Guide to Getting Here: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

When you arrive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), you’ll be greeted with the sights, sounds and tastes of Durham and the whole region. But don’t be fooled, Southern accents and sweet tea are only part of the appeal of this rapidly-growing area anchored by top tier universities, a thriving research and technology center, cutting-edge medical services and research, along with world class culture and entertainment. Part of the charm of Durham includes how easy it is to get from the airport to dozens of destinations in North Carolina and beyond.

About Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Whether you’re coming from New York or New Delhi, Durham is a great place to visit. Every year, more than 11.8 million passengers fly through RDU. Durham’s central location in the middle of the East Coast makes it one of the most convenient travel destinations in the region. More than 16 air carriers fly from RDU to more than 70 nonstop destinations. With more than 350 daily flights, RDU also offers direct flights to and from international cities like Reykjavik, London, Paris, Frankfurt, San Juan, Mexico City, Cancun, Montreal, Toronto and Panama City. See a current list of all the nonstop destinations served from RDU.

Gateway to Durham and The Triangle Region

As soon as you land at RDU, you’ll be glad to see how close everything is both at the airport and in the region. The airport is located in Wake County and serves the Research Triangle and Piedmont regions of North Carolina. RDU is centrally located in North Carolina between Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. From RDU it takes less than 30 minutes to get to each city by car.

Because of Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s hyphenated name, you might be surprised to learn that Raleigh and Durham are two distinct cities located about 25 miles apart. Don’t get confused; the terms “Raleigh-Durham” and “RDU” only apply to the airport itself. Conveniently, you can see both cities and adjacent areas during one trip to the region – travel northwest for about 15 minutes by car to reach downtown Durham, or southeast for about the same distance to arrive in Raleigh.

After you land at RDU, take a rental car, or use a rideshare app, taxi or bus to get where you’re going. When you’re in Durham, make sure to see places and districts in Durham like Duke University, Ninth Street, Downtown Durham, and the Southpoint district. All are less than a 20 minute drive from RDU.

Terminals at RDU

Upon arrival, you will deplane at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, which both serve international, national and regional airlines. Terminal 1 opened in 1955 and was modernized in 2014. It currently has nine gates and is slated for another upcoming renovation. Airlines that use Terminal 1 include Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit and Sun Country.

The larger Terminal 2 opened in 2008 with 36 gates and tall, arched ceilings with wood and steel beams and large glass windows. Terminal 2 hosts Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Allegiant, American, Bahamas Air, Copa, Delta, Frontier, Icelandair, JetBlue and United.

Travel for All

If you need an extra hand, RDU offers accessibility services in parking facilities and shuttles, as well as in security for mobility aids, medicines, service animals and more. The airport has also launched the Sunflower program to make travel easier for those with hidden disabilities. The program offers free wearable sunflower items to those who need extra assistance, but prefer to be discreet. The sunflowers alert airport workers that a traveler may need extra time or assistance due to dementia, autism, learning difficulties, physical or mental health conditions, and mobility or speech impairments. Learn more and read the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.

Dining and Shopping Local at RDU

Discover a taste of Durham while waiting for your next flight. The popular Durham-based Beyu Caffé serves customers food and coffee from a storefront outside of the secure area in Terminal 2. Beyu Caffé and the Durham-based and beloved American Meltdown grilled cheese restaurant are also accessible to visitors inside Terminal 2 from the getReef virtual food hall. Additionally, find made-from-scratch cupcakes from Durham bakery Favor Desserts at Ready to Fly Grab & Go in Terminal 1 and 2 or at Petit Gourmet in Terminal 2.

Sip on coffee from Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee at La Farm Bakery in Terminal 2. Shop goods from local artisans at Root & Branch in Terminal 2 and Triangle Market in Terminal 1. Don’t miss the newest concoction from Durham Distillery. By the end of 2024, the award-winning local gin distiller will open Conniption Cocktails and Cuisine, a bar and lounge similar to the distillery’s Durham bar Corpse Reviver. The stylish space in Terminal 2 will feature popular gin-based cocktails and several food pairings.

Staying a While?

If you have some extra time at the airport, use the free Wi-Fi that’s available in all terminals. If you drain your device’s battery, it’s no problem since there are power outlets with 110 volt and USB power outlets in seats, in seating areas and under tabletop surfaces.

If you’re a member at an airline club, stop by the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Airlines Sky Club or United Club in Terminal 2.

For longer waits, stay the night in a comfortable hotel room. Dozens of hotels are a short drive from RDU with more than 45 lodging properties accessible by airport shuttle. Options include Comfort Suites RTP, Delta Hotels by Marriott Raleigh-Durham, Doubletree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at RTP, Doubletree Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn Research Triangle Park, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport at RTP, Homewood Suites, Marriott at Research Triangle Park, Sheraton Imperial, Spring Hill Suites RDU/RTP, and Wingate by Wyndham RDU. Learn more about Durham’s lodging properties.

Bringing a lot of Luggage?

Don’t break your back! Luggage carts are available in the baggage claim areas, on terminal curbs and in the parking garage atrium. The service is called Smarte Carte and rentals are $5 with a 25 cent refund upon return.

Airport Parking at RDU

Do you need to park a vehicle? RDU has a central garage and lot within walking distance from the terminals, along with economy lots accessible by shuttle outside the terminals every 11 minutes. There are five different parking options at RDU which can be used with hourly and daily rates ranging from $3 per hour or $12 per day to $8 per hour or $32 per day. Check rdu.com/parking for availability and advance booking, though you don't have to book before you arrive. Check signage along the airport’s entrance for indications of which parking zones have availability.

Get Where You’re Going

When you get here, it only takes about 20 minutes by car to get from RDU to downtown Durham, and 10-15 minutes to get to locations in Research Triangle Park.

From RDU, take ground services like taxis, hotel shuttles, rental cars, GoTriangle buses, and rideshare services. More information on public and private services is available at RDU's website.

If you want to rent a car, take a shuttle bus once exiting the terminals. All rental car services are located on airport property. Rental car companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty.

Growth at RDU

Be sure to come back to Durham again! RDU is growing and changing to offer even more convenient travel options. Upcoming projects include a runway replacement, security, baggage, and customs improvements in Terminal 2, and more than 3,000 additional spaces of economy parking.

No matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going next, add Durham and RDU to your travel itinerary. Discover more about RDU.