Raleigh Durham International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (RDU)

How to get to Raleigh Durham International Airport

Both Raleigh and Durham are a few kilometers from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 30-40 minutes by GoTriangle bus depending on your destination.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach downtown Raleigh or Durham in approximately 20-30 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no railroad station at the airport: central North Carolina has no urban rail network reaching the airport.

By Bus

GoTriangle buses (Route 100 to Raleigh, RDU Shuttle to Regional Transit Center) stop at Zone 2/3 at Terminal 1 and Zone 6/7 at Terminal 2; single fare 2.25-2.50 USD (3 USD for express lines), with a daily spending cap and free transfers upon request to the driver.

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Tips Always ask the driver of the first bus for a free 'transfer card' if you need to change GoTriangle lines: it will save you from paying twice.

Average travel time to RDU

TrainNot available (Research Triangle has no urban rail network)

Shuttle bus30-40 min (2.25-3 USD, GoTriangle)

Taxi / Private hire20-30 min (30-45 USD)

Parking near Raleigh Durham International Airport

Economy Lot 4 costs $7/day; Economy Lot 3 $8/day; ParkRDU Express $12/day; Central costs $2/hour up to a maximum of $15/day; Premier $3/hour up to a maximum of $22/day.

How to get to Raleigh from RDU

By Train

There is no train station inside the airport.

By Bus

GoTriangle buses (Route 100, RDU Shuttle) connect the airport to Raleigh and the Regional Transit Center; fare $2.25-3 depending on the line.

By Taxi

A taxi or Uber/Lyft costs approximately $30-45 to Raleigh or Durham, with a trip of 20-30 minutes (plus tip 15-20%).

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Car rental at Raleigh Durham International Airport

All major car rental companies have desks in both terminals.

You will need a driver's license, passport and credit card in the driver's name; for a short stay, if you have a license in Latin characters, you do not need an IDP.

Hotels near Raleigh Durham International Airport

The airport sits in Brier Creek, a commercial area halfway between Raleigh and Durham, with several practical hotels just minutes from the terminals. Downtown Raleigh, on the other hand, is a 20-25 minute drive away, with no direct train: it's only worth heading there if you're staying more than one night or want to see the city. Anyone looking for upscale shopping and dining without downtown traffic can aim for North Hills, a modern district halfway between the airport and downtown, with shops and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.

Airport area

Airport area (Brier Creek)

7-9 minutes by car from the terminal, with a free shuttle for both hotels; Brier Creek Commons, with shops and restaurants, is a few minutes on foot.

Best for: Anyone with a dawn flight, a late-night arrival or a short stopover who doesn't want to rely on traffic into the city.

Pros

Free shuttle at any hour, no need to rely on buses or taxis
Brier Creek Commons just minutes away on foot for dinner, even late in the evening

Cons

A commercial area, not the historic center many expect to visit
Downtown Raleigh still needs a 20-25 minute drive

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

City centre

Downtown Raleigh

20-25 minutes by car or rideshare from the airport, up to over 30 at rush hour; no direct train or bus.

Best for: Anyone who wants the Convention Center, theaters and the restaurants of Fayetteville Street within walking distance of the hotel.

Pros

Fayetteville Street, the Convention Center and the Red Hat Amphitheater within walking distance
A good choice of recent hotels, well rated for cleanliness and service

Cons