Rdu Airport: Parking Lot Availability And Options

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is an international airport that serves Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina. It is the second-largest airport in the state, covering 5,000 acres with two terminals and three runways. RDU offers parking in several lots, including ParkRDU Central, ParkRDU Economy, and Premier parking. The airport also provides a free Cell Phone Lot for those waiting to pick up passengers. As part of the Vision 2040 Master Plan, RDU Airport Authority aims to expand parking lots and improve various other facilities by 2040.

RDU Airport Authority

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (IATA: RDU, ICAO: KRDU, FAA LID: RDU) is an international airport serving Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of North Carolina. It is the second-largest airport in the state, with nearly 600 daily aircraft operations and 15.5 million passengers served in 2024. The airport covers 5,000 acres and has two terminals with a total of 45 gates and three runways.

The RDU Airport Authority is the local government responsible for the airport's facilities, development, operation, and maintenance. It is governed by a board of representatives from the counties of Wake and Durham and the cities of Raleigh and Durham, with each entity appointing two members to the board. The Authority aims to deliver excellent airport services, facilities, and unparalleled customer service.

The Authority has proposed several major improvements and renovations to the airport's current facilities under the Vision 2040 Master Plan. This includes expanding both terminals, improving taxiway layouts, constructing a consolidated rental car facility, and expanding parking lots. The plan also involves the replacement of both runways, with the FAA authorizing the construction of a new runway on September 5, 2023.

RDU offers multiple parking options, including the ParkRDU Central lot located directly between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with covered and uncovered parking available. Economy lots 3 and 4 are also options, located at the south and north ends of the airport, respectively, with courtesy shuttle buses available. For visitors picking up passengers, there is a cell phone waiting lot located a 3-minute drive from the terminals.

Terminals and parking lots

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is the second-largest airport in North Carolina. It has two terminals with a total of 45 gates. Terminal 1 is used by Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. Terminal 1 facilities are split across two levels, with ticketing, baggage claim, and ground transportation on the ground level, and the security checkpoint and departures concourse on the upper level. The upper-level concourse has nine gates, numbered A1-A9, and a small selection of shops and restaurants. Terminal 2 is used for all non pre-cleared international flights, which arrive at gates C21, C23, C24, and C25.

RDU has various parking options, including ParkRDU Central, ParkRDU Express, and two remote car parks located near the North and South airport entrances. ParkRDU Central is located directly between Terminals 1 and 2, offering almost 10,000 spaces within a short walk to both terminals. Covered and uncovered parking is available for $5 per hour or $20 daily, and premier parking is available on the ground level for $7.50 per hour or $30 per day. ParkRDU Express is a mid-priced option located near the FAA control tower, north of the terminals. ParkRDU Economy Lots 3 and 4 are a short distance from both terminals, with a courtesy shuttle service operating every 20 minutes. Economy Lot 3 is at the south end of the airport, and Economy Lot 4 is at the north end. There is also a complimentary cell phone waiting lot located at the main Airport Authority building.

The Vision 2040 Master Plan includes several proposed improvements to the airport facilities, including the expansion of parking lots and both terminals. The plan also calls for the construction of a consolidated rental car facility and an on-site hotel.

Expansion plans

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) has several expansion plans in the works to accommodate the region's growing population and increasing passenger traffic. Here are the key details of these expansion plans:

Vision 2040 Master Plan

The Vision 2040 Master Plan, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2017, is a 25-year roadmap that guides the airport's major construction projects. This long-term plan aims to balance preserving existing infrastructure while preparing for the future. Here are some of the key expansion elements:

• Runway Replacement: The primary Runway 5L/23R, built in the 1980s, is set to be replaced. The new runway will be constructed approximately 537 feet west of the current location, allowing for uninterrupted operations during construction. The new runway will be 10,639 feet long.
• Terminal Expansions: Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are slated for expansion. Terminal 1's expansion planning was approved in June 2023 to accommodate future growth. Terminal 2's expansion is also underway, with plans to add additional gates and enhance various areas, including security, ticketing, baggage claim, and curbside roadways.
• Parking Lot Expansions: The airport is expanding its parking options, particularly the Park Economy 3 lot, which will triple in capacity and offer covered waiting areas, potential video displays, Wi-Fi access, and a customer amenity building. The expansion is expected to add approximately 8,700 new parking spaces.
• Other Improvements: The plan also includes the construction of a consolidated rental car facility, an on-site hotel, improvements to taxiway layouts, and enhancements to the Federal Inspection Station (FIS) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility to accommodate the anticipated increase in international travel.

Environmental Considerations

RDU is committed to considering the environmental impacts of its expansion plans. The airport has initiated an additional environmental review process, engaging the public and stakeholders to gather input and ensure sustainable practices. The relocation and expansion of the primary runway, for example, underwent an Environmental Assessment by the Airport Authority and the FAA to evaluate potential impacts and involve the public.

Enhancing Passenger Experience

Beyond infrastructure expansions, RDU is also enhancing the passenger experience. This includes introducing new food and beverage options, such as celebrity chef Scott Crawford's concepts in Terminal 2, and a ghost kitchen operated by REEF Kitchens, offering various dining choices through an app or kiosk.

Accessibility

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is located in unincorporated Wake County, North Carolina, and serves Raleigh, Durham, and the surrounding Research Triangle region of the state. The airport covers 5,000 acres and has two terminals, with a total of 45 gates. RDU is accessible by car via NC-147 South, I-40 East, I-540 E, and Aviation Parkway. The airport also has a Cell Phone Lot located in the rental car area, where visitors can wait for free for up to 30 minutes.

RDU offers a range of parking options, including premier, daily, and economy lots. The ParkRDU Central lot is located directly between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with covered and uncovered parking options available. Premier parking is also available on the ground level of the ParkRDU Central lot, offering dedicated spaces closest to the terminal entrances and exits. Economy lots 3 and 4 are located at the south and north ends of the airport, respectively, and passengers can take advantage of the courtesy shuttle buses that operate every 20 minutes.

The airport is accessible by public transportation as well. The GoTriangle bus service connects the airport to the Regional Transit Center, located at the intersection of I-40 and I-540. From there, passengers can connect to other bus and shuttle services throughout the region.

RDU is also committed to providing accessible services for passengers with disabilities. Wheelchair assistance can be requested by contacting the Guest Experience team in advance or by speaking to a skycap upon arrival. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the airport's parking garage and Park & Ride lots, located near elevators and terminal entryways. All shuttles from the Park & Ride lots are lift-equipped, and the shuttle buses operating to and from the parking lots are wheelchair accessible as well.

Passenger services

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) offers a range of passenger services to ensure a smooth and convenient travel experience. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a total of 45 gates. Both terminals offer various amenities and services to cater to the needs of travellers.

Parking and Transportation:

RDU provides multiple parking options for passengers and visitors, including the ParkRDU Central lot located directly between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Covered and uncovered parking is available for an hourly or daily rate. Premier parking, offering quicker access to the terminals, is also available in the ParkRDU Central lot. Additionally, the airport has ParkRDU Economy lots 3 and 4, situated at the south and north ends of the airport, respectively, with courtesy shuttle buses operating every 20 minutes. Accessible parking spaces are available throughout the airport's parking facilities, and all shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible.

For passengers needing wheelchair assistance, RDU offers several options. They can inform their flight attendant before landing, request assistance from a skycap on the terminal curbside, or contact the RDU Guest Experience team in advance. The airport also provides a free Cell Phone Lot in the rental car area for those waiting to pick up passengers.

Check-In and Ticketing:

RDU offers multiple self-service check-in kiosks in both terminals. Terminal 2 features universal kiosks supporting check-in for multiple airlines, as well as airline-specific kiosks. Curbside check-in is also available through skycap services for select airlines. Additionally, CLEAR's identity verification services are present in both terminals, allowing passengers to verify their identity using their eyes or fingerprint.

Dining and Shopping:

The Shops of RDU, located in both terminals, offer a range of business services and amenities. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminals and utilise power outlets available in various seating areas. The upper-level concourse in Terminal 1 has a small selection of shops and restaurants, while Terminal 2 provides additional options.

Other Amenities:

RDU is equipped with Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) located throughout the airport. TTY services and information desks can be found in the bag claim areas. The airport also has a U.S. Postal Service drop box and mailbox located in Terminal 2. For foreign currency needs, Travelex Worldwide Money offices and foreign currency ATMs are available in Terminal 2.

Frequently asked questions