Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Also known as: RDU Airport, Raleigh Durham Airport, Raleigh Airport, Raleigh-Durham Airport, Durham Airport.
Private transfer from RDUSee pricesSee pricesAbout Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the main airport for Raleigh, Durham and the wider Research Triangle region of North Carolina, USA. It stands in Wake County between the two cities, next to Research Triangle Park and the town of Morrisville, about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Raleigh.
Most flights are domestic. Delta, American, Southwest, United, Frontier and Breeze fly the most routes, to hubs and leisure cities across the United States. Long-haul flights link RDU with London Heathrow, Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin and Reykjavík, and there are flights to Canada, Mexico and Panama. The airport handled about 15.6 million passengers in 2025, a record.
There are two terminals, joined on the landside by a walkway through the parking garage. Terminal 1 has gates A1 to A9; Terminal 2, the larger one, has Concourses C and D and the only international arrivals facility.
From the airport, travelers head to downtown Raleigh and NC State, to Durham and Duke University, to Chapel Hill and UNC, to Cary and Apex, and to the office campuses of Research Triangle Park.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority
- Runways
Three: 5L/23R (10,000 ft), 5R/23L (7,500 ft) and 14/32 (3,570 ft); a replacement for 5L/23R is under construction
- Passengers per year
About 15.6 million in 2025, a record
- Opened
1943
- Terminals
Two, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, connected landside
Arrival tips for Raleigh-Durham International Airport
On a domestic flight you walk off the plane and follow the signs to baggage claim on the lower level of your terminal. Check which terminal you land at: Terminal 1 for Southwest, Alaska, Avelo, Breeze and Sun Country, Terminal 2 for the other airlines.
International flights arrive at Terminal 2, where you clear US Customs and Border Protection: passport control, then baggage, then customs. Visitors from visa waiver countries need an approved ESTA, and others a US visa. Flights from Dublin and from Toronto and Montréal are usually precleared before departure, so they arrive like domestic flights.
Outside baggage claim, the curb is divided into numbered zones. Ride-app and prearranged pickups use Zone 1 at Terminal 1 and Zone 8 at Terminal 2; taxis wait in the taxi zones, and the free rental car shuttle leaves from Zone 4 at Terminal 1 and Zone 5 at Terminal 2. Information desks in each baggage claim can help.
North Carolina is on Eastern Time, and the currency is the US dollar.
Ground transportation
A private transfer, taxi or ride app is the easiest way to most addresses in the Triangle; the bus suits light travelers going to downtown Raleigh.
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Book a transfer from RDUPrivate transfer
A pre-booked car or van picks you up at the prearranged pickup zone outside baggage claim and drives straight to your address in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill or Cary. It suits families, groups, business travelers and late arrivals.
Taxi from RDU airport
Walk-up taxis wait in the taxi zones outside baggage claim at both terminals. They go door to door, but at busy times you may wait in line.
Uber and Lyft
Ride-app pickups are outside baggage claim at Zone 1 (Terminal 1) and Zone 8 (Terminal 2). Fares change with demand, and late at night you may wait for a car.
GoTriangle bus
GoTriangle buses stop at both terminals, linking the airport with the Regional Transit Center and downtown Raleigh. It is the cheapest option but runs limited hours and needs a change for Durham or Chapel Hill.
Rental cars
Rental car facilities are on airport property, reached by a free shuttle from Zone 4 (Terminal 1) or Zone 5 (Terminal 2). Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt and others serve RDU.
Moving between terminals
The terminals have no airside connection, so if you change terminals you leave security and clear it again at the other one.
- 1
Walking
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are joined on the landside by a covered walkway through the parking garage, a short walk with signs at both ends.
- 2
Shuttle bus
Airport shuttle buses stop outside both terminals; ask at the information desk in baggage claim which one runs between them.
Terminals
Terminal 1
The smaller terminal, with gates A1 to A9, used by Southwest, Alaska, Avelo, Breeze and Sun Country for domestic flights.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines
Terminal 2
The larger terminal, with Concourses C and D. It handles the network and international airlines, and all international arrivals that clear US customs at RDU.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aer Lingus, Aeroméxico, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Icelandair, JetBlue, Lufthansa, United Airlines
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi (RDU Free Wi-Fi) covers the public areas of both terminals, including gates and baggage claim.
Charging
Seats with power outlets are spread through the gate areas of both terminals.
Shops and restaurants
Both terminals have food and retail past security, with the wider choice in Terminal 2's Concourses C and D.
ATMs
Cash machines are in baggage claim and on the concourses of both terminals.
Currency exchange
Foreign currency services are in the Terminal 2 ticketing lobby and baggage claim.
Nursing rooms
Private nursing rooms are near gate A6 in Terminal 1 and near gate C8 in Terminal 2.
Pet relief areas
Outdoor pet relief areas are at the north end of each terminal, and they are marked on the terminal directories.
Information desks
Each terminal has an information desk in baggage claim, with a TTY unit for guests who need it.
Lost and found
The airport keeps items found in public areas; items left on a plane are handled by the airline, and those at security by TSA.
Airport lounges
Admirals Club, Terminal 2
American Airlines' lounge in Concourse C, for Admirals Club members, eligible premium-cabin passengers and day-pass holders.
Delta Sky Club, Terminal 2
Delta's lounge in Concourse C, for Sky Club members, eligible premium-cabin passengers and eligible cardholders.
United Club, Terminal 2
United's lounge in Concourse D, for United Club members, eligible passengers and day-pass holders.
USO lounge, Terminal 2
On the ticketing level of Terminal 2, for active-duty military members and their families.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask for wheelchair assistance when you book with your airline, tell the crew before landing, or ask a skycap at the curb. Guest Services can help on (919) 840-2123.
Reduced mobility
Every parking garage level has accessible spaces, and the ParkRDU Economy shuttles are ADA-compliant.
Hearing and visual support
A TTY unit is at each baggage claim information desk. TSA Cares on (855) 787-2227 can arrange help at security if you call within 72 hours of your flight.
Service animals
Service animal relief areas are marked on the Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 directories.
Sunflower program
Free sunflower lanyards and pins for hidden disabilities are available at the information desks in both terminals.
Parking
All ParkRDU spaces can be reserved online at least 24 hours ahead.
ParkRDU Premier
Covered spaces on the ground level of the garage, steps from both terminals.
ParkRDU Central
Covered and outdoor spaces in the garage, between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
ParkRDU Express
A lot with a free trunk-to-terminal shuttle that runs 24/7.
ParkRDU Economy
Economy lots with a free shuttle that runs 24/7, about every 20 minutes.
Cell phone lot
A free waiting lot for drivers picking up passengers, who wait there until the traveler calls from the curb.
Frequently asked questions
How far is RDU airport from downtown Raleigh?
RDU is about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Raleigh, usually a 20 to 30 minute drive on I-40 depending on traffic. The airport sits between Raleigh and Durham, next to Research Triangle Park, so it is also close to Durham, Cary and Morrisville. Taxis, ride apps, pre-booked cars and GoTriangle buses connect it with downtown.
How far is RDU airport from Durham and Chapel Hill?
Downtown Durham is about 13 miles (21 km) from RDU, usually a 20 to 25 minute drive, and Chapel Hill is about 20 miles (32 km) away, around 30 minutes. Both are reached by I-40 or local highways. Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill are among the most common destinations for travelers landing at RDU.
How many terminals does RDU airport have?
RDU has two terminals. Terminal 1 has gates A1 to A9 and is used by Southwest, Alaska, Avelo, Breeze and Sun Country. Terminal 2 has Concourses C and D and serves Delta, American, United, Frontier, JetBlue and the international airlines. The terminals are joined landside by a walkway through the parking garage, not behind security.
Which terminal does Southwest use at RDU?
Southwest Airlines uses Terminal 1 at RDU, with gates A1 to A9. Alaska, Avelo, Breeze and Sun Country fly from the same terminal. Delta, American, United, Frontier, JetBlue and all the international airlines use Terminal 2, so check your boarding pass before you are dropped off, because the two terminals have separate check-in, security and baggage claim.
Does RDU airport have international flights?
Yes. RDU has nonstop flights to London Heathrow, Paris, Frankfurt, Dublin and Reykjavík, plus Canada, Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean. International arrivals that are not precleared clear US Customs and Border Protection in Terminal 2. Flights from Dublin, Toronto and Montréal usually clear US immigration before departure, so they arrive like domestic flights.
What do I need to enter the US at RDU?
You need a valid passport and either an approved ESTA, if your country is in the Visa Waiver Program, or a US visa. Arriving international passengers who were not precleared go through passport control and customs in Terminal 2. US and Canadian citizens follow the usual document rules for their country.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at RDU?
Ride-app pickups are on the curb outside baggage claim, at Zone 1 at Terminal 1 and Zone 8 at Terminal 2. Prearranged rides use the same zones. Follow the signs from baggage claim and check your app for the car's plate number before you get in, as the zones can be busy at peak times.
Is there a bus from RDU airport to Raleigh?
Yes. GoTriangle buses stop at both terminals, outside baggage claim between Zones 2 and 3 at Terminal 1 and between Zones 6 and 7 at Terminal 2. They link the airport with the Regional Transit Center and downtown Raleigh, with connections to Durham and Chapel Hill. Service hours are limited, so check the GoTriangle schedule before you travel.
Where are the rental cars at RDU airport?
Rental car facilities are on airport property, not inside the terminals. After baggage claim, follow the signs to the green Rental Car shuttle stop, in Zone 4 at Terminal 1 or Zone 5 at Terminal 2. The shuttle is free. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty serve RDU.
How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at RDU?
Walk through the parking garage, which connects the two terminals on the landside, following the signs at each end. There is no connection behind security, so you will have to clear security again at the other terminal. If you are carrying a lot of luggage, ask at the baggage claim information desk about the shuttle buses.
Are there lounges at RDU airport?
Yes, all in Terminal 2. American's Admirals Club and the Delta Sky Club are in Concourse C, and the United Club is in Concourse D. Entry depends on membership, your ticket or an eligible card, and some sell day passes. A USO lounge on the Terminal 2 ticketing level serves military members and their families.
Where can I park at RDU airport?
ParkRDU runs the airport's parking. Premier and Central are in the garage between the terminals, within walking distance, while Express and Economy are lots with free shuttles that run 24/7. Spaces can be reserved online at least 24 hours ahead, and a cell phone lot lets drivers wait for arriving passengers for free.
What time zone is RDU airport in?
RDU is on Eastern Time, the same as New York and Atlanta. That is UTC-5 in winter and UTC-4 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, when daylight saving time applies. Your phone should switch automatically, but check the local time on landing if you are arranging a pickup.