Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is about 19 km southeast of downtown Durham, a dynamic city known for its food scene, Duke University, and tobacco heritage architecture. The drive takes 20-30 minutes via I-40 West.

About Downtown Durham

Downtown Durham has emerged as one of America's most exciting small cities, built around the revitalized American Tobacco Campus — a former Lucky Strike cigarette factory transformed into a stunning mixed-use complex of restaurants, offices, and event spaces centered on a landscaped water feature. The Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC), adjacent to the campus, is consistently ranked among the top-selling theater venues in the country.

Duke University's Gothic campus, with its magnificent Duke Chapel featuring a 210-foot tower, defines the city's western edge and contributes a youthful, intellectual energy. The Nasher Museum of Art on campus houses important collections of contemporary and medieval art. The nearby Brightleaf Square, another tobacco warehouse conversion, adds boutique shopping and dining.

Durham's food scene has garnered national attention, with a concentration of James Beard-nominated restaurants that belies its modest size. The Durham Food Hall showcases local vendors, while Ninth Street and the Main Street corridor offer farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and coffee roasters. The city's civil rights heritage is honored at the Parrish Street district (once called 'Black Wall Street') and the Hayti Heritage Center.

Nearby Landmarks

American Tobacco Campus Duke University Duke Chapel Durham Performing Arts Center Brightleaf Square

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $25-35
Time 20-25 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $20-28
Time 20-25 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit RDU Terminal 2 and find the GoTriangle bus stop at ground transportation
2. Board a GoTriangle bus toward Durham (routes vary, check schedule, $2.50)
3. Ride to Durham Station or downtown Durham stops (30-45 min)
4. Walk to the American Tobacco Campus or your hotel (5-10 min from the transit station)
5. Alternatively, Uber/Lyft from RDU costs $18-25 and takes 20-30 min

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $25-35 20-25 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $20-28 20-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

GoTriangle buses to Durham run until about 10:00 PM on weekdays. After that, Uber and Lyft from RDU to downtown Durham cost $18-25. Durham's nightlife is concentrated around Brightleaf Square and the American Tobacco area, keeping rideshare available on weekends.

Luggage Tips

The GoTriangle bus has luggage space but the route to Durham involves several stops. Rideshare is more convenient with heavy bags. Downtown Durham is walkable from the American Tobacco Campus area to most hotels and attractions within a 10-minute walk.

Accessibility

RDU is fully ADA accessible. GoTriangle buses have wheelchair access. Downtown Durham has modern sidewalks and ADA compliance. Duke University's West Campus has accessible pathways. The American Tobacco Campus is flat and fully accessible.