If you’re stopping over in Raleigh or just need somewhere to stay close to the airport for an early morning flight, then you might be wondering what the best hotels near Raleigh Airport (RDU) and Raleigh’s Research Triangle Park are. There’s actually a lot of hotels near RDU, ranging from budget 3-star hotels to luxury 5*, and everything in between.
It can be a bit overwhelming narrowing down your choices and picking a place to stay, so we’ve listed our top choices for any type of traveler and to suit any budget.
The Best Hotels Near Raleigh-Durham Airport
1. Hilton Garden Inn – Raleigh Durham Airport
Located just off I-40, the Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport is only five minutes from RDU (free hotel shuttle both ways) and close to Research Triangle Park. You’re also only minutes from Umstead State Park and Lake Crabtree, and within easy access to downtown Raleigh or Durham heading the other way!
Featuring clean rooms with comfortable bedding and plenty of space to move around. It’s on the lower end of the price scale, so some amenities may be a bit dated, but still useable. For one night before a flight, it has just enough to be comfortable – a nice, calm atmosphere with attentive staff. Anything else is a bonus, right?
The location couldn’t be better for early airport departures or late arrivals, or those wanting to be close to Raleigh’s entertainment venues. There’s also a monitor next to the hotel exit door displaying helpful flight information so you can check for delays before leaving the comfort of the hotel.
Hotel Features:
- On-site restaurant / room service.
- Indoor pool with scenic views of the city
- Business center with meeting rooms
- Digital key
- Starbucks on site
- Indoor pool with scenic views of the city
- Onsite restaurant serving breakfast and dinner (breakfast not included in reservation fee)
- Free wifi
- 24-hour business center
- Gym
- Outdoor patio with fire pit
Drive To:
- Airport: 2.4 miles / 5 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 5.5 miles / 8 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 11.7 miles / 18 minutes
- NC State University: 9.2 miles / 13 minutes
- PNC Arena: 6.4 miles / 10 minutes
2. Hyatt House Raleigh Durham Airport
Expect a comfortable ambiance at the contemporary Hyatt House hotel that’s conveniently located close to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Research Triangle Park and Brier Creek Commons.
Just minutes away from Raleigh airport and conveniently located near interstate-40, putting you within close proximity of the airport and top attractions in Raleigh.
The spacious rooms are clean and comfortable with a fully equipped kitchen, so it’s more like an apartment. Rooms are simple, modern and functional with lots of outlets to plug in electronics. It offers a reasonable price for the quality and a nice ambiance.
Hotel Features:
- Free shuttle service within 5-miles from 5am – midnight
- Parking at $10$15 per day/night (unless you’re a Hyatt member), be sure to ask about parking validation at the front desk
- Free wifi
- Digital check-in
- Digital key
- Business services
- Heated indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- A restaurant serving breakfast and dinner
- Pet-friendly
- Fitness Center
- Laundrette
Drive To:
- Airport: 4.1 miles / 8 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 6.1 miles / 9 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 16 miles / 23 minutes
- NC State University: 13 miles / 20 minutes
- PNC Arena: 13 miles / 23 minutes
3. Four Points by Sheraton – Raleigh Durham Airport
Fly into RDU and enjoy a memorable stay at Four Points by Sheraton that features contemporary amenities in a convenient location. Take their complimentary hotel shuttle from the airport to the front door, and then take it again to anywhere within a 5-mile radius between 5am and midnight. It’s ideal for those visiting the city on a short layover and don’t want to hire a car. Also, you’re centrally located with easy access to Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill for business or entertainment and there are several restaurants nearby.
This is one of the best RDU airport hotels for its combination of convenience, luxury, and guest-focused amenities. Each room has comfortable beds and soft linens, mini refrigerators, and a nice ambience that you’d expect from a Four Points.
The complimentary breakfast also gets raved about by previous guests in reviews, and there is also tea and coffee making facilities in every room.
Hotel Features:
- Airport Transfer Service
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- On-site restaurant
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free breakfast
- Fitness Center
- Accessible rooms
- Family rooms
Drive To:
- Airport: 2.4 miles / 7 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 4.4 miles / 8 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 13 miles / 23 minutes
- NC State University: 11 miles / 18 minutes
- PNC Arena: 8 miles / 12 minutes
4. Holiday Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport
The clean, beautifully renovated rooms at The Holiday Inn are rated as great value for the price, and overall one of the most convenient and comfortable hotels near Raleigh Durham Airport when flying in and out of Raleigh. Be careful you don’t confuse it with the Holiday Inn Express just a few blocks down!
Conveniently located near Interstate 40 and RDU, business travelers will appreciate the closeness to Lenovo, Oracle, PPD, SAS, Glaxo Smith Kline, Cisco, and Bayer.
Other nearby attractions include PNC Arena, NC Museum of Art & NC Museum of History, Raleigh Convention Center, and NC State Fairgrounds.
They also have a complimentary local area shuttle service, allowing you access to the city and its attractions without needing to drive yourself.
They also have plenty of parking, which is about $10 per night, but it means you can leave your car at the hotel and explore using the shuttle. Perfect if you want to check out Raleigh’s breweries or bars!
Hotel Features:
- Free airport shuttle
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free breakfast
- Lots of parking
- In-house restaurant
- Full bar and room service
- Indoor pool
- On-site fitness center
- Each room has microwave, mini-refrigerator and Keurig
Drive To:
- Airport: 2.3 miles / 6 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 4.3 miles / 7 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 13 miles / 20 minutes
- NC State University: 10.8 miles / 16 minutes
- PNC Arena: 8 miles / 13 minutes
5. Aloft Raleigh Durham Airport Brier Creek (by Marriott)
Looking for stylish and fun hotels near RDU airport with the modern traveler in mind? Aloft Raleigh Durham Airport has a vibrant, unique décor and tech-inspired touches, that gives guests a cutting edge feel to their stay.
There are many great shopping and enticing eateries nearby in Brier Creek, and it’s located just minutes to RDU which you can access via their complimentary airport shuttle (or any destination within 5 miles).
There’s a laid-back atmosphere and new age vibe, with games and activities providing for a kid friendly experience. It’s also pet friendly at no extra charge. My sister stayed here the night before suprising us with a visit from Australia. She really liked it! I really liked that morning phone call to come pick her up!
Hotel Features:
- Lots of desk space
- Lobby with TV displaying flight times
- Docking stations for electric cars and for Telsa
- Complimentary shuttle to the airport
- Indoor pool
- Pet friendly
Drive To:
- Airport: 4.1 miles / 8 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 6.1 miles / 9 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 16 miles / 23 minutes
- NC State University: 13 miles / 19 minutes
- PNC Arena: 10 miles / 15 minutes
6. Fairfield Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek
Another stylish hotel near Raleigh airport is the comfortable Fairfield Inn & Suites. You’ll be just a few miles from RDU, and convenient to Research Triangle Park, Brier Creek Commons, and Lenovo Center.
The hotel boasts spacious and modern rooms with an impressive assortment of budget-friendly amenities. It’s also one of the few hotels that has free parking near RDU and has a shuttle service within an 8-mile radius – another bonus!
It’s a simple hotel with no frills or mind-blowing luxury, but sometimes that’s all you need!
Hotel Features:
- Shuttle service to and from airport
- Each room offers a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and microwave
- Free wifi
- Free bottled water in the room
- Free parking
- On-site business center
- On-site fitness center
- On-site bar
- Walking distance to local restaurants
- Location great for shopping
- Good for business travel or leisure travelers
- Pet friendly
- Car hire available
Drive To:
- Airport: 4 miles / 6 minute drive
- Triangle Aquatic Center / 7 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 6 miles / 8 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 16 miles / 22 minutes
- NC State University: 13 miles / 18 minutes
- PNC Arena: 10 miles / 14 minutes
7. Cambria Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport
Situated between Raleigh and Durham, Cambria Suites offers stylish suites with convenient access to both major hubs and the Research Triangle Park. Offering free airport transportation daily, it’s ideal for those stopping on a layover or in need of a place to stay for an early morning flight. If you want to experience Raleigh’s nature, you’re also close to Umstead State Park.
Featuring modern property amenities and upscale design, each suite has a separate sitting area with a flat-screen TV.
Hotel Features:
- Free WiFi
- Free airport shuttle
- Free American breakfast
- Microwave/mini fridge
- Indoor Whirlpool/Hot Tub
- Fitness Center
- Spa
- Lounge/Bar
- State-of-the-art business amenities
- barista coffee bar in the lobby
Drive To:
- Airport: 1.9 miles / 5 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 4.4 miles / 8 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 13 miles / 18 minutes
- NC State University: 10 miles / 16 minutes
- PNC Arena: 7.7 miles / 12 minutes
8. Embassy Suites by Hilton RTP – Durham/Research Triangle
If you’re looking for vacation rental-style hotels near RDU and Research Triangle Park that offer spacious suites, consider Embassy Suites.
Located between Raleigh and Durham along I-40, you are within 15 minutes of Raleigh airport. It has a free shuttle to Research Triangle Park and Airport, and you’re also very close to Umstead State Park, Lake Crabtree, NC State University and downtown Raleigh.
Rooms are clean, spacious, well equipped and reasonably priced. There’s also an on-site restaurant if you don’t have a car or don’t feel like going out and exploring.
Hotel Features:
- Free American breakfast
- TV control on an app
- On-site restaurant for breakfast and dinner
- Indoor swimming pool
- Business Center
- Digital key
- Bar
- Pet friendly
Drive To:
- Airport: 5.4 miles / 10 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 7.7 miles / 10 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 9.7 miles / 15 minutes
- NC State University: 7 miles / 12 minutes
- PNC Arena: 4.6 miles / 9 minutes
9. Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport/Morrisville
Make your trip to Raleigh comfortable and cozy with a stay at Residence Inn. This Morrisville Hotel is well equipped for longer stays, since you have a self contained suite with a kitchen, living area and bedroom.
Located right off I-40 for an easy work or business commute, this all-suite hotel provides easy access to popular attractions such Lenovo Arena, Carter-Finley Stadium and Triangle’s universities and businesses. It’s a nice place if you’re wanting an apartment type feeling.
Hotel Features:
- All suites
- Kitchen
- Free internet
- Free breakfast
- Free airport shuttle
- Indoor swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
- Free parking
- Free bicycles
- Outdoor seating area and picnic spots
- Minimarket
- Outdoor fireplace and BBQ facilities
Drive To:
- Airport: 2 miles / 6 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 4.1 miles / 6 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 13 miles / 22 minutes
- NC State University: 10 miles / 17 minutes
- PNC Arena: 8 miles / 12 minutes
10. Tru by Hilton – Raleigh Durham Airport
True by Hilton is a fun and modern hotel near RDU with a nice lobby and enthusiastic staff. It offers a free shuttle bus ride to/from the airport, plus have large and cozy rooms with comfortable beds and a big TV.
If you visit Raleigh for business, you’re convenient to corporate offices within RTP, plus local restaurants nearby. For sports fans, the Lenovo Center is just under eight miles away.
Hotel Features:
- Free wifi
- Free parking
- Rooms are smallish but efficient for a single person
- Room service
- Business center
- Digital key
- Fitness Center
- Free buffet breakfast
- Free airport shuttle
- Minimarket
- Lounge
- Outdoor seating area
- Games room
Drive To:
- Airport: 1.8 miles / 4 minute drive
- RTP Headquarters: 5.7 miles / 11 minutes
- Downtown Raleigh: 13 miles / 18 minutes
- NC State University: 10.5 miles / 15 minutes
- PNC Arena: 7.7 miles / 10 minutes
11. Staybridge Suites, An IHG Hotel
The Staybridge Suites is probably the closest Raleigh-Durham hotel since it’s located just 1 mile away, so it’s perfect for visitors looking to stay one night on a layover. It was also remodelled in 2024, so has some of the newest and cleanest amenities of the hotels on this list.
Every room is a suite, with a fully equipped kitchenette and private bathroom. They also offer a buffet breakfast each day and have free beer and wine with appetizers every Monday to Wednesday in the evenings. Each room is bright and spacious, and comes with free WiFi and a desk.
If you need snacks late at night, there’s also a 24-hour BridgeMart convenience store onsite, so no need to go for a short drive scouring out the local amenities.
Hotel Features
- Outdoor sports court
- Outdoor fireplace
- Free airport shuttle
- Facilities for those with disabilities
- BBQ
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Free breakfast
- Free self parking options
- Pets allowed
Drive To:
- RDU Airport / 5 minutes drive
- William B. Umstead State Park / 12 minutes
- North Carolina State University / 14 minutes
- Duke University / 17 minutes
12. Hyatt Place Raleigh Durham Airport
Another beautiful hotel near Raleigh-Durham Airport is the Hyatt Place, which offers hotel guests 5* luxury and a convenient location. Everything about the Hyatt Place speaks of comfort, from the common areas to the spacious suites.
Guests have full access to everything they need no matter what time your flight lands. They have 24-hour reception, plus self-service check-in so you can quickly get to your room if you’re landing at 3am. Also, if you feel peckish, there’s a 24-hour Gallery Market onsite that has flat breads, hamburgers, and salads all through the day and night.
Families will find family rooms equipped with plenty of bed space – no need for any more rollaway beds! This North Carolina hotel is the perfect choice when you want to be close to the airport for a short layover.
Hotel Features:
- Free Wifi
- Free breakfast
- Self-service check-in
- 24 hour front desk
- 24 hour fitness center
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Outdoor pool (seasonal)
- Bar
Drive To:
- RDU Airport / 3 minute drive
- Lake Crabtree Country Park / 5 minute drive
- Cary / 12 minute drive
- Umstead State Park / 13 minutes drive
Final thoughts
So there you have it, those are the best hotels near the airport in Raleigh, and as you can see, there’s a lot of variety to choose from. I hope this guide helped you find one to suit your needs and gives you a comfortable place to stay. For more tips about flying in and out of Raleigh, read our complete guide to Raleigh-Durham International Airport and our visitors’ guide to RTP!
More Hotel Guides in Raleigh
- If you’re traveling with pets, you may want to check out these pet-friendly hotels in Raleigh.
- Best Bed & Breakfasts in The Triangle for Southern Charm & Local Hospitality
- Extended Stay Hotels in Raleigh: The Best Long-Term Stays in the City of Oaks
- Upscale Hotels near Raleigh: The Best Luxury Stays in the Triangle
- Top Hotels in Raleigh with Rooftop Bars (Sip & Stay)
- Awesome short-term vacation rentals in Raleigh for every type of traveler!
- The Best Downtown Raleigh Hotels (Business or Leisure)
- Best Hotels Near Lenovo Center (Formerly PNC Arena) In Raleigh
- Best Hotels Near North Carolina State University
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