Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) Guide
Welcome to Raleigh Airport, the gateway to North Carolina's vibrant Research Triangle region. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, RDU offers a range of amenities and services to make your journey as smooth as possible. From award-winning dining options to convenient parking and transportation, our guide has everything you need to know to get from your door to your gate with ease.
Planning a trip from RDU Airport ? Our extensive guide is here to help. We've compiled all the information you need to navigate the airport, including up-to-date flight status and tracking, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, and directories of food and shopping options. For more detailed information on major commercial airports, visit iFly's Airport Guide. With our insider tips and helpful advice, you'll be ready to take off in no time.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours prior for international flights. The busiest times at RDU are typically early morning and late afternoon, so it is best to avoid these times if possible to reduce wait times and stress.
Getting to the Airport
RDU is located approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Raleigh and 15 miles northwest of downtown Durham. The airport is easily accessible by car, taxi, or rideshare service. If driving, there are several parking options available including hourly, daily, and economy parking. For those who prefer public transportation, the GoTriangle bus system provides service to the airport from various locations in the Triangle area.
Getting Oriented
Upon arrival at RDU, passengers can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps to easily navigate the airport and find their way to their gate, baggage claim, or other amenities. The maps provide detailed information on each terminal, including the location of restaurants, shops, and restrooms. Additionally, RDU offers a variety of services to assist passengers with disabilities or special needs, such as wheelchair assistance and service animal relief areas.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at RDU, passengers should arrive early, check in online before arriving at the airport, and pack their carry-on bags appropriately to ensure they comply with TSA regulations. It is also important to keep an eye on flight status updates and be prepared for potential delays or cancellations due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. RDU offers a variety of dining and shopping options to help pass the time while waiting for a flight.
Security Wait Times
At Raleigh RDU, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer than usual. However, the airport strives to keep wait times as short as possible by providing multiple security checkpoints and utilizing technology to expedite the screening process. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) Terminals
Navigating RDU's Terminals
Raleigh-Durham International Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 19 gates and is used by Southwest Airlines, while Terminal 2 has 36 gates and is used by all other airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
To navigate the airport terminals, passengers can follow the signs and information screens located throughout the airport. The terminals are connected by a walkway, and there is also a shuttle bus that runs between the terminals for passengers who need assistance or have a tight connection.
Both terminals offer a variety of food and beverage options, including fast food, coffee shops, and sit-down restaurants. There are also several shops and stores selling souvenirs, books, and travel essentials. Passengers can find airline departure gates by checking the information screens or asking for assistance from airport staff.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Raleigh-Durham Airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The terminals are connected by a covered walkway that takes approximately 10 minutes to walk between the two. If you have limited mobility or heavy luggage, there is a shuttle bus available to transport passengers between the terminals. The shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes and is free of charge.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're traveling through Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), you'll have plenty of options for dining and shopping. Popular restaurants include Salsarita's, Starbucks, and Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, while Marshall Rousso, Duty Free, and PGA Tour Shop are just a few of the top stores. For more detailed information about these and other great options at RDU, check out iFly's comprehensive list.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Raleigh-Durham International Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, view the comprehensive list here.
Airport Hotels
Are you looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? Look no further. We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best hotels near the airport, each offering a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and amenities. Our list includes a range of options from well-known chains like Hilton, Hyatt, and Radisson, to cozy options like Microtel Inn by Wyndham. Many of these hotels offer amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants. Some are also pet-friendly, ensuring your furry companions can stay with you. Explore our list and find the perfect hotel to suit your needs. Ready to book now? View all Raleigh Airport Hotels.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At RDU, picking up and dropping off passengers can be done at the curbside of the terminals. However, there are restrictions on curbside parking, so it is recommended to use the cell-phone waiting areas instead. These areas are located near each terminal and provide a convenient place to wait for arriving passengers without having to circle the airport or park illegally.
Terminal 1 has a cell-phone waiting area located on the left side of the entrance road, just before the terminal. Terminal 2 has a cell-phone waiting area located on the right side of the entrance road, just after the terminal. Once your arriving passenger has collected their baggage and is ready to be picked up, they can call or text you to let you know they are on their way to the curbside. This will allow you to pull up to the terminal and quickly pick them up without causing any traffic congestion or violating parking regulations.
Parking Facilities & Options
When it comes to parking at RDU Airport, travelers have several options to choose from. The airport offers both on-site parking and off-site parking options to cater to the needs of all travelers.
For those who prefer on-site parking, RDU offers several parking lots and garages located near both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The parking facilities are equipped with 24/7 security and surveillance to ensure the safety of parked vehicles.
If you are picking up someone from the airport, RDU also offers a cell phone waiting area where you can wait for your loved ones to arrive without having to pay for parking. The cell phone waiting area is located near the airport entrance and is equipped with free Wi-Fi.
RDU also provides handicapped parking facilities for travelers with disabilities. The parking spaces are located near the terminal entrances for easy access.
For travelers looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking facilities are available near RDU. These facilities offer shuttle services to and from the airport and are generally cheaper than on-site parking options.
Get details about RDU parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Travelers to the airport (RDU) have several ground transportation options to choose from.
Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National offering their services. The rental car facility is located adjacent to the airport and can be accessed via a shuttle service.
Taxi services are also available at RDU, with designated pick-up areas located outside of each terminal. The fares are metered and vary based on the destination.
Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at RDU, with designated pick-up areas located outside of each terminal. However, there are certain restrictions for these services, such as the requirement to have a smartphone and a valid credit card.
Airport shuttles are available for travelers who prefer a more convenient and hassle-free option. The shuttle service operates 24/7 and can be booked in advance or on the spot. The pick-up areas are located outside of each terminal, and fares vary based on the destination.
For budget-conscious travelers, public transportation options such as buses and trains are available. The GoTriangle bus service provides direct access to downtown Raleigh and Durham, while the Amtrak train service offers connections to major cities such as Charlotte and Washington D.C.
Passenger Services
Raleigh RDU (RDU) is committed to providing passengers with a comfortable and convenient travel experience. Here are some of the services available at the airport:
Wifi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Passengers can connect to the network by selecting the "RDU Free WiFi" option.
Lost and Found: The airport's Lost and Found office is located in Terminal 1 on the baggage claim level. Passengers who have lost an item can file a report online or in person.
Children's Areas: The airport has several play areas for children located in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. These areas are designed to keep children entertained and provide a safe space for them to play.
Special-Needs Services: RDU offers a range of services for passengers with disabilities or special needs. These include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and TTY phones for the hearing impaired.
Banking: There are several ATMs located throughout the airport, as well as a Travelex currency exchange kiosk in Terminal 2.
Medical Help: The airport has a medical clinic located in Terminal 2 near the baggage claim area. The clinic provides basic medical services, including first aid and flu shots.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay up-to-date with the status of your flight. At Raleigh-Durham Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status.
One of the easiest ways is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS) located throughout the terminals. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply find your flight on the display and check the status.
Another convenient way to stay informed is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to track your flight status, receive alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes, and even check in for your flight. You can also sign up to receive notifications via text, email, or push notifications.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Raleigh Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
RDU is located in North Carolina, United States. It serves the Research Triangle Region, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. RDU has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
The airport is served by various airlines, but the top airlines with the most daily flights are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. On average, RDU handles around 30,000 passengers daily and has approximately 400 daily flights.
RDU serves over 60 destinations, including domestic and international locations. The top five destinations served by RDU are Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York.
Several air carriers use RDU as a hub, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. These airlines offer connecting flights to various destinations across the United States and around the world.
Airport History
RDU Airport, also known as RDU, is located in Morrisville, North Carolina, United States. The airport first opened in 1943 as a training facility for World War II pilots. Since then, it has grown to become one of the busiest airports in the Southeastern United States.
Here are some significant events in the history of the airport:
- 1943 - Raleigh RDU opens as a training facility for World War II pilots.
- 1950s - The airport begins commercial passenger service.
- 1960s - The airport undergoes major renovations and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
- 1970s - The airport becomes a hub for American Airlines.
- 1980s - The airport expands its international service, with flights to London and Frankfurt.
- 1990s - The airport undergoes another major expansion, adding a new terminal and parking garage.
- 2000s - The airport adds more international destinations, including Paris and Cancun.
- 2010s - The airport continues to grow, with new airlines and destinations added regularly.
Today, Raleigh-Durham Airport serves millions of passengers each year and is an important gateway to the Southeastern United States.
Airport Contact Info
For more information about Raleigh Airport, please use the following contact information:
- Website: https://www.rdu.com/
- Phone: (919) 840-2123
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560, United States