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About Raleigh Durham Intl. Airport

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is located in Wake County, North Carolina, between Raleigh and Durham, around 14 miles from downtown Raleigh. Opened to civil air traffic in 1943, the airport is operated by the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority and serves as a key aviation gateway for North Carolina's Research Triangle region.

The airport has two passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 mainly supporting domestic flights and Terminal 2 handling a broad mix of domestic and international flights. RDU is designed for annual traffic in the mid-teen millions, with modern check-in areas, security facilities, parking, rental car services, cargo infrastructure, lounges, shops, and dining options. Passenger demand is typically strongest during spring, summer, major holidays, and university travel periods.

Airlines operating from Raleigh-Durham International Airport include major U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier, and Spirit, along with selected international operators. Popular direct destinations include Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, Denver, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Toronto, and Cancun. Demand for flight tickets remains supported by business travel, academic traffic, tourism, and steady regional population growth.

Raleigh Durham Intl. Airport to Raleigh City Center Transport

Travelers can get from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Raleigh city center by public bus, airport shuttle connections, taxi, rental car, or pre-booked private transfer. There is no metro or tram service from RDU Airport to downtown Raleigh.

Bus

Public bus service is the most budget-friendly transport option from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Raleigh city center. GoTriangle buses serve the airport terminals and connect passengers with downtown Raleigh, with an average journey time of about 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic and schedule.

• GoTriangle Route 100: RDU Airport Terminals 1 and 2 to Blount Street at GoRaleigh Station in downtown Raleigh
• GoTriangle Route 100: stops near NC State and Hillsborough Street before reaching central Raleigh
• GoRaleigh Station: main downtown hub for onward local bus connections

Airport Shuttle

RDU does not operate Havas or Havabus shuttles; those brands are not used at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The local airport shuttle option is the GoTriangle RDU Shuttle, which links the terminals with the Regional Transit Center, where passengers can connect toward Raleigh city center. Average total travel time to downtown Raleigh is usually around 45 to 70 minutes with the transfer.

• RDU Terminal 1 pickup area
• RDU Terminal 2 pickup area
• Regional Transit Center for connections to GoTriangle Route 100
• Downtown Raleigh via GoRaleigh Station connection

Taxi

Taxis are available at Raleigh-Durham International Airport 24/7 and offer a direct ride to Raleigh city center. The average taxi journey from RDU Airport to downtown Raleigh takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Taxi pickup outside the arrivals areas of the airport terminals
• Direct service to downtown hotels, offices, and the convention center area
• Good option for passengers with luggage or late-night arrivals

Car Rental

Car rental is available through airport rental offices serving Raleigh-Durham International Airport. After completing paperwork, passengers can use the airport rental car shuttle or designated pickup process to collect the vehicle and drive from the terminal area toward Raleigh city center in about 20 to 30 minutes.

• Rental car companies serving RDU Airport
• Pickup from the airport rental car facility
• Convenient for trips beyond downtown Raleigh or around the Research Triangle

Transfer

A private airport transfer is the most convenient door-to-door option from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Raleigh city center. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for early arrivals, late flights, business travel, or groups. The average transfer time is about 20 to 30 minutes.

• Meet-and-greet service at the airport arrivals area
• Direct transfer to downtown Raleigh hotels or private addresses
• Pre-booked sedans, SUVs, or vans for groups and extra luggage