Rdu Airport: Which City Does It Serve?

Raleigh–Durham International Airport, commonly abbreviated to RDU, is located in North Carolina, USA. The airport is approximately 10 miles from both downtown Durham and downtown Raleigh and is the second-largest airport in the state, serving over 15 million passengers annually. RDU is a hub for American Airlines and Avelo Airlines, with Delta Air Lines also using the airport as a focus city.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport's location

Raleigh-Durham International Airport, commonly abbreviated to RDU, is located in North Carolina. The airport is situated about 10 miles from both downtown Durham and downtown Raleigh. It is the second-largest airport in the state, behind Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airport serves Raleigh and the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina, with two terminals and nonstop flights from over 70 markets.

The history of the airport dates back to 1929 when the region's first airport, Raleigh Municipal Airport, was opened south of Raleigh. However, this airport was quickly outgrown, and the need for a larger airport arose. In 1939, the North Carolina General Assembly chartered the Raleigh–Durham Aeronautical Authority to build and operate a new airport between Raleigh and Durham.

Over the years, RDU has seen the addition of new carriers and destinations, with American Airlines serving nearly 30% of customers travelling through the airport. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 1 being the original terminal that opened in 1955. Terminal 1 has been modernised and currently has five gates in operation, serving airlines such as Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, and Southwest. Terminal 2, which opened in 2008, has 36 gates and serves a range of international airlines, including Air France, Delta, and United.

The airport is easily accessible by various transportation options, including taxis, hotel shuttles, rental cars, GoTriangle buses, and rideshare services. With its convenient location and world-class terminals offering dining and shopping options, Raleigh-Durham International Airport provides a seamless travel experience for passengers in the Raleigh-Durham area and beyond.

RDU Airport Authority

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) is located about 10 miles from both downtown Durham and downtown Raleigh in North Carolina. The airport is governed by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, an eight-member board established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1939. The cities of Durham and Raleigh, along with Durham and Wake counties, each appoint two members to the board.

The RDU Airport Authority is in charge of the airport's facilities and operations. The airport is home to both major and regional air carriers, with more than 350 daily non-stop flights to over 40 destinations. In October, almost 1.4 million travellers passed through RDU, a 20% increase from the same month in the previous year. The airport also experienced a busy holiday season, with about 23% more passengers than the previous year.

RDU offers convenient parking locations, which must be booked 24 hours in advance. The airport also provides a Cell Phone Lot for passengers waiting to pick up arriving travellers. In addition, RDU has holiday music, gift-wrapping stations, and other festive amenities during the holiday season.

The airport has a rich history, with the region's first airport, Raleigh Municipal Airport, opening south of Raleigh in 1929. However, this airport was quickly outgrown, and the Raleigh–Durham Aeronautical Authority was established in 1939 to build and operate a larger airport between Raleigh and Durham. After World War II, Capital Airlines joined Eastern at RDU, and Piedmont Airlines arrived in 1948. The airport's first scheduled jets were Eastern 727s in 1965. RDU has also experienced changes in carriers and destinations over the years, with new discount carriers such as Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.

Terminals and gates

Raleigh–Durham International Airport is located about 10 miles from both downtown Durham and downtown Raleigh. It is the second-largest airport in the state of North Carolina and served a record 15.5 million passengers in 2024. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are located on either side of the airport. A looping road provides curbside access to both terminals, and the parking garages are situated between the two terminals.

Terminal 1 is a small terminal used by Southwest Airlines for domestic flights only. The terminal 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 to A9, and a small selection of shops and restaurants.

Terminal 2 is used by Avelo and Southwest Airlines for international flight arrivals, while all departures for these airlines are from Terminal 1. Concourse D, located to the left of Terminal 2, has 17 gates, numbered D1, D3, D5, D6, and D8 to D20. This concourse also features a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a United Club across from gate D3.

Passengers can easily walk between the two terminals by taking the walkway through the terminal garage or through an underground tunnel that connects the parking garages. Additionally, a shuttle bus service is provided between the terminals and the economy parking lots. The airport also offers a free airport shuttle service and various other amenities, including a 24-hour fitness centre, an indoor pool, a business centre, and on-site restaurants.

Parking options

Raleigh–Durham International Airport is located about 10 miles from both downtown Durham and downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The airport offers various parking options for travellers.

RDU offers “contactless” technology, allowing guests to pay for parking without interacting with a cashier. Guests are advised to book parking at least 24 hours in advance using the airport's online booking system. Upon arrival, the entrance gate opens with a QR code, and a license plate reader automatically opens the gate at exit. Credit card scanners are available at every entry and exit lane, enabling guests to pay with mobile apps. Pay-on-foot kiosks are also available for guests who prefer to pay with their smartphones or smartwatches.

For guests who choose not to book their parking in advance, there are still options available. Guests can pay at the drive-up pay stations and pay-on-foot self-service kiosks using their credit cards. Guests without cards can use the ReadySTATION® kiosks in Terminal 1. It is important to note that cash is no longer accepted as a payment option at the airport's parking facilities.

The airport provides designated areas for active loading and unloading, such as curbside at Terminal 1 and the upper (departures) level of Terminal 2 for drop-offs, and curbside at Terminal 1 and the lower (arrivals) level of Terminal 2 for pick-ups. Unattended vehicles are not permitted along the terminal curbs. For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, RDU also offers a Cell Phone Lot.

Ground transportation

Raleigh–Durham International Airport is located about 10 miles from both downtown Durham and downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.

Raleigh–Durham International Airport offers a wide range of ground transportation options to suit different needs and preferences. Here are some of the options available:

Airport Shuttles and Taxis:

Several private companies provide airport shuttle and taxi services to and from the airport. These include Super Shuttle Express, GO Airport Shuttle, Express RDU Taxi & Towncar, Skylink Shuttle, North Hills Transportation, and Carolina Car Service. These companies offer convenient, reliable, and affordable transportation options, often with upfront pricing and the option to book in advance.

Private Car Services:

For a more exclusive and tailored transportation experience, private car services are available. GO Airport Shuttle, for example, offers private cars with professional drivers who are knowledgeable about the Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding areas. These services can be booked in advance, ensuring a relaxing and pleasant ride to your destination.

Public Transportation:

While Raleigh–Durham International Airport does not have a direct connection to public transportation, there are bus stops located nearby. The GoTriangle bus service provides connections to the wider public transportation network, allowing passengers to travel to various destinations in the area.

Ridesharing and Ride-hailing Apps:

Ridesharing and ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at Raleigh–Durham International Airport. These apps offer convenient and flexible transportation options, allowing passengers to request rides on-demand and pay directly through the app.

Parking:

The airport offers multiple parking options, including long-term and short-term parking lots, which can be booked in advance. The website provides information on parking availability and rates, allowing travellers to plan their parking needs accordingly.

With these ground transportation options, passengers arriving at or departing from Raleigh–Durham International Airport can easily navigate their way to and from the airport and explore the surrounding areas.

Frequently asked questions