A running control apparatus for a vehicle controls a state of running using a driving source for generating a driving force of the vehicle. The apparatus includes an accelerator pedal measuring device for measuring a degree of depression of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle; and a vehicle speed measuring device for measuring a vehicle speed of the vehicle. A driving-force maintenance mode for maintaining the driving force or a vehicle-speed maintenance mode for maintaining the vehicle speed is executed based on the measured degree of depression of the accelerator pedal and the measured vehicle speed. The apparatus may include an inter-vehicle distance measuring device for measuring an inter-vehicle distance between the present vehicle and a vehicle ahead thereof. An inter-vehicle-distance maintenance mode is also provided so as to maintain the inter-vehicle distance based on the measured degree of depression of the accelerator pedal and the measured inter-vehicle distance.