Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Raleigh/Durham, US · approximately 19 km (12 mi) northwest of downtown Raleigh; 20 km (12 mi) southeast of downtown Durham
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Raleigh Union Station via GoTriangle 100 Rail connection · Route 100 generally every 30 minutes on weekdays/Saturdays with no Sunday service; local downtown bus connections to Union Station run at varying frequencies but commonly every 15–30 minutes on weekdays. | Total journey typically 45–75 minutes including bus ride and walk/transfer between GoRaleigh Station and Union Station, depending on wait times. | Route 100 is $2.25 one-way; additional local bus within Raleigh is around $1.25–$2.25 depending on system, so the total transit cost RDU → Union Station can be roughly $2–5. |
| GoTriangle Route 100 Bus · Weekdays and Saturdays only; generally every 30 minutes at peak times and less frequently off-peak; no Sunday or late-night service. | Scheduled in-vehicle time RDU → downtown Raleigh is roughly 30–35 minutes; real trip time with waiting and transfers is commonly 45–60 minutes. | $2.25 one-way (standard local/express fare); free transfers within the GoTriangle system when using the same ticket or pass. |
| GoTriangle Route 310 Bus · Weekdays only, primarily peak-direction commuter service with limited trips clustered around morning and evening rush hours. | Planned in-vehicle time between RDU and key RTP stops is roughly 20–30 minutes depending on the stop and time of day. | $2.25 one-way (standard GoTriangle fare). |
| GoTriangle Route DRX Bus · Weekdays only; limited number of trips, mainly in morning and afternoon peaks, with no weekend service. | Scheduled in-vehicle time between downtown Durham and RDU on DRX trips that serve the airport is roughly 25–35 minutes. | $2.25 one-way (standard GoTriangle express fare). |
Insider notes
For a taste of North Carolina craft, head to the Triangle beer spots in Terminal 2 like Raleigh Beer Garden.
Morning flights with short layovers? Beyu Caffè in Terminal 2 offers faster coffee service than the bigger chains.
Adios! by Oscar Diaz feels more like dining downtown Raleigh than airport dining—find it in Terminal 2.
Welcome
At RDU, there's a certain culinary charm as the airport embodies a curated Triangle food hall. Passengers are treated to local breweries, indie coffee roasters, and chef-driven eateries, offering a taste of Raleigh-Durham’s food scene even without stepping foot in the cities. Flyers consistently commend it for its ease of navigation, boasting the ability to traverse the entire airport in less than 15 minutes, even during busy periods.
At a glance
Handling 14.5 million passengers annually, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) sits approximately 19 km northwest of Raleigh and 20 km southeast of Durham. Delta Air Lines holds hub status here, contributing to its efficient operations. The airport consists of three runways and two terminals, making it an accessible yet intimate hub for travelers.
Terminals & layout
RDU features two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 serves carriers like Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Breeze Airways with its nine gates. Terminal 2 is the busier hub with airlines such as Air Canada and Allegiant Air. The terminals are closely situated, allowing passengers to navigate between gates swiftly. Expect the walk between any two points to rarely exceed seven minutes, a unique advantage for those on tight connections.
Getting to and from the city
Public transportation connects RDU to Raleigh and Durham efficiently. GoTriangle Route 100 runs from the airport to downtown Raleigh in about 45–60 minutes for a fare of $2.25. Similarly, Route DRX provides a link to Durham, offering rides in approximately 25–35 minutes. Taxis and rideshares such as Uber and Lyft usually take 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, with fares ranging between $20–$40. For travelers looking for a car service, the Triangle Car Service offers pre-set point-to-point rates, albeit at higher prices than standard taxis.
Traveller essentials
Parking at RDU covers a range of options including ParkRDU Central and ParkRDU Economy 3, catering to diverse needs with various price points. For those flying early or late, rideshares are recommended to save time over using parking shuttles. Inside the terminals, security lines are generally short, although early-morning departures can cause spikes—using the less busy checkpoint for the opposite terminal can save time.
Dining & shopping highlights
Food lovers find RDU a pleasant surprise. Terminal 2 hosts renowned spots like Raleigh Beer Garden and Bond Brothers Kitchen & Bar for craft beer enthusiasts. Adios! by Oscar Diaz near Gate C17 offers a sit-down meal with cocktails, capturing the essence of downtown Raleigh dining. Coffee aficionados will appreciate Black & White Coffee Roasters and Beyu Caffè, which provide top-tier espresso. Shopping includes The District by Root & Branch in Terminal 2, a spot for locally made snacks and gifts.
Lounges
RDU hosts a range of lounges primarily in Terminal 2, including the Delta Sky Club, United Club, and American Airlines Admirals Club. The availability is limited compared to larger airports, but those with access find them a welcome escape. The USO RDU Center offers services for military personnel and their families.
Insider tips
- Insider: For a taste of North Carolina craft, head to the Triangle beer spots in Terminal 2 like Raleigh Beer Garden.
- Time: Morning flights with short layovers? Beyu Caffè in Terminal 2 offers faster coffee service than the bigger chains.
- Local: Adios! by Oscar Diaz feels more like dining downtown Raleigh than airport dining—find it in Terminal 2.
- Avoid: Terminal 2's better dining spots close earlier than the last flights, so aim to dine before 8 PM.
- Quiet: For a peaceful pre-flight moment, try a lap around the concourse; the short distances make for a relaxing routine.
- Money: Local food venues charge only modestly above street prices, making them a good deal compared to city prices.
- Quiet: If the gate seating is scarce, try farther down the concourse where it's often less crowded.