Jazmin Li
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) offers a range of parking options for travellers wishing to leave their cars at the airport. From economy lots to off-site parking, there are various choices to suit different budgets and preferences. While some travellers opt for the convenience of long-term parking at the airport, others choose to take ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or even stay at a hotel nearby and use their shuttle service. The airport's official parking facilities have transitioned to a contactless system, allowing for online booking and payment without interacting with a cashier. With different rates and locations, travellers can make an informed decision based on their specific needs when choosing where to park their vehicles during their time away from Raleigh.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina |
| Airport Code | RDU |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Terminal 1 Airlines | Southwest |
| Terminal 2 Airlines | Delta, Alaska, Allegiant, Air Canada, American Airlines, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, United Airlines |
| Accepted Payment Methods | Major credit cards, debit cards |
| Booking Methods | Online, phone |
| Booking Window | 6 months to 24 hours in advance |
| Minimum Booking Duration | 4 hours |
| Shuttle Service | Available |
| Valet Service | Available |
| Smoking Policy | Only allowed in four bars in Terminals A and C |
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What You'll Learn
Long-term parking options at Raleigh-Durham Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport offers a range of long-term parking options for travellers. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 serving Southwest Airlines exclusively and Terminal 2 serving all other airlines.
There are several parking lots available at the airport, including Economy Lots 3 and 4, which offer cheaper rates compared to other lots. Economy Lot 3 is conveniently located right off I40 and costs $8 per day. It provides a 24/7 shuttle service that arrives every 20 minutes to pick up and drop off passengers at the terminal. Economy Lot 4 is priced at $7 per day and is situated at the back of the airport, making it less accessible for some travellers.
For those seeking long-term parking, the airport provides an option priced at $7 or $8 per day, which includes a shuttle service to the terminal. Additionally, some hotels near the airport, such as Hampton and Courtyard, may offer complimentary parking for guests who stay the night before their flight. This option often includes a hotel shuttle service as well.
It is recommended to book parking in advance, and the airport accepts reservations up to six months ahead of time. Payments can be made via major credit cards at drive-up pay stations or pay-on-foot self-service kiosks. Raleigh-Durham International Airport no longer accepts cash payments. For travellers without credit cards, ReadySTATION® kiosks are available in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the parking office.
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Off-site parking lots
Location and Accessibility:
Cost-Effectiveness:
Security and Staffing:
When selecting an off-site parking lot, it's essential to consider the security measures in place. Look for lots that have staff on hand 24/7 to enhance security and provide assistance. For instance, Fast Park & Relax is recommended by some users due to its covered parking and staff presence, reducing the likelihood of break-ins.
Booking and Payment Options:
RDU's official parking accepts online bookings, offering a contactless payment system. You can book up to six months in advance, but note that bookings must be made at least 24 hours ahead. While on-site parking no longer accepts cash, off-site lots may offer more flexibility, accepting cash, credit, or debit cards.
Hotel Parking Options:
If you're staying in a hotel near the airport the night before your flight, consider leaving your car in the hotel's lot. Some hotels, such as Hampton and Courtyard, may allow you to use their parking lot for free if you're a guest. This option can be convenient, especially if the hotel provides an early shuttle service to the airport.
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Booking and payment methods
Yes, you can leave your car at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). The airport offers a pre-booking option online for flyers to reserve a spot ahead of time. This is recommended to avoid the stress of searching for parking spaces at the last minute.
RDU offers a "contactless" technology system that allows guests to book and pay for parking without interacting with a cashier. Guests should book parking at least 24 hours in advance using the airport's online booking system. You can access this system on the RDU website.
Upon booking, you will receive a QR code and a license plate reader that automatically opens the gate at the entrance and exit. You can print out the QR code or have it ready on your phone, as you will need it to access the parking facility.
At the end of your stay, your credit card will be automatically charged for the amount of time you parked. All major credit cards are accepted at drive-up pay stations and pay-on-foot self-service kiosks. Guests without cards may use one of the ReadySTATION® kiosks available in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or the parking office located at the Airport Operations Center. Cash is no longer accepted as a payment option.
If you have any questions about your payment, you can make an inquiry in writing or via email to the Parking Department. If you are paying in a foreign currency, the foreign exchange rate charged to your credit card is applied at the time you make your online booking and is set by your credit card company. The Authority does not accept responsibility for any fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate.
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Short-term parking options
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) offers a range of parking options for travellers looking for short-term parking.
Firstly, it is important to note that the airport has gone cashless, and all major credit cards are accepted at drive-up pay stations and pay-on-foot self-service kiosks. Guests without cards can use the ReadySTATION® kiosks available in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or the parking office.
For short-term parking, the airport offers two options: Daily and Hourly. The Daily rate starts at $1 per hour for Economy parking and goes up to $5 per hour for Express Parking. The Hourly rate starts at $2 per hour and is available for stays of up to 24 hours.
If you are looking for parking closer to the terminals, the ParkRDU Central car park is a good option, with rates starting at $12 to $15 per day. This parking deck is conveniently located between the two terminals, allowing for quick access to your vehicle.
If you are looking for an even more affordable option, ParkRDU Economy lots 3 and 4 offer rates as low as $7 to $8 per day. These lots are located off I-40 and include a 24/7 shuttle service that takes you directly to the terminal.
When parking at RDU, it is recommended to book your parking at least 24 hours in advance using their online booking system. You can book up to six months in advance, and this ensures a smooth and contactless parking experience.
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Shuttle services to and from the airport
If you're looking for shuttle services to and from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, there are a few options to consider.
Public Transport
The GoTriangle Route 100 and RDU Shuttle bus routes provide public bus services from the airport to its Regional Transit Center, where you can connect to bus routes throughout the region. At Terminal 1, you can pick up the GoTriangle service between Zone 2/3, and at Terminal 2, the service is available at Zone 6/7.
Hotel Shuttles
If you're staying in a hotel near the airport, some hotels may offer complimentary shuttle services for their guests. For example, the Hampton and Courtyard hotels off I-40 at Airport Blvd have been known to allow guests to leave their vehicles in their lot for free. It's worth checking with your hotel to see if they provide a similar service.
Private Shuttle Services
There are also private shuttle services available, such as My RDU Airport Shuttle and Skylink Shuttle, which offer transportation to and from the airport. These services cater to individuals and groups, with My RDU Airport Shuttle accommodating up to 57 passengers. They provide flat-rate shuttle services throughout the Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill regions, and you can book reservations up to 24 hours in advance.
Ride-sharing Apps
Additionally, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft can be an option for travelling to and from the airport. However, it's important to note that users have reported mixed experiences with these services, and the cost can add up, especially for longer trips.
When considering shuttle services, it's always a good idea to plan ahead and book in advance if possible, especially if you require early morning pickups or have a large group.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport offers a variety of parking options, including long-term, short-term, valet service, and off-site parking. The off-site option is the cheapest, with rates starting at $5.75 per day.
The airport no longer accepts cash payments. All major credit cards are accepted at drive-up pay stations and pay-on-foot self-service kiosks. Guests without cards can use the ReadySTATION® kiosks in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or the parking office.
No, the airport requires that you book your parking at least 24 hours in advance using their online booking system.
