Traveling to Blacksburg

Weather & Clothing

Blacksburg's summers are warm with temperatures averaging 80 F (30 C), while winters are cold, averaging 34 F (1 C). Rainfall is moderate throughout the year. Snow accumulation during the winter may be heavy. Generally the climate is quite pleasant.

A heavy winter coat, an umbrella or raincoat, and a pair of waterproof shoes are necessities. We recommend students bring a warm scarf, hat, sweater or sweatshirt, and gloves or you can purchase them after you arrive.

It is generally recommended that you dress in layers of clothing that can be added or removed. The variation in temperature can vary 40 F (20 C) in a single day.

Sturdy walking shoes are recommended as the distances across campus can be quite long (one mile or 1.6 kilometers) and has many hills.

Air Travel

The nearest commercial airport to Blacksburg, Va. is in Roanoke, Va., which is about 40 miles (64 km) northeast of Blacksburg, Va. The Roanoke Regional Airport is a very nice facility, with a snack bar, newsstand and small bookstore. There are several daily/direct flights into the airport from international airports in New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Chicago. Domestic flights from other major U.S. cities are also available. Airlines servicing the Roanoke Regional Airport are U.S. Airways, United, Northwest Airlink, ASA, Delta, and Comair.

Unlike other countries, public transportation is limited in the United States. Bus service is offered from the Roanoke Regional Airport to Blacksburg, Va., but is usually limited and there are rarely taxis at the airport. Plan your trip to arrive during operating hours for the Smart Way Bus to the Virginia Tech campus. There is no public transportation from other airports.

Please look for our poster at the airport (near the baggage claim area) for more information.

Bus Travel

The Smart Way Commuter Bus is a commuter bus service that links the city of Roanoke with the town of Blacksburg, Va., with numerous stops in between. The cost is $4 one-way (in exact change). Please check the bus schedule before traveling (there is no bus service on Sundays).

If you arrive late to Roanoke Airport, you may wish to stay in Roanoke for the night at one of the local motels and arrive the following day using the Smart Way Bus Service.

Greyhound Bus Lines offers limited service to Roanoke, Va. and Christiansburg, Va. Call Greyhound Bus Lines at 1-800-229-9424 more information. Megabus also offers limited service from Christiansburg and from Washington D.C.

Emergency Related to Arrival

In case of an emergency related to your arrival, please call the Cranwell International Center 540-231-6527 during office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday or you may call the Cranwell International Center cell phone at 540-230-8747