Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport

KROA is a practical alternative to driving from Charlotte Douglas or Washington Dulles for passengers heading to southwest Virginia. The airport sits at 1,176 feet elevation in the Roanoke Valley and handles commercial and general aviation traffic from a single terminal, with private aircraft operations separate from the airline gates.

No slot requirements and no significant congestion make scheduling straightforward. The FBO ramp is close to the terminal area, and ground handling is quick by regional airport standards. The airport runs instrument approaches and is capable of handling midsize and super-midsize jets on its 6,000-foot primary runway, though very large cabin aircraft should confirm runway suitability with their operator.

Downtown Roanoke is 4 miles from the airport, typically a 10-minute drive. Blacksburg and Virginia Tech are 40 miles west via US-460, roughly 45 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. Smith Mountain Lake, a popular destination for second-home owners in the region, is about 35 miles southeast, around 40 minutes by car. Rental cars are available on-site. For car service, local operators serve the airport but availability can be limited compared to larger markets, so booking in advance is advisable.