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About RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves North Carolina's Research Triangle region, including the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The airport is a gateway to one of the fastest-growing tech and biotech corridors in the United States. With two terminals connected by a free shuttle bus, RDU offers a streamlined travel experience with short security wait times and easy navigation. It is a focus city for Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines.
Why "RDU"?
RDU stands for Raleigh-Durham, representing the two major cities the airport serves in North Carolina's Research Triangle region.
Airlines Operating
Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Breeze Airways, Allegiant Air, Icelandair
Terminals
Terminal 1
Serves Southwest Airlines exclusively. Compact and efficient terminal with quick check-in and security. Recently updated with improved concessions and the signature North Carolina rocking chairs at every gate.
Terminal 2
Main terminal serving all other airlines. Larger facility with three concourses (C, D, and D extension). Features the Club RDU lounge, diverse dining options, and international arrivals facility. Connected to Terminal 1 by free shuttle bus.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at RDU
Delta Air Lines
Terminal 2
Southwest Airlines
Terminal 1
Aer Lingus
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Air France
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Terminal 2Showing 8 of 19 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
GoTriangle Bus Route 100 connects to Raleigh and Durham. GoRaleigh Route 22 serves Raleigh. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft available at ground transportation areas. Hotel shuttles serve many area hotels.
Taxi
$25-35 to downtown Raleigh
20-25 minutes to city center
Public Transport
$2.50 (GoTriangle)
30-40 minutes to downtown Raleigh to city center
Parking at RDU
Short-term from $3/hr, daily parking from $12/day. Economy lots from $8/day with free shuttle....
Hourly Deck
Daily Decks (1 & 2)
Economy Lots 2 & 3
Airport Lounges
Club RDU
Terminal 2
Modern independent lounge in Terminal 2 featuring locally sourced food and North Carolina craft beer and wine. Comfortable seating with runway views and plenty of power outlets.
Delta Sky Club
Terminal 2
Standard Delta Sky Club offering complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Comfortable workspace for business travelers.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Cambria Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport
Located on Airport Blvd, 5 minutes from terminals
Modern hotel with free airport shuttle, fitness center, and on-site bar. Contemporary rooms with workspaces ideal for business travelers.
Hilton Garden Inn RDU Airport
National Dr, 3 minutes from terminals
Full-service hotel with free airport shuttle, indoor pool, and restaurant. Day rooms available. Walking distance to the terminal complex.
Food & Dining
Jason's Deli
American Deli
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Popular deli chain offering sandwiches, soups, salads, and a salad bar. Good for a quick, healthier meal option.
5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
42nd St. Oyster Bar
Seafood
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Outpost of the beloved downtown Raleigh seafood institution. Fresh oysters, shrimp and grits, and North Carolina-style seafood. Craft beer selection features local NC breweries.
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
La Farm Bakery
French Bakery
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Acclaimed artisan bakery from Cary, NC. Fresh-baked croissants, breads, and pastries. The pain au chocolat and seasonal soups are standouts.
5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
Rental Car Facility, 1001 Trade Dr
Located at the consolidated Rental Car Facility with free shuttle from baggage claim. A car is recommended for exploring the Research Triangle area.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Rental Car Facility, 1001 Trade Dr
Full selection of vehicles. Enterprise Plus members enjoy expedited service.
Avis
Rental Car Facility, 1001 Trade Dr
Standard rental selection at the consolidated facility. Same free shuttle as all rental companies.
What to Do During a Layover
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
RDU Observation Park
Free outdoor observation area near the airport with close-up views of aircraft takeoffs and landings. Includes picnic tables and educational displays about aviation. Perfect for plane spotting.
North Carolina Museum of Art
World-class art museum with free general admission, located 15 minutes from the airport. Features a 164-acre park with outdoor sculptures and trails. The permanent collection spans 5,000 years of art.
Downtown Durham Food Scene
Explore Durham's nationally recognized food scene with award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, and the Durham Food Hall. About 20 minutes from the airport.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type A/B (US), USB at most gates
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: USD (US Dollar)
- Exchange: Travelex in Terminal 2, International Arrivals
- Hours: Varies by flight schedule
- Tipping: Tipping is expected. 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters, 15-20% for taxis.
Limited exchange options at the airport. Use ATMs or exchange currency before arriving.
Smoking Areas
No indoor smoking. Designated outdoor smoking areas outside each terminal before security.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +1 919-840-2100
Contact RDU Airport Authority for items lost in the terminal. Contact your airline for items left on aircraft.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries ($21). Others need a pre-approved visa.
Valid passport and ESTA or visa for international travelers. US domestic passengers need valid government-issued ID. Limited international service (seasonal Icelandair to Reykjavik).
When to Fly
Best time: March-May and September-November for pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
Peak seasons: Summer months, Thanksgiving, December holidays, ACC/NCAA basketball tournament (March)
Insider Tips
RDU is known for its rocking chairs at the gates — a beloved Southern touch. The airport is easy to navigate and rarely has long security lines. Terminal 2 has the best dining options. The Observation Park outside the airport is great for plane spotting with kids.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Observation Park with airplane viewing area. Pet relief areas in both terminals. Nursing rooms. Family restrooms. Art exhibits. Rocking chairs throughout concourses (a North Carolina tradition).
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