Passengers have the option to pass through general security checkpoints as well as TSA Pre-Check lanes and CLEAR identity verification kiosks.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
RDU airport offers a uniquely pleasant experience to all types of travelers. Knowing a bit more before you go will ensure a seamless arrival or departure.
More than half of the US population lives within a day's drive or an hour's flight of Durham.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), an east coast hub, was the nation's fastest-growing top 50 airport in 2023 and serves Durham and the rest of the Triangle region of North Carolina. RDU is located at the edge of Wake County, midway between the cities of Durham and Raleigh, which co-own the airport along with the counties of Durham and Wake.
Additionally, there are many transportation options for traveling to Durham and getting around after arrival. Interstates 85 and 40, plus US Highways 70 and 15-501, connect Durham to the rest of the country.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Since 1939, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority has played a central role in the growth of the Research Triangle Region. Situated 14 miles from downtown Durham, RDU has a plethora of offerings for travelers to the area.
An East Coast Hub
When you arrive at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), you’ll be greeted with the sights, sounds and tastes of Durham and the whole region. But don’t be fooled, Southern accents and sweet tea are only part of the appeal of this rapidly-growing area anchored by top tier universities, a thriving research and technology center, cutting-edge medical services and research, along with world class culture and entertainment. Part of the charm of Durham includes how easy it is to get from the airport to dozens of destinations in North Carolina and beyond.
About Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Whether you’re coming from New York or New Delhi, Durham is a great place to visit. Every year, more than 11.8 million passengers fly through RDU. Durham’s central location in the middle of the East Coast makes it one of the most convenient travel destinations in the region. Adding to the convenience factor, RDU is truly a dream to fly in and out of. It is such a great airport, it ranked at number five on JD Power's 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study for Large Airports. More than 16 air carriers fly from RDU to more than 70 nonstop destinations. With more than 350 daily flights, RDU also offers direct flights to and from international cities like Reykjavik, London, Paris, Frankfurt, San Juan, Mexico City, Cancun, Montreal, Toronto and Panama City. See a current list of all the nonstop destinations served from RDU.
Gateway to Durham and The Triangle Region
As soon as you land at RDU, you’ll be glad to see how close everything is both at the airport and in the region. The airport is located in Wake County and serves the Research Triangle and Piedmont regions of North Carolina. RDU is centrally located in North Carolina between Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. From RDU it takes less than 30 minutes to get to each city by car.
Because of Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s hyphenated name, you might be surprised to learn that Raleigh and Durham are two distinct cities located about 25 miles apart. Don’t get confused; the terms “Raleigh-Durham” and “RDU” only apply to the airport itself. Conveniently, you can see both cities and adjacent areas during one trip to the region – travel northwest for about 15 minutes by car to reach downtown Durham, or southeast for about the same distance to arrive in Raleigh.
After you land at RDU, take a rental car, or use a rideshare app, taxi or bus to get where you’re going. When you’re in Durham, make sure to see places and districts in Durham like Duke University, Ninth Street, Downtown Durham, and the Southpoint district. All are less than a 20 minute drive from RDU.
What are the Terminals at RDU?
Upon arrival, you will deplane at either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, which both serve international, national and regional airlines. Terminal 1 opened in 1955 and was modernized in 2014. It currently has nine gates and is slated for another upcoming renovation. Airlines that use Terminal 1 include Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit and Sun Country.
The larger Terminal 2 opened in 2008 with 36 gates and tall, arched ceilings with wood and steel beams and large glass windows. Terminal 2 hosts Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Allegiant, American, Bahamas Air, Copa, Delta, Frontier, Icelandair, JetBlue and United.
What Accessibility and Assistance Options are Available at RDU?
If you need an extra hand, RDU offers accessibility services in parking facilities and shuttles, as well as in security for mobility aids, medicines, service animals and more. The airport has also launched the Sunflower program to make travel easier for those with hidden disabilities. The program offers free wearable sunflower items to those who need extra assistance, but prefer to be discreet. The sunflowers alert airport workers that a traveler may need extra time or assistance due to dementia, autism, learning difficulties, physical or mental health conditions, and mobility or speech impairments. Learn more and read the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.
What are the Durham-based Dining and Shopping Options RDU?
Discover a taste of Durham while waiting for your next flight. The popular Durham-based Beyu Caffé serves customers food and coffee from a storefront outside of the secure area in Terminal 2. Beyu Caffé and the Durham-based and beloved American Meltdown grilled cheese restaurant are also accessible to visitors inside Terminal 2 from the getReef virtual food hall. Additionally, find made-from-scratch cupcakes from Durham bakery Favor Desserts at Ready to Fly Grab & Go in Terminal 1 and 2 or at Petit Gourmet in Terminal 2.
Sip on coffee from Durham-based Counter Culture Coffee at La Farm Bakery in Terminal 2. Shop goods from local artisans at Root & Branch in Terminal 2 and Triangle Market in Terminal 1. Durham Distillery has opened its latest concoction at RDU. Conniption Cocktails and Cuisine is a bar and lounge similar to the distillery’s Durham bar Conniption Bar & Lounge. The stylish space in Terminal 2 features popular gin-based cocktails and several food pairings.
How to Spend a Layover at RDU
If you have some extra time at the airport, use the free Wi-Fi that’s available in all terminals. If you drain your device’s battery, it’s no problem since there are power outlets with 110 volt and USB power outlets in seats, in seating areas and under tabletop surfaces.
If you’re a member at an airline club, stop by the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Airlines Sky Club or United Club in Terminal 2.
For longer waits, stay the night in a comfortable hotel room. Dozens of hotels are a short drive from RDU with more than 45 lodging properties accessible by airport shuttle. Options include Comfort Suites RTP, Delta Hotels by Marriott Raleigh-Durham, Doubletree by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport at RTP, Doubletree Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn Research Triangle Park, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport at RTP, Homewood Suites, Marriott at Research Triangle Park, Sheraton Imperial, Spring Hill Suites RDU/RTP, and Wingate by Wyndham RDU. Learn more about Durham’s lodging properties.
Bringing a lot of Luggage?
Don’t break your back! Luggage carts are available in the baggage claim areas, on terminal curbs and in the parking garage atrium. The service is called Smarte Carte and rentals are $5 with a 25 cent refund upon return.
Airport Parking at RDU
Do you need to park a vehicle? RDU has a central garage and lot within walking distance from the terminals, along with economy lots accessible by shuttle outside the terminals every 11 minutes. There are five different parking options at RDU which can be used with hourly and daily rates ranging from $3 per hour or $12 per day to $8 per hour or $32 per day. Check rdu.com/parking for availability and advance booking, though you don't have to book before you arrive. Check signage along the airport’s entrance for indications of which parking zones have availability.
How to Get to and From RDU
When you get here, it only takes about 20 minutes by car to get from RDU to downtown Durham, and 10-15 minutes to get to locations in Research Triangle Park.
From RDU, take ground services like taxis, hotel shuttles, rental cars, GoTriangle buses, and rideshare services. More information on public and private services is available at RDU's website.
If you want to rent a car, take a shuttle bus once exiting the terminals. All rental car services are located on airport property. Rental car companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt and Thrifty.
Growth at RDU
Be sure to come back to Durham again! RDU is growing and changing to offer even more convenient travel options. Upcoming projects include a runway replacement, security, baggage, and customs improvements in Terminal 2, and more than 3,000 additional spaces of economy parking.
Frequently Asked Questions about RDU
RDU recommends that passengers arrive two hours early for domestic flights, and three hours in advance for international flights. This should allow plenty of time for parking, check-in, security and finding your gate.
RDU is a hub for American and Avelo airlines.
American Airlines serves nearly 30% of customers traveling through RDU airport, making it the largest airline at the airport.
Airport transportation services include taxis, hotel shuttles, rental cars, GoTriangle buses, and rideshare services. Taxi zones are marked at each terminal, and more information on public and private services is available at rdu.com/ground-transportation.
Two terminals operate at RDU.
Terminal 1 was the airport’s original terminal, which opened in 1955. It was modernized in 2014 and has five gates in operation. Airlines serving Terminal 1 include Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Southwest, Spirit and Sun Country.
Terminal 2 opened in 2008 and has 36 gates in operation. Airlines serving Terminal 2 include Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air France, Allegiant, American, Bahamasair, Copa, Delta, Frontier, Icelandair, JetBlue and United.
As of July 2024, airlines at RDU serve 69 nonstop destinations, including seven international destinations, but this number is continually growing. See the RDU website for updates.
There are five different parking options at RDU which can be utilized with hourly and daily rates ranging from $3 per hour or $12 per day to $8 per hour or $32 per day. Two economy parking lots are accessible via airport shuttles, which operate approximately every 11 minutes. Check rdu.com/parking for availability and advance booking, though you don't have to book in advance.
There are three airline clubs within Terminal 2 – American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Airlines Sky Club and United Club.
RDU has a growing lineup of locally-owned and world-class dining options, including Durham-based Beyu Caffé, a cocktail bar from the owners of Durham Distillery and more. Stay up to date by checking the airport website.
RDU offers many services and considerations to ensure a smooth experience for all travelers. Accessibility features begin with parking facilities and shuttles and continue with security considerations for mobility aids, medicines, service animals and more. The airport has also launched the Sunflower program to make travel easier for those with hidden disabilities. Learn more and read the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights.
No matter where you’re coming from or where you’re going next, add Durham and RDU to your travel itinerary. Discover more about RDU.
