicago (ORD). Delta also operates daily direct flights to New York LaGuardia (LGA). Allegiant Air provides frequent service to Florida, with new non-stop service to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport beginning in February 2025.

Historically, Piedmont was a dominant carrier at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport, offering non-stop flights to several destinations, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago–O'Hare, Greensboro, and Washington–Reagan. Other regional airlines that have served the airport include Allegheny Airlines, Aeromech Airlines, and Air Virginia.

The airport offers over 40 scheduled flights daily, with one-stop service to more than 70 international cities and 400 domestic destinations. It is located within a 10-minute drive of Downtown Roanoke and is easily accessible via the Smart Way Bus, which operates Monday through Saturday and serves nearby areas such as Salem, Christiansburg, and Blacksburg.

Transport to the airport

Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is located just three miles (c. 5 km) northwest of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. The airport offers direct flights to eight international airports and hubs, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C. With more than 40 scheduled flights daily, the airport provides a convenient gateway to the Roanoke region.

When it comes to transportation to the airport, there are several options available. If you're driving to the airport, you can find off-site parking lots with reasonable rates, or you can book a park-and-fly package at a nearby hotel for a stress-free start to your trip.

For those who prefer not to drive, there are alternative transportation methods such as ridesharing or public transportation. Shuttle services like SuperShuttle offer a convenient and affordable option, with shared rides available in a van, town car, or luxury SUV. These shuttles can pick you up from various locations and drop you off with your luggage at the airport's departure doors.

Public transportation is also an option, with the Smart Way Bus serving the airport Monday through Saturday. This bus service connects the airport to downtown Roanoke, as well as nearby areas like Salem, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Virginia Tech. Additionally, local bus services like Valley Metro provide transportation to the airport during specific hours.

Finally, for those who prefer a more private option, car rental services are available at the airport. The rental car desks of companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz are located in the rental car facility, conveniently attached to the main terminal. Limousine services are also advertised at the airport.

Facilities and amenities

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is located around three miles (or five kilometres) northwest of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. The airport covers 912 acres of land and has two runways.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport offers a variety of facilities and amenities to travellers. The airport provides free wireless internet access throughout the terminal. There are also multiple cafes and restaurants, including a full bar, located both before and after the security checkpoint. These eateries offer a range of food and beverage options, including freshly made items and pre-packaged meals, snacks, and drinks. Additionally, there are drink and snack vending machines located in the rental car facility.

For travellers' convenience, the airport provides a range of services and amenities, including car rentals, baggage claim, and taxi hire services. There is also an ATM located on the second floor before security, and small work desks with electrical outlets can be found along the second-floor balcony outside the security area. Newsstands and gift shops, operated by Hudson News and Gifts, are located both before and after the security checkpoint, offering a range of items, from technology products and travel-size essentials to greeting cards and snacks.

The airport also has a dedicated volunteer team of airport ambassadors who are available to answer any questions about flights, transportation, lodging, and local attractions. A pet relief area is available outside the terminal lobby for pets to stretch their legs and take potty breaks, and a separate service animal relief area is located past the security checkpoint.

The airport terminal at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport was designed with expansion in mind, and while there have been discussions about expanding to accommodate more flights, no official plans have been announced as of yet.

Airport expansion plans

Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (IATA: ROA, ICAO: KROA, FAA LID: ROA) (Woodrum Field) is a regional airport located three miles (c. 5 km) northwest of downtown Roanoke, Virginia, United States. The airport covers 912 acres (369 ha) and has two runways. The longer runway is 6,800 feet (2,100 m) x 150 feet (46 m), and the other is 5,810 feet (1,770 m) x 150 feet (46 m). The airport has an average of 116 operations a day and offers more than 40 scheduled flights daily, providing nonstop service from Roanoke, Virginia to eight major cities.

In 1975, a proposal for runway expansion and facilities upgrade was developed but was put on hold while a new regional airport was being studied. During this time, airline deregulation was implemented, and this, combined with the airport's aging facilities and airlines' phasing out of turbo prop aircraft, resulted in less service to the airport. In the early 1980s, a runway expansion began to allow larger jets. The airport changed its name from Roanoke Municipal Airport to Roanoke Regional Airport in 1983. The runway expansion was completed in 1985, with 900 feet (270 m) added to its east end.

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport has been facing challenges due to limited gate space, especially during peak times, which restricts the addition of new flights. To address this issue, airport leaders have proposed an extension across 581, which is expected to maintain current services, accommodate larger planes, and bring in more destinations. The expansion plan also includes a multi-level parking garage. This expansion is part of the airport's updated 20-year master plan, which aims to enhance the airport's capacity and improve the travel experience for passengers.

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