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Raleigh Airport Transportation

Private airport transportation from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary and Research Triangle Park, booked before you land.

  • Private, never shared
  • Priced per vehicle
  • Flight monitored
  • Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Passengers
2

Our services

From private sedans to group vans. One fixed price per vehicle, whatever your party size.

Private Sedan

1 to 4 passengers

Private, non-stop transfer. All taxes included.

Price for your route Exact price

Luxury SUV

Up to 6 passengers

Comfortable VIP SUV with premium features.

Price for your route Exact price

Private Van

Up to 8 passengers

Ideal for families and groups with luggage.

Price for your route Exact price

Group Van

Up to 16 passengers

Our largest vehicle. Room for up to 16 passengers and their luggage.

Price for your route Exact price

Airport Transportation in Raleigh

Pre-booked private transportation takes you directly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to your hotel, resort or vacation rental.

After immigration, baggage claim and customs, continue outside the terminal to the meeting area named in your confirmation. Your vehicle is reserved only for the passengers on your reservation: unlike a shared shuttle, it makes no extra hotel stops for other travelers, and the price is per vehicle, not per person.

Our Raleigh airport transportation takes you from RDU to hotels and homes in downtown Raleigh and around NC State, to Durham and Duke University, to Chapel Hill and UNC, to Cary, Apex and Morrisville, and to the office campuses of Research Triangle Park.

Raleigh Airport Transfers

Raleigh airport transfers start outside baggage claim at your terminal, at the prearranged pickup zone: Zone 1 at Terminal 1 or Zone 8 at Terminal 2. We track your flight, so the pickup follows your real landing time, and the price is fixed per vehicle before you fly, from a sedan for business trips to a van for families and groups with luggage.

Each Raleigh airport transfer goes door to door to your hotel, home, vacation rental, campus or office in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary or Research Triangle Park. Going farther, to Pinehurst, Greensboro or the coast? Enter your address in the booking form to see whether a transfer is offered.

Raleigh Airport Shuttle

Our Raleigh airport shuttle is a private van for your party only, not a shared ride that stops at other hotels around the Triangle. It leaves as soon as you are at the curb and suits families, sports teams, wedding groups and colleagues traveling together.

Landing at Raleigh Airport

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) sits in Wake County between Raleigh and Durham, beside Research Triangle Park, and is run by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. It has two terminals with separate baggage claims: Terminal 1, with gates A1 to A9, for Southwest, Alaska, Avelo, Breeze and Sun Country, and Terminal 2, with Concourses C and D, for the other airlines.

Most flights are domestic, so you walk straight to baggage claim. International flights that are not precleared arrive at Terminal 2, where you clear US passport control and customs before collecting your bags. Flights from Dublin, Toronto and Montréal usually clear US immigration before departure.

North Carolina is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, and UTC-4 from March to November), and the currency is the US dollar.

Terminal, immigration and customs details for Raleigh-Durham International Airport →
Local notes

US entry

International visitors need an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or a US visa before they fly; arrivals that are not precleared go through US Customs and Border Protection in Terminal 2.

Two terminals

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have separate baggage claims and pickup zones, so give your terminal when you book and check it again on your boarding pass for the ride back.

Campus and event days

Graduations and home games at Duke, UNC and NC State fill hotels and slow traffic around the campuses, so give the full address, including the building or hotel entrance.

Office campuses

Many Research Triangle Park employers have large campuses with several buildings and security gates, so give the building name or number with your address.

Before you fly to Raleigh

ESTA or visaInternational visitors need an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program or a US visa before they fly.
Which terminalSouthwest, Alaska, Avelo, Breeze and Sun Country use Terminal 1; the other airlines use Terminal 2.
Customs at Terminal 2International flights that are not precleared clear US Customs and Border Protection in Terminal 2.
Free Wi-FiConnect to RDU Free Wi-Fi in the gate areas and baggage claim to message your driver.
US dollarsThe currency is the US dollar, and cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
Eastern TimeNorth Carolina is on Eastern Time (UTC-5), and UTC-4 from March to November.

How Raleigh Airport pickup works

  1. 1

    Clear arrivals

    Immigration, baggage claim, then customs. Representatives can't enter those areas.

  2. 2

    Meet your representative

    At the meeting point in your confirmation. Check the company name before getting in.

  3. 3

    Go straight there

    No other stops, no other passengers.

At RDU

Prearranged pickup zones

Prearranged rides pick up outside baggage claim at Zone 1 at Terminal 1 and Zone 8 at Terminal 2, as signposted on the curb.

At RDU

Check your terminal

RDU has two terminals with separate baggage claims, so your driver needs to know whether you land at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.

Don't accept a ride from someone claiming to know your booking. Check the company name and reservation details before getting in.

Return trips and flight changes

One-way arrival RDU → Hotel From the airport to your hotel, resort or rental.
One-way departure Hotel → RDU From where you're staying back to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
Round trip RDU ⇄ Hotel Both journeys on one reservation. Give both flights, the return pickup address and the passengers for each. Staying at more than one hotel? Give the full itinerary.

Going back to the airport

Transportation can also be booked from your hotel, resort or vacation rental to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Your pickup time covers the drive plus check-in, security and border procedures, and your airline's instructions come first. Give the correct departure time and terminal when you book.

2 hbefore a domestic flight3 hbefore an international flight

If your flight changes

We monitor the arrival of the flight on your reservation, but can't find you on a different one. If any of these change, update them in Manage your booking:

Flight numberArrival dateAirlineMissed connectionCanceled flightArrival airportYou decide not to travelLong delay after customs

What's included

Included

  • A private vehicle for your party
  • Transportation between the confirmed locations
  • Direct service, no shared hotel stops
  • Airport meeting instructions
  • Flight-arrival monitoring
  • A professional driver
  • An air-conditioned vehicle
  • Room for your party and standard luggage
  • Customer-service support

Confirmed separately

  • Child seats
  • Additional stops
  • Extra waiting time
  • Oversized luggage or equipment
  • Special requests
LuggageAbout one checked suitcase and one carry-on each; the right vehicle depends on the total volume. Tell us about golf clubs, surfboards, bikes, strollers or extra bags.
Child seatsRequest them when booking, with the child's age and size. Availability and any fee are confirmed on your reservation.
AccessibilityGive the wheelchair's size, weight and whether it folds, so a suitable vehicle is assigned.
PetsAsk for authorization before booking and tell us about the animal and its carrier.

Airport Transportation happy customers

Reviewed on TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, Yelp and TravelPulse
“Absolutely fantastic service! My driver was early, courteous, and the car was immaculate.”
Sarah L.March 2026
“The ride was comfortable and quick. Quality service that's well worth it.”
James H.February 2026
“I use airporttransportation.com whenever I travel. Consistently reliable, and their drivers are top-notch.”
William C.February 2026
“Booking was simple and the price was clear. No surprises at the airport. Highly recommended.”
María G.January 2026

Groups and events

Traveling with a large group, planning a destination wedding, or organizing transportation for a corporate retreat or conference? We offer larger vehicles and multi-vehicle coordination for groups of any size, including multiple pickup points and scheduled transfers timed around your event. Contact us with your group size and itinerary and we'll put together transportation that keeps everyone moving together.

  • Destination weddings
  • Conferences
  • Corporate retreats
  • Sports teams
  • Multi-vehicle arrivals
Request group transport

Booking, changes and cancellations

24 hFree cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, with a full refund. Later cancellations aren't refundable.
ChangesContact us to change the flight, hotel or pickup time. Deadlines are in the reservation policies.
No-showsWaiting time, no-shows and extra stops follow the reservation policies you accept at checkout.

Book your transfer online in a few minutes using the form above. If your plans change, contact us as soon as possible to modify your pickup details or cancel your reservation, response times and any applicable fees depend on how close to your pickup date the change is requested.

Read the reservation policies →

Raleigh Airport Transportation FAQs

Where will my driver meet me at Raleigh airport (RDU)?

Outside baggage claim at the prearranged pickup zone: Zone 1 at Terminal 1 or Zone 8 at Terminal 2. Your confirmation gives the exact meeting instructions.

How far is RDU from downtown Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill?

RDU is about 15 miles (24 km) from downtown Raleigh, usually 20 to 30 minutes, about 13 miles (21 km) from downtown Durham, and about 20 miles (32 km) from Chapel Hill, around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Can you take me to downtown Raleigh or NC State?

Yes. We drive to hotels, homes and offices in downtown Raleigh, North Hills, Glenwood South and around the NC State campus.

Can you take me to Durham or Duke University?

Yes. We drive door to door to downtown Durham, Duke University and Duke University Hospital, and to hotels and homes across the city.

Can you take me to Chapel Hill or UNC?

Yes. We drive to the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, UNC Hospitals and hotels and homes in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Give the building or hotel name with your address.

Can you take me to Cary, Apex or Research Triangle Park?

Yes. We drive to hotels, homes and office campuses in Cary, Apex, Morrisville and Research Triangle Park. For an office campus, give the building name or number.

Can you take me to Pinehurst, Greensboro or the beaches?

Pinehurst, Greensboro and the North Carolina coast are farther from RDU. Enter your address in the booking form to see whether a transfer is offered; if it is not, contact us before you fly.

Which terminal will I land at?

Southwest, Alaska, Avelo, Breeze and Sun Country use Terminal 1; Delta, American, United, Frontier, JetBlue and the international airlines use Terminal 2. Give your terminal when you book, because each has its own pickup zone.

Do you drive to vacation rentals and homes?

Yes. Give the full street address and any gate or community entrance details, so your driver goes straight to the door.

Can I book a pickup for a late-night or early-morning flight?

Yes. Book the pickup for your flight time, whatever the hour, and give your flight number so the driver follows the actual landing.

Should I accept rides from people offering transportation inside RDU?

There is no need. Booking ahead gives you a confirmed vehicle and meeting point; check the company name against your confirmation before getting in.

What happens if my flight is delayed or canceled?

We monitor the flight on your reservation, so your driver waits for the actual landing. If your flight is canceled or your flight number or date changes, update it in Manage your booking so the pickup can be moved.

Can I book a ride back to RDU?

Yes. Book a one-way departure or a round trip, and give your flight time and terminal, so the pickup leaves time for check-in and security.

Is Airport Transportation the same as Raleigh-Durham International Airport?

No. Airport Transportation is a private transfer booking site for rides from RDU; we are not the airport or its operator. For terminals, airlines and other ways to get around, see our Raleigh-Durham airport page.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

It depends on the vehicle. Each vehicle shows its maximum number of passengers and suitcases before you book, so you can choose one that fits your group.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

You pay securely online when you book, by credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payments are processed by Stripe.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. If your card is in another currency, your bank converts the charge at its own exchange rate.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book your Raleigh Airport Transportation

Choose the vehicle for your party and luggage, add your flight, and review the full reservation before you pay.

Book a transfer
Manage booking
Private transfer from RDU Fixed price per vehicle