Roanoke Regional Airport: All You Need To Know

what airport is in roanoke va

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is located in Roanoke, Virginia. It is approximately 6 miles from the city centre and offers more than 40 scheduled flights daily to eight major cities. The airport has a rich history, evolving from a pair of dirt runways post-World War I to a modern airport with a terminal building completed in 1989 and a control tower in 2005.

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Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport

The airport has a long history, dating back to the time after World War I. Initially, the airport consisted of a pair of dirt runways and a single hangar. Over the years, it has evolved into a modern airport facility, with the terminal building completed in 1989 and the control tower in 2005. The airport covers 912 acres and has two runways, with an average of 116 operations daily.

The airport features a large surface parking lot, divided into long-term and short-term parking options. Additionally, there is a small parking shuttle bus that operates every 10 to 15 minutes. For those travelling to and from the airport, there are various ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, and limousine services. The Smart Way Bus also connects the airport to downtown Roanoke and other points of interest in the region, including Virginia Tech.

With its convenient location, modern facilities, and a variety of transportation options, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport serves as a vital gateway to the Roanoke Region in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

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Direct flights to eight international airports

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Virginia's Blue Ridge offers direct flights to eight international airports. The airport is located within five miles of Downtown Roanoke and is easily accessible via Aviation Drive or Virginia State Route 118. With a history dating back to the post-World War I era, the airport has transformed from a pair of dirt runways to a modern facility with a terminal building and control tower.

The airport provides nonstop service to major cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City (LGA), Philadelphia, Sanford-Orlando, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Washington, D.C. (Dulles). It offers over 40 scheduled flights daily, with major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta operating from the airport. Allegiant Air also provides full-sized jets and frequent service to Florida destinations.

In addition to its international direct flights, the airport offers one-stop service to over 70 international cities and 400 domestic destinations. Passengers can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a variety of dining options, and convenient travel services. The airport is well-connected to the surrounding area, with a Smart Way Bus service providing transportation to nearby locations, including Virginia Tech and downtown Roanoke.

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport continues to evolve, with plans for expansion and improvements to enhance the travel experience for its growing number of passengers.

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Airport facilities

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is located within five miles (less than a 10-minute drive) of Downtown Roanoke, Virginia. It is accessible via Aviation Drive, which branches off of Hershberger Road just east of Exit 3E off I-581 leading to downtown Roanoke. The airport can also be reached from the Virginia State Route 118 by connecting with Municipal Drive just east of the terminal.

The airport offers more than 40 scheduled flights daily, providing nonstop service from Roanoke, Virginia to eight major cities. These include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, Sanford-Orlando, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Washington, D.C. The airport also offers direct flights to eight international airports through the hubs of major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Allegiant Air.

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport has a range of facilities to accommodate travellers. Landside facilities, or those outside the TSA security checkpoint, include check-in, car rental, baggage claim, and taxi hire services. The upper level has a small cafe and a newsstand. Inside the TSA security checkpoint, there are seven gates (Gates 1–6 and 5A) and another small cafe area. The entire terminal has been a free Wi-Fi hotspot since 2003, allowing travellers to stay connected during their wait.

For transportation to and from the airport, a small parking shuttle bus operates every 10 to 15 minutes between 6 a.m. and midnight. Additionally, the airport is served by the Smart Way Bus, which connects it to other points of interest in Virginia's Blue Ridge, including Downtown Roanoke, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute. The bus stop is located outside the eastern end of the terminal, and tickets for this service are $4.

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Transport to and from the airport

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, located in Virginia, offers more than 40 scheduled flights daily to eight major cities. The airport is easily accessible via various transportation options, including car, bus, taxi, limousine, and ride-sharing services.

For those travelling by car, the airport can be reached via Aviation Drive, which branches off from Hershberger Road just east of Exit 3E off I-581 leading to downtown Roanoke. Alternatively, you can connect to Aviation Drive from the Virginia State Route 118 by joining Municipal Drive, located east of the terminal. The airport provides ample parking options, with a multi-level parking garage planned for construction.

Several car rental companies serve the airport, offering convenient options for travellers who require a vehicle during their stay. The rental car desks of companies such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National/Alamo, and Hertz/Dollar are located in the rental car facility, easily accessible via a walkway from the main terminal.

If you prefer public transportation, the Smart Way Bus provides a commuter service connecting the airport to various points of interest in Virginia's Blue Ridge region. This includes destinations such as downtown Roanoke, Virginia Tech, and the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute. The bus operates from Monday to Saturday, with tickets priced at $4 in exact change.

Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available at the airport, providing flexible and convenient travel options for passengers. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, limousine services are also offered by local companies. These companies provide transport not just to and from the airport but also for weddings, anniversaries, and corporate accounts.

The airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of transportation needs, ensuring that passengers can arrive and depart with ease and comfort.

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History of the airport

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (IATA: ROA, ICAO: KROA, FAA LID: ROA) (Woodrum Field) is located in Virginia, United States, around three miles (5 km) northwest of downtown Roanoke. The airport has a long history, with its origins dating back to the period following World War I.

In the late 1920s, Roanoke Mayor Charles D. Fox initiated the process of establishing the city's first aviation field. In 1929, the City of Roanoke leased land from the Cannaday family for the airport site, which was formerly a farm. The airport was owned by the city but operated by private investors, Clayton Lemon and Frank Reynolds. The first hangar and air traffic control tower were constructed during the early 1930s, and the first commercial passenger service flight took off in 1933, operated by Ludington Airlines. The airline made Roanoke a stop on its route between New York and Nashville, and the airport was also the midpoint on a thrice-weekly Ludington Airlines flight to Washington, D.C. By 1934, American Airlines began servicing the airport but moved their operations to Lynchburg in 1937 due to poor conditions.

The airport was declared a national defence project, and on December 15, 1941, it was officially dedicated and named Woodrum Field, honouring Clifton A. Woodrum, the congressional representative from Virginia's Sixth District. American Airlines resumed its service to the airport, now known as Roanoke Municipal Airport. In 1950, the airport had three runways, with the longest being 3,730 feet. By the 1960s, runway expansions began, and by 1967, the airport saw its first airline jets, operated by Piedmont.

In 1975, a proposal for runway expansion and facility upgrades was developed but was put on hold due to the study of a new regional airport. During this period, the airport experienced a decrease in service due to airline deregulation, aging facilities, and the phasing out of turboprop aircraft. In the early 1980s, runway expansion commenced to accommodate larger jets, and in 1983, the airport's name was changed to Roanoke Regional Airport/Woodrum Field.

In 1987, ownership was transferred to the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, which began marketing the airport and attracting additional airline services. Construction of the current terminal began in 1987 and was completed in 1989, resulting in a modern and aesthetically appealing facility. In 2014, the airport was renamed Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport to reflect the growing economic connection between the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Today, the airport offers over 40 scheduled flights daily to eight major cities and is served by major airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta.

Frequently asked questions

The name of the airport in Roanoke, Virginia is Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is located 3.8 miles or 6 miles away from Roanoke.

The airport is accessible via Aviation Drive, which branches off of Hershberger Road. It can also be reached from Virginia State Route 118. The airport is served by the Smart Way Bus, which operates Monday through Saturday and costs $4. A small parking shuttle bus also operates every 10 to 15 minutes between 6 am and midnight.

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi, cafes, and a newsstand.

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