Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is not just a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Located in a scenic valley, it serves as a starting point for travellers eager to explore natural beauties, visit historical sites, and enjoy the hospitality of Southwest Virginia. Despite its modest size, the airport provides convenient connections to major hubs in the USA, combining the charm of a small airport with the efficiency of modern infrastructure.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport is valued by travellers for its compactness and convenience. It is easy to navigate here, which helps avoid the stress and bustle typical of large air harbours. Passengers are provided with free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, as well as work zones for those who need to stay connected. The airport cares about the comfort of all guests: the "Sunflower" programme operates here for people with hidden disabilities, as well as a unique Pet Therapy programme, in which specially trained dogs help passengers relax before their flight.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA).

• Official Website: www.flyroa.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (540) 362-1999
• Airport Address: 5202 Aviation Drive NW, Roanoke, VA 24012, USA
• Email: info@flyroa.com
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on Facebook (@flyROA) and X (formerly Twitter, @flyROA), where you can follow news and updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost an item within the terminal building, please contact the airport police at +1 (540) 362-1999. If items were left on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general inquiries and assistance, you may contact the main airport phone line: +1 (540) 362-1999.

Getting to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) from the city centre of Roanoke and its surroundings is possible via several methods suitable for any budget and travel style. The airport is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the centre, so a journey by car usually takes about 15–20 minutes, although this time may vary depending on traffic in this corner of the USA.

Public Transport is the most economical option. The Valley Metro company offers the Smart Way Bus route, which directly connects downtown Roanoke with the airport and continues to the city of Blacksburg, where Virginia Tech is located. This is an excellent choice for students and tourists travelling light. It is recommended to check the schedule on the official website in advance, as service intervals can be long, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Taxis and Ride-sharing Services, such as Uber and Lyft, are a faster and more convenient alternative. This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage, are in a hurry, or are travelling in a small group. A car can be found at the designated stand near the terminal or ordered via a mobile app. A trip from the city centre will cost significantly more than the bus but ensures maximum comfort and quick delivery directly to the departure zone.

For those who prefer freedom of movement, the best choice would be car rental. Several major rental agencies operate counters at Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport. You can rent a car upon arrival for further travel around the region or return a vehicle before departure. If you are driving to the airport in your own car, several parking zones are at your service: short-term parking is located closest to the terminal and is suitable for quick drop-off/pick-up of passengers, while long-term parking lots offer more favourable daily rates for extended vehicle storage.

When planning your journey, it is also worth considering other airports in the region. At a distance of about 70 km are Preston Glenn Field in Lynchburg and Greenbrier Valley Airport in Lewisburg. Slightly further away, but potentially offering a larger selection of flights, are Smith Reynolds Airport and the major Piedmont Triad International Airport.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is distinguished by a simple and passenger-friendly structure. There is only one terminal here, which completely eliminates confusion with transfers and makes navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time. The compact size of the airport, serving the city of Roanoke and its surroundings in the USA, allows for quick completion of all pre-flight formalities.

The terminal building has two main levels. On the first floor, the Arrivals area is located. Here, passengers retrieve their luggage in the designated zone (Baggage Claim), find car rental counters, and exits to ground transport, including taxis and shuttles. On the second floor is the Departures area. Airline check-in counters are located here, where you can drop off luggage, as well as the main security checkpoint.

After passing through security, passengers enter a single lobby (concourse), from which there are exits to all gates. Since they are all located in one wing, you will not have to spend much time searching for your boarding gate. Thanks to the airport's small size, the time for check-in and security screening is usually short. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight departure to complete all procedures without rushing.

The main advice for navigation at ROA airport is simply to follow the signs. All infrastructure is logically grouped: check-in and security are upstairs, baggage claim and transport are downstairs. You will not require shuttles or buses to move around the airport territory, as everything necessary is within one building and within walking distance.

The history of Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) began in the late 1930s when the city of Roanoke purchased land to build a new airfield. The official opening took place in 1941, and the airport was named Woodrum Field in honour of Congressman Clifton A. Woodrum, who played a key role in its creation. Initially, it served as an important transport hub for the region and was used for military purposes during World War II.

The post-war years became a period of active growth. In the 1950s, the first terminal was built, allowing for improved passenger service. An important stage in development was the beginning of the jet age: in 1967, Piedmont Airlines launched the first flights on Boeing 727 aircraft, connecting Roanoke with major cities in the USA. This event marked a new chapter in the airport's history and significantly reduced travel time for passengers.

The largest modernisation took place at the end of the 20th century. In 1989, a modern two-storey terminal was opened, which remains the airport's hallmark today. Its unique design, inspired by the mountain landscapes of Virginia, featuring three large domes, makes the building recognisable and functional. This reconstruction allowed for increased capacity and improved comfort levels for passengers.

To reflect its growing role in serving the entire region, including the city of Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, the airport received its current name—Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. Today, it continues to develop, regularly updating infrastructure and expanding its route network, remaining the main aerial gateway to the picturesque Blue Ridge mountain region.

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed for traveller convenience.

Within the airport, you will find several cafes and eateries where you can have a snack before your flight or enjoy a cup of coffee. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs to remember your trip, newspapers and magazines, and essential items. While the airport may not have large VIP lounges, cosy and clean waiting areas are available for all passengers.

Stay connected thanks to free Wi-Fi, which operates throughout the terminal. If your phone or laptop runs out of battery, you can easily find charging stations for electronic devices located in the waiting areas near the boarding gates.

For financial transactions, ATMs are installed in the airport. It is worth noting that specialized currency exchange points may be absent, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. In case basic medical assistance is needed, please contact airport staff.

The airport cares for passengers with children, offering mother and child rooms for baby care. For travellers with reduced mobility, an accessible environment has been created: ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms are available. You can always request staff assistance or book an escort service through your airline.

Several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, which is very convenient for transit passengers or those with an early departure. For business travellers, business centre services or small conference rooms may be available; the possibility of renting these should be clarified in advance.

Despite its compact size, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal both before and after passing security control.

In the public zone (landside), located before the security checkpoints, you will find McAlister's Deli. This is an excellent place if you are seeing someone off or want to eat before checking in for your flight. They offer a wide selection of sandwiches, fresh salads, soups, and famous baked potatoes. It is an ideal option for a quick and filling lunch. Prices here can be described as moderate.

After passing security control (airside), in the departure zone, passengers are welcomed by The River and Rail Brewhouse. This is a restaurant and bar format establishment where you can dine leisurely while waiting for your flight. The menu includes classic American dishes and also offers local craft beer, allowing you to form a first impression of the region's flavours. This is the best choice for those who have time and wish to relax before their flight.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian sandwiches and salads can usually be found at McAlister's Deli, and gluten-free bread may be requested. At The River and Rail Brewhouse, as a full-service restaurant, it is worth checking with the waiter for suitable dishes. However, specialised vegan or Halal options may be limited.

Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last evening aircraft. Overall, Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport meets the basic catering needs of travellers, offering both a quick snack and the opportunity for a more substantial meal.

Travelling through Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) usually proceeds smoothly and without stress, especially if you prepare in advance. Here are a few useful tips that will help make your trip even more comfortable.

Arrival Time: To avoid unnecessary rushing, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before the departure of domestic flights. During periods of high traffic, such as holidays or early mornings, it is better to allocate about 2 hours for all procedures.

Check-in and Security: The fastest way to check in for a flight is online check-in on your airline's website. This way, you can select seats and print your boarding pass in advance. The security checkpoint at the airport in Roanoke operates according to TSA standards, so be prepared to present identification, remove laptops from bags, and take off outer clothing. Despite being a regional airport, queues can occur during peak hours.

Seat Selection on the Plane: If you want to enjoy stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains during takeoff and landing, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is suitable for those who value extra legroom and the ability to stand up freely. For quick disembarkation upon arrival, book seats in the front part of the cabin.

Hand Luggage: Remember the "3-1-1" rule for liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml (3.4 oz) in volume and packed in one transparent 1-litre bag. Knives, scissors with long blades, and other sharp objects are prohibited. Always check current rules on the TSA website and carry-on size and weight limits with your airline.

Passengers with Connections: Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport is very compact, so navigating it will not be difficult. If you have a connecting flight here, check the information board immediately upon arrival to find the number of your next boarding gate. Walking between gates usually takes just a few minutes.

Customs Control: Most flights at this airport are domestic. If you arrive on a rare international flight, you will need to pass border and customs control, which is a standard procedure for entering the USA. Have your passport and completed declaration ready to speed up the process.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, book parking on the airport website in advance—this is often more favourable. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it after security, as well as your own snacks, to avoid spending in cafes. For transfers to the city, compare prices for taxis, shuttles, and ride-sharing services.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for current information and possible alternatives. The airport has free Wi-Fi and several establishments where you can have a snack and wait. Always check your flight status online before leaving for the airport.