Visiting Radford University
The following information is provided as a courtesy to our out-of-town guests. Please feel free to contact Radford University with any questions.
Area Lodging
There are many different lodging choices in Radford, Va., whether you will be here overnight or for an extended visit. From our various hotels to local bed & breakfast options, we have plenty of room for you and your whole group.
Campus Tours
We invite you to visit our campus! Scheduled tours leave from the first floor of Martin Hall Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., also on selected Saturdays at 10 a.m. and noon during the regular academic year. The campus is mostly flat, and most buildings are wheelchair accessible. If you have questions about Radford University, or if you want to arrange a guided tour, please contact the Admissions Office.
Parking
Our campus is a busy place so it's good to keep up on the most valuable real estate we trade in every day… parking space!
All of your basic questions can be answered by following the links below. If you have any additional inquiries or concerns, the Parking Information Office is located in Heth Hall and is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. every weekday. You can also check out the following resources on the Parking Information Office webpage: Parking Map; Visitor Parking Information; Visitor Parking Pass Policy.
Directions
Radford is just 36 miles southwest of the city of Roanoke, Va., and within easy driving distance of many mid-East Coast metropolitan areas. Richmond is only a three and a half hour drive, while Washington, D.C., and the Tidewater area are only about four and a half hours away.
By Car
From Interstate 81, take Exit 109 onto Route 177/Tyler Avenue into Radford. At the third traffic light, turn right onto Jefferson Street. At the next traffic light, turn left onto East Main Street. The main university entrance will be on your left, at the intersection with University Drive. As you turn into the parking lot, Martin Hall is on the right, and the Admissions Office is in Martin 115. If parking is unavailable there, proceed across the bridge on University Drive to Parking Lot E on the left. Visitors to the Dedmon Center should continue on University Drive to reach the facility.
If you are visiting Radford University to attend a conference, please follow signs and park in designated conference parking areas. Permits are usually required.
Travel By Air or By Bus
Roanoke Regional Airport and Greyhound Bus Lines provide connections to cities throughout the country. From the airport, take Interstate 581-North to Interstate 81-South and follow the directions for traveling by car. Advance reservations for limousine service to and from the airport may be made by calling Airport Transportation at (800) 288-1958.
Nearby Airports
Several airports are within driving distance of Radford University. The Roanoke Airport is about 45 minutes from campus; Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is two and a half hours away in Charlotte, N.C.; and Richmond International Airport is three and a half hours away in Richmond, Va.
What to expect from the weather
Summer temperatures in Virginia can range from the 70s to the high 90s during the day and the low 70s and 60s in the evenings and night.
Winter weather in Radford can be as pleasant as it is extreme. Though the temperature usually floats in the mid 30 to high 40-degree range during the winter, the temperature can sometimes go as high as the upper 50s and as low as sub-zero. (Extreme weather usually lasts for only about three weeks.) There is moderate snowfall during the winter and the snowfalls are sometimes accompanied or preceded by ice storms and strong winds.
Springtime is a beautiful time of the year at Radford University. The air is crisp and cool and the temperatures begin to rise slowly close to the end of February. When graduation time rolls around in spring, parents and students can usually expect to be sitting outside in a warm, comfortable temperature. The rainfall is moderate throughout the year.
The highest mountains in Virginia are, of course, located here in the southwest. Mount Rogers is the tallest, rising 5,730 feet. White Top is 5,520 feet. When driving to the top of these mountains, don't be surprised at what you'll find: snow on the ground as late as April and May! When heading to the high country sections of Virginia, expect temperature drops as much as 10 degrees.