ROA Airport Insights & Guide
Key ROA Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know ROA Airport
Discover the charm of Roanoke Airport, your portal to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Ideal for both business and leisure, ROA stands out with its unique art exhibits showcasing local talent, ensuring a memorable start to your journey. Need quick, essential airport info? Our concise guide covers flight updates, terminal details, parking, and where to enjoy great food and shopping. Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly for more insights.
iFly Tip: Navigate baggage policies easily with help from our baggage tips and info page.
Navigating ROA's Terminals
ROA Airport has one terminal building with two levels. The terminal has a total of 12 gates, with gates 1-6 located on the lower level and gates 7-12 on the upper level. The terminal is used by major airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Upon arriving at the airport, passengers can easily navigate the terminal by following the signs and directions provided. The lower level of the terminal is where passengers can find baggage claim, rental car counters, and ground transportation services. The upper level is where passengers can check-in for their flights, pass through security, and access the departure gates.
There are several food and beverage options available at ROA's terminal, including a coffee shop, a bar, and a restaurant. Passengers can also find a variety of retail shops, including a newsstand and a gift shop. Additionally, the airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal building.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has only one terminal building, which houses all of the airport's facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. Therefore, passengers do not need to worry about getting between terminals since there is only one terminal building at ROA.
Tips from ROA Frequent Flyers
To help make your experience at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from ROA-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"The terminal at ROA is quite straightforward, but if you're in a hurry, always head directly to the upper level for check-in and security. Signs are clear, but knowing this can save a few minutes." — Emily T., Salem, VA, December 2023
"If you're flying with a lot of luggage, use the elevators located near the entrance. They're less crowded than the escalators, especially during peak hours." — Michael J., Vinton, VA, February 2024
Getting To/From the City
"For a budget-friendly ride into Roanoke, the Valley Metro bus is your best bet. It stops right outside the terminal and takes you downtown in about 20 minutes." — Linda S., Roanoke, VA, March 2024
"If you're using ride-sharing apps, make sure to follow the signs to the designated pickup area outside the terminal to avoid any confusion." — Raj P., Bedford, VA, May 2024
Parking
"For long trips, I always park in the Economy Lot. It's a short shuttle ride to the terminal and saves quite a bit on parking fees." — Carlos M., Blacksburg, VA, June 2024
"The Cell Phone Waiting Area is perfect if you're picking someone up. Just park there for free until they call you to say they’ve landed and collected their luggage." — Anna K., Christiansburg, VA, July 2024
Inside the Airport
"If you have some time before your flight, grab a coffee from Starbucks and check out the local art exhibits. It's a nice way to relax and enjoy some local culture." — Sarah L., Roanoke, VA, August 2024
"For a hearty meal, head to Blue Ridge Kitchen Co. Their Southern dishes are delicious and will keep you satisfied for your journey ahead." — John D., Lynchburg, VA, October 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Always check the flight status on the airport's website before leaving for ROA. It’s updated regularly and helps avoid unnecessary waiting at the airport." — Priya N., Martinsville, VA, September 2024
"Security lines can get long during peak times, so I recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before your flight to avoid any last-minute stress." — Tom H., Radford, VA, November 2024
iFly Tip: Stay on track by avoiding common pitfalls at security checkpoints.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
ROA provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is available for up to 15 minutes at no charge, but drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times. If you need more time, there are several short-term parking options available near the terminal.
If you prefer to wait for your arriving passenger, the airport offers a cell-phone waiting area located just a few minutes from the terminal. This area allows drivers to park for free and wait until their passenger has arrived and collected their luggage before heading to the terminal for pickup. It's a convenient option that helps reduce traffic congestion and keeps the curbside clear for active loading and unloading.
Parking Facilities & Options
ROA Airport offers a variety of parking options for travelers. There are three parking lots located within walking distance of the terminal building. The Short-Term Lot is the closest to the terminal and is ideal for those who need to park for a few hours or less. The Daily Lot is a bit farther away but offers a more affordable option for those who need to park for a longer period of time. The Economy Lot is the most economical option and is located a short shuttle ride away from the terminal.
For those who prefer to wait in their car for arriving passengers, there is a Cell Phone Waiting Area located near the terminal. This area allows drivers to park for free for up to 30 minutes while waiting for their party to arrive.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots, with designated spaces located near the terminal building and shuttle buses.
Travelers looking for a more economical parking option can consider off-airport parking. There are several off-airport parking lots located within a few miles of the airport that offer shuttle service to and from the terminal building. These lots often offer lower rates than the airport's parking options.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to get you to your destination:
- Car Rentals: Several major car rental companies are available at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. You can find the car rental counters in the baggage claim area. It's advisable to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.
- Taxis: Designated taxi drop-off areas are located outside the terminal building. The fare for a taxi ride is metered and varies depending on your destination. Taxis are a convenient option for direct travel to your destination.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Services like Uber and Lyft are available and have designated pickup areas outside the terminal. These services offer a budget-friendly alternative to traditional taxis. Be sure to check for any restrictions regarding luggage and passenger capacity.
- Shared Ride Services: Shared ride services are available at the airport and have designated pickup areas outside the terminal. These services may have restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed. It's recommended to check with the service provider for any restrictions or additional fees.
- Airport Shuttles: Several shuttle services are available at the airport, offering door-to-door service. Shuttles can be reserved in advance or upon arrival. The pickup areas for the shuttles are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on your destination and the shuttle service provider.
- Public Transportation: The Valley Metro bus service offers a route that stops at the airport. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, and fares are affordable. Be sure to check the bus schedule for departure times and plan accordingly. This is a cost-effective option for travelers heading to various locations within the city.
iFly Tip: Curious about how pilots manage flights? Explore our cockpit operation guide for a deep dive into flight procedures.
Airport Hotels
When traveling, convenience is key. That's why we've compiled a list of the best hotels near the airport. Whether you're on a business trip, catching an early flight, or visiting the area, these hotels offer a range of amenities and are located just a short distance from the airport. From budget-friendly options to luxury accommodation, there's something to suit every traveler's needs. Many of these hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. They also provide amenities such as free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and comfortable guest rooms, making your stay as enjoyable as possible. Some are also strategically located near local attractions, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. Stay tuned as we delve into the details of each hotel, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision for your next trip. View all Roanoke Woodrum Field Airport Hotels now.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight at Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport, you won't be disappointed. The airport has a variety of dining and shopping options to choose from. For a quick snack or coffee, head to Starbucks located in the main terminal. If you're in the mood for a sit-down meal, visit Blue Ridge Kitchen Co. for Southern-style cuisine or 202 Social House for American fare and cocktails. Both restaurants are located post-security in the departures area.
When it comes to shopping, there are several stores to browse through. For travel essentials and souvenirs, visit the Paradies Travel Mart located in the main terminal. For luxury skincare and beauty products, stop by the MAC Cosmetics store located post-security. If you're in need of some reading material for your flight, head to Hudson News for a wide selection of magazines and books. All of these shops and restaurants are located within the airport, making it easy to grab a bite or do some shopping before your flight.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Roanoke Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map.
Passenger Services
- Free Wi-Fi: Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal, ensuring travelers can stay connected during their time at the airport.
- Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, the lost and found office is located in the main terminal for your convenience.
- Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport features a designated children's play area located near the food court.
- Special-Needs Services: The airport offers accessible parking, restrooms, and wheelchair assistance. It’s recommended to contact the airport in advance to arrange for any additional assistance you may need.
- ATM: An ATM is available in the main terminal, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
- First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is located near the baggage claim area. Airport staff are also available to assist with arranging transportation to nearby hospitals if needed.
Flight Status Info
For air travelers flying out of Roanoke Airport, it's important to stay updated on the status of their flight. One way to do this is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminal. These displays provide real-time information on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Another way to stay informed is by downloading the mobile app of the airline you're flying with. Most airlines offer apps that allow passengers to receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via text, email, or push notifications. This is especially helpful for those who are on the go and may not have access to the FIDS.
Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at ROA by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is located in Roanoke, Virginia, United States.
- Terminal: The airport has one terminal building that houses all airline operations.
- Airlines Served: The airport is served by major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. For a list of all airlines, check out the ROA Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport handles approximately 3,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 40 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from ROA are Charlotte, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Chicago.
- Hub Status: Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport is not a hub for any major airline, but American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate significant numbers of flights from the airport.
Airport History
The airport, located in Virginia, has a rich history dating back to the early 1930s. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1931: The airport was established as Woodrum Field, named after aviation pioneer, Richard C. Woodrum.
- 1940s: During World War II, the airport served as a training base for the U.S. Army Air Corps.
- 1950s: The airport underwent major renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new terminal building.
- 1980s: The airport saw a decline in passenger traffic due to the deregulation of the airline industry.
- 1990s: The airport underwent another major renovation and expansion, including the addition of a new runway and a new air traffic control tower.
- 2000s: The airport saw a resurgence in passenger traffic, with the addition of new airlines and destinations.
- 2010s: The airport continued to expand and modernize, with the addition of new parking facilities and improvements to the terminal building.
Today, Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport serves as an important transportation hub for the region, connecting passengers to destinations across the United States.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: ROA
- Airport Website
- Phone: (540) 362-1999
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, 5202 Aviation Dr NW, Roanoke, VA 24012, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport Q&A
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