Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is approximately 20 km northwest of downtown Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina. The journey takes 20-30 minutes by car or rideshare, though public transit options require more time and transfers.

About Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh has transformed into one of the most dynamic small city centers in the American South. Fayetteville Street, the main pedestrian-friendly boulevard, is lined with restaurants, craft breweries, and locally-owned shops. The North Carolina State Capitol, a Greek Revival masterpiece from 1840, anchors the southern end, while the Raleigh Convention Center and performing arts venues form the northern anchor.

The Warehouse District, west of downtown, has become Raleigh's arts and creative hub, with contemporary art galleries, studios, the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM Raleigh), and a thriving craft cocktail scene. The adjacent Glenwood South neighborhood adds nightlife energy with rooftop bars and live music venues. Together with the Moore Square area to the east, these districts give downtown a walkable, diverse character.

Raleigh takes its nickname "City of Oaks" seriously, with extensive urban tree canopy and excellent parks. The North Carolina Museum of Art, set within a 164-acre park with outdoor sculpture trails, is free and world-class. The vibrant food scene reflects the city's growing diversity, with acclaimed restaurants serving everything from Eastern NC barbecue to elevated Southern cuisine, and a coffee culture rivaling much larger cities.

Nearby Landmarks

NC State Capitol NC Museum of Art Warehouse District Fayetteville Street Pullen Park

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 $20-30
Time 20-25 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Exit RDU Terminal 2 arrivals and find the GoTriangle bus stop (ground transportation level)
2. Board GoTriangle Route 100 toward Downtown Raleigh (runs every 20-30 min, $2.50)
3. Ride to the Moore Square Transit Station in downtown Raleigh (approximately 35-45 min)
4. Walk to Fayetteville Street and the downtown core (5 min)
5. Alternatively, Uber/Lyft from the terminal 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 $20-30 20-25 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

GoTriangle Route 100 bus runs until approximately 10:00 PM on weekdays. After that, Uber and Lyft are readily available at RDU, costing $18-25 to downtown Raleigh. Taxis are available at the terminal but less common than rideshare. Downtown Raleigh has active weekend nightlife keeping rideshare available.

Luggage Tips

The GoTriangle bus accommodates luggage but may be crowded during commute hours. Rideshare or taxi is more practical with heavy bags. Downtown Raleigh is compact and walkable — most hotels are within a few blocks of the Fayetteville Street corridor.

Accessibility

RDU airport is fully ADA accessible. GoTriangle buses have wheelchair ramps and designated spaces. Downtown Raleigh has modern ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb cuts. The NC Museum of Art has full wheelchair accessibility including the outdoor trails.