Raleigh-Durham International Airport – RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves as a major gateway to North Carolina. It is strategically located between the cities of Raleigh and Durham, serving both cities equally. The airport also plays a major role in serving the bustling Research Triangle area known around the world for its major universities and thriving technology industry. According to various survey reports the airport helps to handle more than 11 million passengers on both domestic and international flights every year.
RDU or Raleigh-Durham International Airport features two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is smaller than the second one and operates a select number of flights.
Table of Contents
RDU Airport Address: Location, Map, and Phone Number Details
| Airport Name | Raleigh-Durham International Airport |
| Airport IATA Code | RDU |
| Airport Address | 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560, United States |
| Passenger Terminals | Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 |
| Destinations Served | 60 Domestic Destinations 10 International Destinations |
| RDU Airport Phone Number | (919) 840-2123 |
| Passenger Foot Traffic | Around 14.5 million |
| Distance Raleigh | 14 Miles |
| Distance from Durham | 10 Miles |
| Official Airport Website | https://www.rdu.com |
| RDU Facebook Page | https://www.facebook.com/rduairport |
| RDU Instagram Page | https://www.instagram.com/flyrdu |
| RDU Twitter Page | https://x.com/rduairport |
| RDU Youtube Page | www.youtube.com/@RDUAirport |
RDU Airport Map, Facilities & Services
RDU Airport Terminals
Whether you are arriving at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport or flying out from the airport, you need to contact the terminal assigned to your boarding passes. There are two terminals in Raleigh-Durham International Airport named Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The parking garages are situated between these 2 terminals. You can access other important areas from these 2 terminals through a looping road. Rental car offices also sit on the southwest side of the terminals, along with the cell phone waiting lot.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is comparatively small and used by Southwest Airlines for operating domestic flights. This Terminal is across 2 levels, ground, and upper level. Ticketing, baggage claim, and ground transportation are available on the ground level. And the security checkpoint and departure concourse can be found on the upper level.
The ground level features a tunnel that leads you to the parking garage and to Terminal 2. The upper-level concourse is connected with 9 gates numbered A1-A9. In these concourses, you can find a small selection of world-renowned shops and restaurants.
Terminal 2
This Terminal also has 2 levels. Baggage claim, and ground transportation facilities all are available on the ground level. You can find the ticketing area and the security checkpoint at the upper level of the terminal.
The upper level consists of 2 concourses. Concourse C is situated just on the right side of the security checkpoint and is connected by 19 gates numbered C1, C3, C7 to C12, C14 to C18, and C20 to C25. Besides all these facilities, this terminal has a good selection of branded shops, restaurants, and 2 lounges named Admirals Club and Delta Sky Club can be found
opposite gate C3.
Located left side of terminal 2, this concourse is connected by 17 gates numbered D1, D3, D5, D6, and D8 to D20. This concourse also has a good selection of world-renowned shops, restaurants, and a lounge named United Club.
Airlines and Destinations
At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Passengers will enjoy convenient and seamless travel. Here you can enjoy all advanced check-in facilities, luggage services, and other recreational facilities, which will make your travel experience seamless.
Airlines and Destinations
At Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Passengers will enjoy convenient and seamless travel. Here you can enjoy all advanced check-in facilities, luggage services, and other recreational facilities, which will make your travel experience seamless.
| (Passenger Services) | ||
| Airline | Destinations | Terminal(s) |
| Aeroméxico | Mexico City | Terminal 2 |
| Air Canada Express | Toronto–Pearson | Terminal 2 |
| Air France | Paris–Charles de Gaulle | Terminal 2 |
| American Airlines | Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Washington D.C. | Terminal 2 |
| Avelo Airlines | Albany, Fort Myers, Manchester (NH), New Haven, Rochester (NY) | Terminal 1 |
| Breeze Airways | Akron/Canton, Columbus–Glenn, Daytona Beach, Hartford, Long Island/Islip, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Providence, San Diego, Sarasota, Tampa, West Palm Beach, White Plains Seasonal: Burlington (VT), Fort Myers, Jacksonville (FL), Portland (ME), Syracuse | Terminal 1 |
| Copa Airlines | Panama City | Terminal 2 |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Washington D.C., Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Cancún | Terminal 2 |
| Southwest Airlines | Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Nashville, Orlando, St. Louis, Tampa, Dallas–Love, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston–Hobby Seasonal: Kansas City, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Phoenix–Sky Harbor | Terminal 1 |
| United Airlines | Chicago–O’Hare, Denver, San Francisco, Washington–Dulles, Houston–Intercontinental, Newark | Terminal 2 |
| Alaska Airlines | Seattle | Terminal 1 |
| Icelandair | Reykjavík–Keflavík | Terminal 2 |
| JetBlue Airways | Boston, Cancún, Fort Lauderdale, New York–JFK, Orlando, San Juan | Terminal 2 |
| Spirit Airlines | Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami | Terminal 1 |
| Allegiant Air | Cincinnati, Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Las Vegas, Orlando | Terminal 2 |
| Frontier Airlines | Atlanta, Boston, Chicago–O’Hare, Philadelphia, San Juan, Tampa, Denver, Miami, New York–LaGuardia, Orlando Seasonal: Buffalo, Chicago–Midway, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Portland (ME), Syracuse, Trenton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Hartford, Houston–Intercontinental, Indianapolis, New Orleans | Terminal 2 |
| Silver Airways | Fort Lauderdale | Terminal 1 |
| Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis/St. Paul | Terminal 1 |
(Cargo Services)
| Airlines | Destinations Covered |
| FedEx Express | Indianapolis, Memphis, Atlanta, Greensboro, Harrisburg, Newark |
| DHL Express | Major international destinations |
| UPS Airlines | Louisville, Manteo/Dare County, New Bern, Ontario, Wilmington (NC), Atlanta, Charlotte, Edenton, Greensboro, Greenville/Spartanburg, Jacksonville (NC), Orlando |
| Amazon Air | Major U.S. cities |
Global Entry
Raleigh-Durham International Airport features Global Entry kiosks found at RDU. It helps passengers expedite clearance who arrive in the U.S. on international flights. Unfortunately, the airport does not have a Global Entry Enrollment Center. So, approved passengers need to go to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to attend the interview.
TSA Pre Check
There you can also find the TSA PreCheck lanes situated both on the security checkpoints. Opening hours vary. Before applying, you should check on the TSA website. The approved passengers contact the TSA enrollment center located near the baggage claim area from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Inter-Terminal Transport
1. Walking
A walkway connects the two terminals and the garage, which makes access much easier for passengers. Access to the parking garage is via an underground tunnel from Terminal 2 via a walkway. Passengers can easily walk to John Brantley Boulevard from outside Terminal 1 via the walkway. But in this case, it will take about 5 to 10 minutes.
2.Terminal Shuttle
Passengers can use the shuttle bus to connect Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 which runs from the economy parking lots.
3. Transportation to and from the airport
There are multiple options to reach from or to the airport. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is accessible by major highways within the city. The airport and key points in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill are connected by public transit links. Taxi services and rideshares like Uber and Lyft provide travel solutions directly from the airport to these destinations.
4. Bus
GoTriangle Route 100 bus is the best option to reach the airport from various destinations in the city. These buses run between the airport west and the regional transit center. Buses depart from Zones 2 and 3 of Terminal 1 and Zones 6 and 7 of Terminal 2.
5. Shuttles
Hotel Shuttles: most of the hotels near the Research Triangle region offer complimentary shuttle services to the airport. These shuttles run from the red zones outside of the terminals. Private and Shared Shuttles: These shuttles are available from the brown area of the outside baggage claim of the RDU.
5. Taxi
Taxis can be found from outside of both terminals. These ride options are available outside baggage claim at the north end of Terminal 1 and at the lower level outside the north end of Terminal 2.
6. Rideshare
Rideshare such as Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are authorized to operate from and to the RDU. But these are available online pre-booked.
7. Economy parking
Multipurpose parking is available at RDU. Here you will find hourly, daily, and economy lots catering to various travel needs. Located in front of Terminal 2, hourly parking is ideal for short visits, providing an affordable option with daily parking. For longer journeys, the economy lot is ideal which offers the lowest rates. There is a regular shuttle service to the parking lot at the terminals. Again, the premium parking option is ideal for those looking for proximity.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport Lounges - RDU
The RDU is designed in a user-friendly way. Airport Authority always strives to provide the best service to passengers. The airport has 4 lounges named American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Air Lines Sky Club, United Club, and USO Lounge, located at terminal 2. Passengers waiting for a long flight do not face any problems at the airport. Among the Longes, Delta and USO offer completely free off-cost services.
Find the Best and Pocket-Friendly Hotels
The Hyatt Place Raleigh Durham Airport is just located a half-mile from the airport. Besides this, It is located within close proximity to Research Triangle Park. The pet-friendly hotel offers all luxurious amenities such as an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and free breakfast for all guests at just 5,000 points per night!
Four Points by Sheraton – Raleigh-Durham Airport is located in at the central area of Raleigh. It offers easy access to Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Guests can enjoy all luxurious amenities such as an indoor pool, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, free breakfast, and also complimentary airport shuttle, at just 15,000 to 20,000 points per night.
Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham makes you feel like your home with all of the amenities required for an enjoyable stay, like a free airport shuttle, 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, business center, on-site restaurant, etc. For one night room booking you need to pay between 22,000 and 40,000 points per night.
| Hotels | Address and Phone Number |
| The Umstead Hotel and Spa | 100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC 27518 • +1-866-877-4141 |
| Hyatt Place Raleigh-Durham Airport | 200 Airgate Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560 • +1-919-405-2400 |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh-Durham Airport | 8001 Arco Corporate Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617 • +1-919-572-2200 |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport | 920 Slater Rd, Durham, NC 27703 • +1-919-998-9500 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport | 10600 Little Brier Creek Ln, Raleigh, NC 27617 • +1-919-472-1000 |
| Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport | 1500 RDU Center Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560 • +1-919-840-8088 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport | 10600 Little Brier Creek Ln, Raleigh, NC 27617 • +1-919-472-1005 |
| Comfort Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport | 4507 Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27604 • +1-919-878-9055 |
| Days Inn by Wyndham Raleigh-Airport | 1000 Airport Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560 • +1-919-234-5211 |
| Extended Stay America – Raleigh – Airport | 2700 Slater Rd, Morrisville, NC 27560 • +1-919-380-1499 |
RDU Airport Restaurants: Available Dining and Shopping Options
| Restaurants (Food and Beverages) | ||
| Name | Location | Opening Hours |
| Chick-fil-A | Terminal 1, Gate C12 | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Starbucks | Terminal 1, Gate C5 | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Caribou Coffee | Terminal 1, Gate C12 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Jersey Mike’s | Terminal 1, Gate C2 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Pei Wei Asian Diner | Terminal 2, Gate D1 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| TGI Fridays | Terminal 2, Gate D11 | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Dunkin’ | Terminal 2, Gate D8 | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Café Raleigh | Terminal 2, Gate D9 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Beef ‘O’ Brady’s | Terminal 2, Gate D3 | 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Oren’s Hummus | Terminal 2, Gate D10 | 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| La Tapenade | Terminal 1, Gate C7 | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| The Flying Biscuit Café | Terminal 1, Gate C6 | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Retail, Concessions, and Duty-free | ||
| Name | Location | Opening Hours |
| Hudson News | Terminal 1, Near Gate C8 | 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM4 am — 12:30 am |
| The Flight Deck Bar & Grill | Terminal 2, Near Gate D9 | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Starbucks | Terminal 1, Near Gate C5 | 4:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Chick-fil-A | Terminal 2, Near Gate D5 | 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| TGI Fridays | Terminal 2, Near Gate D7 | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Caribou Coffee | Terminal 1, Near Gate C6 | 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Lindt Chocolate Shop | Terminal 2, Near Gate D2 | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Sunglass Hut | Terminal 2, Near Gate D4 | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Dunkin’ Donuts | Terminal 1, Near Gate C3 | 4:30 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Duty-Free Americas | Terminal 2, Near Gate D3 | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Additional Conveniences and Facilities Found at Raleigh-Durham International Airport
For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout both terminals of the airport. As a result, waiting passengers do not have to face difficulties in doing official work. Also, comfortable seating and premium lounges are great for relaxing or working. RDU always focuses on the accessibility of their passengers. Wheelchair service and accessible restrooms are ideal for assisting passengers with disabilities.
The airport offers from fast food centers to full-service restaurants featuring both local and international specialties. There are different types of food options available at the airport. Local boutiques that highlight the unique culture and products of North Carolina offer a variety of shopping options at RDU. Also here you will find several national and international retail brands offering travelers a wide selection of everything from souvenirs to travel essentials.
RDU provides different child-friendly facilities to their family travelers including designated play areas and nurseries, that make your traveling with children become smoother. RDU is dedicated to providing a smooth and pleasant travel experience to all passengers. Though the airport is not on the list of top pet-friendly airports, but here traveling with a Pet is extremely easy as RDU consists 2 pet relief areas located in both Terminal 1 and 2
ATMs, Banks, and Currency Exchange or Forex
Passengers going out of the USA through this airport or coming from a foreign destination do not suffer from any currency-related problems. Raleigh-Durham International Airport has 2 Currency exchange services, which are located in the Terminal 2 ticketing lobby and in the baggage claim. There are lots of ATMs in the airport baggage claim areas and concourses at both terminals. So, passengers do not face any money-related problems.
Final Thoughts
In 2017, RDU received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration for airport expansion through 2040. This Vision 2040 plan includes the expansion of gates at Terminals 1 and 2, the opening of a new rental car center, and improvements to ground transportation facilities and some parking lots. It is believed that the airport’s passenger handling capacity will increase by 30% once this project is completed. This airport has dedicated itself to passenger facilities.
FAQs:
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is situated approximately 11 miles or 18 km) from downtown Raleigh city and 10 miles or 17 km) from downtown Durham city. The airport sits in between the two cities and serves both destinations.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport consists of 2 terminals named Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is used by Southwest Airlines for operating their domestic and international flight which has 1 concourse and Terminal 2 is divided into 2 concourses.
Yes, you can find the dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at both security checkpoints. Its Opening hours vary so you have to check the TSA website.
