9/19/24

Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (Woodrum Field) Parking Guide

1. Introduction: Welcome to Woodrum Field!

Welcome to the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), your GO-TO travel hub nestled in the heart of Virginia! This airport is not just a gateway for passengers flying to major cities but also an essential part of the community. With its well-rounded services, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport plays a critical role in enhancing transport connectivity across Virginia and beyond.
In this blog post, we're diving into everything you need to know about the parking options at ROA. You may be asking: why is parking so important? Well, navigating through the airport can be overwhelming, especially when travelling with kids, pets, or for business. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you maneuver your parking experience more efficiently, while also highlighting some exciting improvements coming to the airport soon.

2. The Layout of the Land: Understanding Parking Areas

Understanding your parking options is crucial for a stress-free travel experience. At the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport, there are three main parking areas you'll want to be familiar with:
  • Short-Term Parking
    • Ideal for those quick visits or when picking someone up. Located just steps away from the terminals, it's perfect for quick stops.
  • Long-Term Parking
    • More budget-friendly for those travelers who are embarking on extended journeys. It’s a great choice for week-long trips, as it offers substantial savings compared to short-term options.
  • Economy Lot (Previously the Overflow Lot)
    • This area is situated a bit further from the terminals but offers the most competitive pricing. You'll find it's incredibly convenient for long trips while still keeping your budget intact.

Price Point Comparison

Parking TypeLocationCharacteristicsPrice
Short-TermAdjacent to terminalsIdeal for quick tripsDaily max: $12
Long-TermA short walk from terminalEconomical for longer staysDaily max: $8
Economy LotAcross Aviation DriveCost-effective option for extended travelDaily max: $8

3. Parking Prices: The Cost of Convenience

Now let's break down the actual costs so you can budget accordingly:

Short-Term Parking

  • First 30 minutes: Free
  • 31-60 minutes: $3
  • Each additional hour (or portion thereof): $3
  • Daily maximum: $12 Source

Long-Term Parking

  • First 30 minutes: Free
  • Every half hour after: $1.00
  • Daily maximum: $8.00 Source

Payment Options

You’ve got choices! The airport accepts both cash & electronic payments. Whether you prefer a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, ROA makes it easy to pay your fees. Payments can be made at kiosks on your way out or through the full-service exit lanes Source.

4. Enhancements & Exciting Changes Ahead

Starting in February 2024, we're kicking off a Parking Lot Enhancement Project designed to better serve YOU, the traveler. This project will last approximately 15 months and will aim to upgrade a variety of aspects around the airport parking facilities.

Planned Improvements:

  • Parking lot repaving & restriping
    • Making those lines clearer so you can park without fuss!
  • Wider spaces
    • Perfect for those massive SUVs & trucks out there.
  • Improved traffic flow
    • No more squishing through tight spots!
  • New LED lighting
    • Better visibility for nighttime travelers.
  • Infrastructure support for electric vehicle charging
    • Because everyone loves a green travel option!
With construction taking place, do be aware that there might be temporary changes to parking arrangements and pricing as the work progresses.

5. Navigating & Reserving Your Spot: Tips for Travelers

Reservation Process

As of now, online reservations are suspended due to ongoing enhancements, but existing reservations will be honored. Have any questions? Just give the parking team a call at 540-362-0630 Source.

What to do if your flight is canceled or dates change?

Reach out via email for assistance.

Lost Your Parking Ticket?

Don't sweat it! If you lose your parking ticket, just head to the full-service lane when exiting, and they’ll guide you through the process.

Handicapped & Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in both Short-Term and Long-Term lots. If you have trouble finding a spot, give the parking team a ring at 540-362-0630 for help.

6. Snazzy Shuttle Services & Alternative Options

Travelers rejoice! The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is well-connected with numerous transport options.

Ride-Sharing Options

Both Uber & Lyft are available, ensuring you have quick access to your rides once you land.

Nearby Shuttle Services

The airport is served by Valley Metro, offering excellent services around the Roanoke area or further afield.

Cell Phone Lot: Overview and Usage

Are you catching someone quickly? The Cell Phone Lot has you covered! You can enjoy the first 30 minutes FREE, making it perfect for those quick pickups Source.

7. Fun Tidbits about Woodrum Field

Let’s dive into the unique history of your gateway! The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport has come a long way since its inception in the late 1920s.
  • Originally opened to accommodate the demand for aviation in the Roanoke Valley, the airport has experienced significant changes and upgrades over the decades Source.
  • The architecture of the terminal itself is striking, with modern features that were laid out in a grand design between the 1980s and today Source.

8. FAQs - Your burning questions about parking at ROA answered!

  • What if I have an oversized vehicle or RV?
    • Unfortunately, there's no available parking for oversized vehicles or RVs.
  • Can I park my motorcycle?
    • Yes! Just park in a regular spot.
  • Where can I find a parking map?
  • How do I find project updates about the parking lot enhancements?
  • Can I bring my bike?
    • Absolutely! There are bike racks available near Terminal doors 1 and 2.
  • Options for EV charging stations?
    • Currently, there are no EV charging stations, but future plans include enhancing the parking infrastructure for EVs Source.

9. Engaging Activities Before and After Your Flight

Whether you have some time before your flight or just landed, there's plenty to keep you entertained in the Roanoke Region. Check out local attractions or enjoy some fine dining nearby.

Dining Options

While at the airport, you can grab a bite at nearby restaurants or cafes that serve local delicacies. Don't miss out on the Tailwind Concessions for some tasty food options before heading out! Source.

10. Conclusion: Onwards and Upwards!

We hope this guide simplifies your parking journey at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport! With an understanding of the layout, pricing structures, and necessary tips, you’re all set for a seamless experience. Don't forget to plan ahead as the enhancements roll out, and we invite you to share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments section. Safe travels, and we'll see you at Woodrum Field!
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Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport Parking FAQs

The current parking rates for short-term parking at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) feature a temporary blended pricing structure. As of July 8, 2024, here's the rundown of the charges at the Terminal Lots: First 30 minutes: NO CHARGE; 31-60 minutes: $3; Every additional hour (or portion thereof): $3; and there's a daily maximum of $12. Payments can be made via debit or credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay at on-foot kiosks upon exit. Cash is accepted at the full-service exit lane. Make sure to get the most up-to-date info by checking the Parking page.

Nope! Parking for the first 30 minutes is absolutely FREE at both the Terminal Lots & the Economy Lot at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport. So, if you're just dropping someone off or picking someone up quickly, you've got a little window to save those precious dollars! Sweet deal, right?

Ah, the temporary blended pricing structure is a nifty plan in place during the parking lot enhancement project at ROA, which started in February 2024. This system runs as follows from July 2, 2024: You start with 30 minutes FREE, then for 31-60 minutes, it's $3. After that, for any additional hour (or part of), it's again $3, putting the daily maximum charge at $12. Meanwhile, the Economy Lot has slightly different rates, charging $8 per day, waiting across Aviation Drive (previously known as the Overflow Lot). It's helpful to check the Parking Lot Enhancement page for the latest updates!

The Economy Lot is nestled across Aviation Drive, which was previously referred to as the Overflow Lot. The rates are quite friendly: the first 30 minutes are FREE and any additional half-hour thereafter is just $1.00, topping out at a maximum daily charge of $8.00. So if you need to park for a few days or more, this is your budget-friendly option! You can pay via debit or credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay at the terminal kiosk upon exit.

Currently, online parking reservations are suspended due to the ongoing parking lot enhancement project. If you have an existing reservation, no worries — it'll still be honored! If your plans change or you need assistance with cancellations, feel free to contact the parking team directly at 540-362-0630 or you can even email them for help.

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing your parking ticket when trying to exit, don't panic! Just cruise over to the full-service lane for assistance. They'll help you sort things out. If you were parked in the Economy Lot, give the parking team a quick call at 540-362-0630 for some extra help.

Yes! ROA provides accessible parking spaces in both the Short-term, Long-term, and Economy Lots. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you can't find one, don’t hesitate to call the parking team at 540-362-0630 for immediate assistance to guide you to an available spot.

Payment for parking at ROA couldn’t be simpler. At the Terminal Lots, you can use debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay at the on-foot kiosks upon exit. If you prefer cash, you can pay at the full-service exit lane. The Economy Lot also accepts these electronic payments at the terminal kiosk, ensuring that everyone has an easy way to pay!

At the moment, ROA does NOT offer electric vehicle (EV) charging stations but there's a PLAN to include them in the future as part of the parking lot enhancements. Keep your fingers crossed! More info will be available as changes arise, so stay tuned!

The maximum daily charge at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport’s Terminal Lots caps at a very reasonable $12. It’s part of the temporary blended pricing structure, making it easy for you to park without breaking the bank! For the Economy Lot, the charge is even lower at $8 per day.

Unfortunately, the parking facilities at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport can't accommodate oversized vehicles or RVs at this time. However, keep an eye out for updates regarding parking options if you’re planning to bring something larger!

If you arrive at ROA and discover that all the accessible parking spaces are occupied, it's best to reach out to the parking team immediately at 540-362-0630 for assistance. They can help guide you to another nearby option or offer immediate solutions to your parking predicament.

No, ROA does NOT have a dedicated motorcycle parking area. However, you can park your motorcycle in a regular parking spot. Just make sure to follow the same parking rules as everyone else, as those spots are available for general use.

During the parking lot enhancement project, the temporary parking options available are the Terminal Lots and the Economy Lot. The Terminal Lots have the previously mentioned pricing scheme, while the Economy Lot remains a cheerful $8 per day. Be mindful that the projects mean some lot closures, so keeping an eye on updates is wise. For specifics, check out the Parking Lot Enhancement page.

These updates are super easy to find! The parking lot enhancement project is being communicated across various channels. You can check the airport's website for ongoing updates, follow their social media (like Facebook & Twitter), or keep an eye out for posted signage around the airport and parking areas. Ask about changes too — they’re always happy to inform you.

Parking services at ROA have a few neat amenities to make your experience as easy-peasy as possible. From the convenience of available ADA accessible spaces, to helpful signage, the option to pay via cash or electronic methods, they’ve got you covered. The airport is also equipped with climate-friendly initiatives in mind, as EV charging is planned for the future. Friendly staff and ample space make parking at ROA a breeze!

Currently, the information available focuses on the parking options directly at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport. There aren't any official nearby parking facilities mentioned that offer additional services beyond ROA's own facilities. So, keep it cozy right at the airport!

While not explicitly detailed in the sources, ride-share pickups are typically accommodated at designated areas close to the terminals, as is common in many airports. If you need precise details for ROA, it’s worth checking the airport’s website for any updates or designated zones for services like Uber or Lyft. These policies can help make sure things are running smoothly for you when getting or dropping off passengers.

If life (or travel plans) throws you a curveball & your trip gets canceled, the current policy means that you should reach out to the airport's parking team at 540-362-0630 or use email for assistance. They can guide you through the process of how to handle prepaid parking, including any potential refunds or credits you might need due to the changes.

Parking security at ROA is outlined well, ensuring your vehicle is safe while you’re galavanting off on your adventures. The parking lots are constantly monitored, helping ensure a secure environment for your car. Passengers can feel at ease knowing they have taken measures to keep everything secure while you fly to new destinations!

While specific numbers weren't captured in the materials provided, capacity details are crucial, especially during the busy travel periods. Generally, one can expect the Economy Lot to fill up quickly during peak travel times, so it's advisable to arrive early or keep up with the latest information through the airport's website or customer service. They’ll give you a leg up on how busy things are looking.