Key Highlights
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Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the main airport in Raleigh, Durham, and North Carolina’s Research Triangle Region.
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This international airport sees more than 15 million people each year. There are 19 air carriers at the airport.
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At RDU airport, you can choose from over 80 nonstop places to fly. These include both domestic and international flights.
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The airport sits in Wake County. There are two up-to-date terminals here, with good amenities, shopping, and places to eat.
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You can get to and from the airport in many ways. Pick from rental cars, rideshares, taxis, or use public transit.
Introduction
Welcome to your go-to guide for getting through airports close to the City of Raleigh. If you are coming to North Carolina for work or fun, it is good to know about your travel choices. Knowing these can help make your trip easy. This guide gives you all the top things you need to know about flying into the Raleigh area. It will talk about the main hub here, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). You will find info about the airport’s layout, the airlines you can fly with, and ways to get to or from the airport. This will help make sure your trip in or out of the area is easy and smooth.
Overview of Raleigh Airports
If you fly into the Triangle Region in North Carolina, you will notice that one airport gets most of the attention. The main airport here is Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). This international airport is a big gateway to the United States and many places in the world. It is in a good spot for people who want to visit the cities of Raleigh and Durham.
Most people who come to this part of North Carolina choose RDU because it is easy to get to and has many flights. Still, there are a few other Raleigh airports close by if you want to save money or you don’t mind going a little farther. Some of these airports may have cheaper flights. The RDU Airport Authority works hard to keep the main airport at its best for all who travel there. But, it is smart to know what other options you have before you fly.
Let’s look closer at what the RDU airport offers, and then see what other airports are near Raleigh and Durham.
The main airport serving Raleigh: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which most people call RDU Airport, is the main international airport for this part of North Carolina. It serves the whole area, including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the growing Research Triangle Park. Because the airport is in a central spot, it is the top choice for millions of people each year.
RDU is a busy and modern international airport that helps people in north carolina travel around the world. If you want to get to downtown raleigh for work, visit historic Durham, or see places near chapel hill, you will find RDU open, helpful, and easy to use. The airport is made to help many people each day, and it does so while keeping your travel simple and pleasant.
When you are making flight plans or booking tickets, you will need the airport’s three-letter code. This is important, because the RDU airport code shows you are flying to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and not another place. Airlines, travel sites, and agents use this code to make sure all travel plans are right and easy to follow.
Other airports near Raleigh and the Triangle region
Are there any other airports close to Raleigh besides RDU? Yes, there are a few other airports near the city. The one you use will depend on where you need to go and how much you want to spend. Using one of these smaller airports can sometimes be a good way to save money, especially if you plan to rent a car.
If you live in the Triangle region or are traveling in the U.S., there are some airports not far from Raleigh. These airports connect to different travel hubs and have fewer people than a bigger international airport. You can try these airports:
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Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). This airport is in Greensboro and is 80 miles from Raleigh.
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Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY). This airport sits 87 miles from RDU.
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Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV). It is 99 miles from RDU.
If you need an international airport with more flight options and do not mind a long drive, you could use Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). This hub is about 161 miles from Raleigh. It gives you many choices for both U.S. and world travel.
Key Facts About Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is an important international airport in the area. The RDU Airport Authority runs it, and they do a good job. You will find RDU in Morrisville, which is right between the big cities it supports. Over the years, this airport has become a hub for business and fun travel in north carolina.
Millions of people pass through rdu airport every year. They use the airport’s wide range of flights. People often want to know simple things, like how far durham international airport is from downtown raleigh, and what to expect at the terminals. Read the information below to get the answers and know what it’s like when you arrive.
Airport code, location, and distance from downtown Raleigh
The official airport code for Raleigh-Durham International Airport is RDU. This identifier is essential for booking flights and navigating travel services. The airport is situated in Morrisville, a town in Wake County, North Carolina, and its physical address is 2400 John Brantley Blvd.
Answering a common question, the airport is conveniently located for travelers heading to the city center. The distance from RDU to downtown Raleigh is approximately 14 miles, a drive that typically takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. This proximity makes it easy to get from your flight to your hotel or meeting quickly.
For a quick reference, here are the key details about the airport’s location:
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Detail |
Information |
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Airport Code |
RDU |
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Location |
Morrisville, Wake County, NC |
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Address |
2400 John Brantley Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27560 |
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Distance from Downtown Raleigh |
Approx. 14 miles |
Terminals and airport layout
RDU International Airport is made to be easy to use and comfortable for every passenger. It has two main terminals, called Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Each terminal is up-to-date and has what you need to make getting through the airport simple. RDU also has more than one runway, so it can be a good place for all kinds of planes to come and go.
When you start your trip at RDU, the process is easy. You can get dropped off right at the terminal curbs. Then, you go inside to check in and go through security. Once your flight is over, you will find that going to the baggage claim from your gate is not hard. The airport has many signs, so you will know where to go next, from landing to getting your bags and even out to transportation.
Do you want to know how to get the newest details on your flight? RDU International Airport uses the latest technology. You can check your departure and arrival times in real time on big screens inside both terminals. You can also find this info on the airport’s official website and by using your airline’s mobile app. With these tools, you get the most up-to-date details about your flight.
Airlines and Destinations at RDU
RDU Airport is a busy place that helps connect the Research Triangle Region to many parts of the world. Big airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines all fly out of here. This means you have a lot of options to choose from when you are making travel plans.
At RDU, there are 19 airlines working in the different terminals. You can get direct flights to many cities in the country, as well as more international flights to far off places. Below, we will talk about the main airlines at RDU Airport and show you some good domestic and international flights you can book.
Major airlines operating at RDU
Raleigh-Durham International Airport has many airlines for you to pick from, so you will get great rates and lots of choices for flight times. There are close to 20 airlines working here. You can find big domestic names and low-cost choices, plus some international options at this international airport.
This wide mix lets you pick an airline that works with your budget, needs, and the way you like to travel. If you stick with a reward program or if you want the lowest price, you will have the options you need. Some of the main airlines that fly out of RDU include:
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American Airlines
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Delta Air Lines
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United Airlines
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Southwest Airlines
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Air Canada
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Air France
Air France and Air Canada being at RDU shows that Raleigh-Durham International Airport connects people to countries like Canada and to Europe too. With domestic and international airlines, this airport helps Raleigh, Durham, and the area reach many big city airports in North America and Europe. This makes it easier for people to travel not just across the country but also overseas.
Domestic and international routes available
From RDU, you get nonstop flights to more than 80 places. The airport has a good list of domestic flights in the United States. You can go to big cities and vacation spots without stopping for connections. These direct flights help save time and make your trip easy.
It is simple to find flights to many favorite places. These nonstop flights work well if you travel for business or for fun. The best routes go to:
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Atlanta (ATL)
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Washington (DCA/IAD)
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Dallas (DFW)
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West Palm Beach (PBI)
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London Heathrow (LHR)
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Chicago Midway (MDW)
RDU also has important international flights. These flights link the area with big places around the world. You can fly without stopping to London and other cities. This is very helpful for people who need to travel far. If you want to know about times for departures and arrivals for both domestic flights and international flights, check the RDU website or talk to your airline.
Ground Transportation Options at Raleigh Airports
When you land at RDU, it is easy to get to your next stop because there are many ways to travel. You will see taxis, rideshare cars, or pre-booked shuttles. These can take you to Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill. If you stay at some hotels, you may use their free hotel shuttles.
If you want to drive on your own, you will find plenty of rental cars at RDU. If you need a low-cost choice, public transportation can be very good. There are so many options from RDU. You can pick the one that matches your budget and the time you want to travel. Let’s check out these ways to get around so you can make your travel easy after arrival.
Shuttle services, public transportation, and taxis
For an easy ride from the airport, you will find many good ground transportation options. Taxis are a classic pick and make it easy to go straight to your spot in the City of Raleigh or to other places nearby. You can get a taxi by going to the spots outside the terminals where they wait.
Another option is hotel shuttles. Many hotels in Raleigh give free hotel shuttles to and from the airport. It is smart to ask your hotel if they have this for you. You can also use public transportation. GoTriangle buses can take you from the airport to many places in the area, and the price is fair.
To keep it simple, here are your options:
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Taxis for direct, quick rides when you need them.
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Hotel shuttles for a good and often free way to travel.
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Public transportation if you want to save money.
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Pre-booked private shuttle services if you come with a group.
Car rentals and rideshare options
If you want to have the freedom to choose when and where you go, renting a car is a great idea. The rental car places at the airport are easy to get to. You just take a short shuttle from the baggage claim area. With your own car, you can drive around Raleigh or go out farther into the Triangle area when you want.
Many people also like to use rideshare services at RDU. Using Uber or Lyft at the airport is simple. The pickup spots are right at the terminal curbs, so you don’t have to go far. After you get your bags, you can open your app and get a ride right away.
You can use both rental cars and rideshare options to get from the airport to downtown or to other places. The choice depends on what you need for your trip.
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Rental cars give you the most freedom.
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Rideshare services make it easy to get a ride when you want.
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Both rental cars and rideshares are simple to use from the airport terminals.
Conclusion
To sum up, getting around Raleigh’s airports does not have to be hard if you have the right details. The Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and other nearby airports give you good options. When you know about the main facts and what amenities are ready for you, your trip can be better. There are a lot of airlines and places you can go to from RDU. It is also easy to find ground transportation to get where you want. Using this help, you will find it simple to plan your trip in or out of this international airport in Raleigh and Durham. The best way to save time and have a good trip is to get ready before you travel. If you need help or have any questions about your plans, just reach out. Safe travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking available at RDU, and what are the options?
Yes, RDU Airport has many parking spots for you. You can park at central garages right by the terminal curbs, so it’s just a short walk in. If you want to save money, you can use the ParkRDU lots. These are only a few miles away from RDU, and there’s a free shuttle that takes you right to the terminal. With all these options, you can pick what works best for you. You do not have to always use rental cars when there are lots of good parking choices.
What amenities and services can travelers find at Raleigh-Durham International Airport?
RDU offers many things for people, like local places to eat and shop, free Wi-Fi, and art shows. If you travel in style, you can relax at special airline clubs. There is the American Airlines Admirals Club and the Delta Air Lines Sky Club for you. The airport uses the latest technology, too. This helps make TSA checks fast and easy for everyone.
What is the best way to get from RDU airport to Raleigh city center?
The best way to get around depends on what you need. Rideshare cars and taxis are quick. You can get them right at the terminal curbs. If you want to save some money, there is public transportation. Many people also like hotel shuttles if their place to stay has them. This can be an easy way to get where you want to go. If you want to go anywhere at any time, you can rent a car.