Car Rental Roanoke Regional Airport

Parking in Roanoke

• Campbell Court Parking Garage (24011) offers easy access to the History Museum of Western Virginia and the Taubman Museum of Art.
• Mill Mountain Park car park (24014) is perfectly based for visiting Mill Mountain Zoo, Mill Mountain Discovery Center, and Mill Mountain Star.
• Roanoke River Greenway Parking (24014) is close to Roanoke River, Roanoke River Greenway, and Miniature Graceland.

Key roads in Roanoke

• Interstate 81 (I-81) runs northwest of the city, connecting Roanoke to New York in the north and Tennessee in the south.  
• Interstate 581 (I-581) connects to the I-81 and travels to the city center and past the airport.
• US Route 220 (US 220) connects to the I-581 in the center of Roanoke and then travels south towards Greensboro.

How To Get From Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA) To Mill Mountain Park

It takes about 20 minutes to drive the nine miles from the airport to Mill Mountain Park.

1. Leave the car rental car park at Roanoke Regional Airport and follow the road round to join Aviation Drive NW and continue to join Hershberger Road NW.
2. At the first exit, turn right and loop round to join the I-581.
3. Take exit 6 and turn right on Elm Avenue.
4. At the next left, turn on to S Jefferson Street.
5. Turn left onto Walnut Avenue SE and continue to J P Fishburn Parkway.
6. At East Ridge, turn right on to Mill Mountain Spur which will take you into the park.

How To Get From Roanoke Regional Airport (ROA) To Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake is around a one-hour drive from the Airport. Just take the I-581 through the city and join the VA-116 south. Continue to Route 834 followed by Route 945 which will take you towards the lake.

Best hotels in Roanoke

Courtyard Roanoke Airport

3301 Ordway Drive, VA, 24017

This stylishly designed award-winning Marriott hotel is close to Downtown and just a mile from Roanoke Regional Airport. There’s a gym, an indoor pool and a whirlpool for you to unwind in, and an on-site bistro with a delicious breakfast and dinner menu to feast on.

Roanoke Boutique Hotel

539 Day Avenue, VA, 24016

There are just two rooms at this small B&B, an 1890 Italianate home in the Historic District close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it is worth a stay. Start the morning with a complimentary breakfast and, after a day of outdoor adventure, soak in the clawfoot tub.  

The Lofts at Downtown Salem

10 W Main St, Salem, VA, 24153

Originally a 1924 automotive dealership, this renovated boutique hotel is as inviting as it is rustic. The apartments’ original wooden beams and pine floors are complemented by cozy boho decor. From here, you’re in the heart of Downtown and just 15 minutes from the airport.

Best restaurants in Roanoke

Hollywood’s

7770 Williamson Road, VA, 24019

Enjoy a twist on traditional American fare at this diner and bakery. On the menu, you’ll find soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as crab cakes, coconut shrimp, and Cajun meatloaf. Save room for dessert – you won’t want to miss out on the ‘Killer Carrot Cake’ at Hollywood’s.  

Lucky

18 Kirk Avenue Southwest, VA, 24011

The co-owners of this farm-to-table restaurant are bandmates who found inspiration while on the road. A three-course meal might consist of Rappahannock oyster stew, followed by hand-made gnocchi, and finished off with lemon cake roulade.

Rockfish

1402 Grandin Road, VA, 24015

The menu at this fine dining restaurant in historic Grandin Village is based on seasonal ingredients. Starters include calamari, lobster mac and cheese, and fried oysters. On the main menu are crab cakes, hanger steaks, and Waterzooi-Belgian seafood stew. Finally, for dessert, try Rockfish’s delicious mocha truffle torte.

Best attractions in Roanoke

Mill Mountain Zoo

Mill Mountain Spur, VA, 24014

Come face-to-face with red pandas, snow leopards, and red wolves at this excellent zoo. There are regular events to partake in, including breakfast with these magnificent creatures. Don’t miss the famous illuminated Roanoke Star, which is a five-minute walk away.

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

Carvins Cove Road, Salem, VA, 24153

This hardwood and mixed pine forest is just a short drive from the city and, with 60 miles of trails around a 630-acre reservoir, is ideal for hiking and mountain biking. There are trails suitable for all levels of experience, from flat paths for beginners to sharp inclines and off-road adventures for the more adventurous cyclist.  

Catawba Mountain

Catawba, VA, 24175

This mountain is where you’ll find one of the most famous parts of the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob. The hike is eight miles from the road and one of the most popular in the state. Take in amazing 270-degree views from more than 3,000 feet and snap a photo from the iconic natural ledge.