Complete Guide to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) isn’t just where a journey begins and ends, and it’s not only the gateway to Raleigh but a growing gateway to the world and one of the best international airports I’ve come across (I’ve traveled to over 50 countries so I know a good one).

Lady walking through an airport
Flying out of RDU Airport

We’ve been flying in and out of Raleigh-Durham Airport since 2004 and it’s typically a pleasing experience compared to most other bigger and more chaotic airports across the USA. The whole process of getting to RDU, finding parking, to check-in, to getting through security and to our boarding gates is generally smooth and stress-free. Below is our complete guide to RDU Airport.

About Raleigh Durham International Airport

Lady riding an escalator looking at a sign that says Raleigh.
Welcome sign to RDU

Officially known as Raleigh-Durham International Airport with code RDU, it’s located halfway between the cities of Raleigh and Durham, about a 20-25 minute drive from each. In case you don’t know the area, “Raleigh-Durham” is not an actual place, Raleigh and Durham are two individual cities and the locals tend to get upset if you refer to either city as Raleigh-Durham, in a fun kind of way. If someone says they live in Raleigh-Durham, I ask them, “so, you live at the airport?”

Plane taking off at airport

RDU not only serves the city of Raleigh and Durham, but also nearby Chapel Hill, as well as all the small towns in Wake County. Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are the three cities make up what’s known as The Triangle – the name comes from the shape formed by connecting these three cities on a map. 

It’s also the main airport serving central and eastern North Carolina, and southern Virginia, and is known for its modern facilities. It has won several awards for its sustainability initiatives and commitment to reducing its environmental impact. RDU is home to both major and regional air carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.

RDU at a glance

raleigh durham international airport 12

RDU Airport currently, as of September 2026, offers 91 nonstop destinations (76 domestic, 15 international) on 19 airlines and serves over 15 million passengers

  • Location: Wake County, North Carolina
    • 11 miles northwest of Raleigh
    • 10.5 miles southeast of Durham
    • 17 miles east-southeast of Chapel Hill
  • Code: RDU
  • Size: 5,000 acres
  • Flights: Around 600 daily arrivals and departures
  • Non-stop Destinations: 76 domestic, 15 international
  • Airlines: 19 airlines (5 in Terminal 1 and 14 in Terminal 2)
  • Terminals: 1 and 2
  • Runways: 3

RDU is the second-largest airport in North Carolina

Man looking up at departures board in an airport
Waiting to fly international from RDU

Raleigh–Durham International Airport covers an area of around 5,000 acres, making it the second-largest airport in North Carolina, behind Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Nationally would be considered a mid-sized airport. Because RDU is not as large as some of the major airports such as Atlanta or Los Angeles it’s easier to navigate and less overwhelming for travelers.

Lady walking through an airport
Easy to navigate

Considering more than half of the US population lives within a day’s drive or an hour’s flight of RDU, it ranks as one of the nation’s fastest-growing airports! Overall, the airport is nicely laid out, very clean and orderly, and it’s no surprise to me that RDU consistently ranks among one of the most efficient airports in America. And with the number of RDU flights increasing over the years as this region continues to grow, the airport and the number of destinations it serves are just getting bigger.

International Destinations

eiffel tower paris
Fly direct to Paris

RDU’s route list shows 15 international destinations, and three new ones starting during Fall and winter of 2026. Today about 11 are flying; the rest are seasonal or not yet started. All international departures below use Terminal 2 except Breeze, which departs from Terminal 1. Below is a full list of flight destinations:

DestinationAirlineStatus
Cancun, MexicoAeromexico, American, Delta, FrontierAeromexico, American and Delta are seasonal
Dublin, IrelandAer LingusLaunched spring 2026
Frankfurt, GermanyLufthansaYear-round, since 2024
Guadalajara, MexicoVolarisStarts Oct 16, 2026; Wed, Fri, Sun on a 238-seat A321neo
London-Heathrow, UKAmericanYear-round
Mexico City, MexicoAeromexicoYear-round
Montreal, CanadaAir Canada ExpressYear-round
Panama City, PanamaCopa AirlinesYear-round, since 2024
Paris-CDG, FranceAir FranceYear-round
Punta Cana, Dominican RepublicAmerican, BreezeSeasonal
Reykjavik, IcelandIcelandairYear-round
Toronto, CanadaAir Canada, Air Canada ExpressAir Canada mainline is seasonal
Vancouver, CanadaAir Canada RougeSeasonal; Wikipedia shows it beginning May 1, 2027
Belize City, BelizeBermudAirSeasonal, Dec 20, 2026 to May 2, 2027; Thu and Sun
Providenciales, Turks and CaicosBermudAirSame season and days as Belize
the london eye england 16
During our London trip

We travel a lot and have an international travel blog with great tips on several of the direct flight destinations. Check out our 3 days in London itinerary, the 25 best things to do in Dublin article, our 3 days in Paris itinerary, and our guide to Sand Pedro, Belize.

Domestic Flights

RDU currently has 76 domestic destinations (Sept 2026). Airlines include their regional partners (Delta Connection, American Eagle, United Express). Terminal 1 airlines are Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Southwest and Sun Country; everyone else uses Terminal 2. Current domestic destinations are listed in the table below.

DestinationAirlines
Akron/CantonBreeze
Albany, NYBreeze
AtlantaDelta, Frontier
Atlantic CityBreeze
AustinDelta, Southwest
Baltimore/WashingtonSouthwest
Bangor (seasonal)Breeze
Birmingham, ALBreeze
BostonDelta, Frontier, JetBlue
Buffalo (seasonal)Frontier
Burlington, VTBreeze
CharlotteAmerican
Chicago-MidwaySouthwest
Chicago-O’HareAmerican, United, Frontier
CincinnatiDelta
ClevelandFrontier
Columbus, OHBreeze
Dallas-Fort WorthAmerican, Frontier
Dallas-Love FieldSouthwest
Dayton (starts Nov 6, 2026)Breeze
Daytona BeachBreeze
DenverFrontier, Southwest, United
DetroitDelta, Frontier
Fort LauderdaleDelta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest
Fort MyersDelta, Breeze
HartfordBreeze
Houston-BushUnited, Frontier (seasonal)
Houston-HobbySouthwest
IndianapolisDelta
Islip, NYBreeze
Jacksonville, FLBreeze
Kansas CityDelta, Southwest
Key WestBreeze
Las VegasDelta, Frontier, Southwest
Los AngelesAmerican, Delta
LouisvilleBreeze
Madison, WI (seasonal)Breeze
Manchester, NHBreeze
MemphisBreeze
MiamiAmerican, Delta, Frontier
Minneapolis-St. PaulDelta, Sun Country
NashvilleAmerican, Delta, Southwest
New HavenAvelo, Breeze
New OrleansBreeze, Southwest
New York-JFKAmerican, Delta, JetBlue
New York-LaGuardiaAmerican, Delta, Frontier
NewarkDelta, United
Newburgh/Stewart, NYBreeze
Ogdensburg, NYBreeze
Orange County, CA (seasonal)Breeze
OrlandoBreeze, Delta, Frontier, Southwest
PensacolaBreeze
PhiladelphiaAmerican, Frontier
PhoenixAmerican, Southwest
PittsburghAmerican, Breeze
Portland, MEBreeze
Portsmouth, NHBreeze
ProvidenceBreeze
Provo, UT (starts Oct 2, 2026)Breeze
Rochester, NYAvelo, Breeze
Salt Lake CityDelta
San AntonioBreeze
San DiegoAlaska, Breeze (Breeze seasonal)
San FranciscoUnited
San Juan, PRDelta, Frontier, JetBlue
Sarasota (seasonal)Breeze
SeattleAlaska, Delta
St. LouisSouthwest
Syracuse (seasonal)Breeze
TallahasseeBreeze
TampaDelta, Frontier, Southwest
Vero BeachBreeze
Washington-DullesUnited
Washington-ReaganAmerican, Delta
West Palm BeachBreeze
White Plains, NYBreeze
Mom and daughter looking out over a pond and monument in Washington DC.
Washington D.C. trip

We also have some great articles on several of the domestic destinations you can fly to from RDU. See our 3 days in NYC itinerary, our guide to Washington DC, our getaway to Daytona Beach, tips on 30 best things to do in San Francisco, and our 4 days in Seattle,

Getting to and from RDU International Airport

rdu airport map

RDU Airport is conveniently located between Raleigh and Durham, which makes it easily accessible to both cities, plus being located near several major highways makes it easy to get to from other parts of North Carolina. Interstate 40, which starts in Wilmington, NC and goes all the way to California, passes close by to Raleigh-Durham Airport, as does Interstate 540 and Highway 70 – making it easy to get to by car from downtown Raleigh, Durham or further afield in North Carolina.

Getting to RDU without driving

Lady standing with travel luggage waiting for an UBER
Waiting for our Uber
  • GoTriangle Bus
  • Uber & Lyft – are authorized to operate from RDU, and those ride-share drivers pick up passengers from the prearranged services area that is easy to find from baggage claim. Pickup zones outside baggage claim: Zone 1 (Terminal 1) and Zone 8 (Terminal 2). Wingz is also listed on Upgraded Points.
  • Taxis – RDU Taxi is the only authorized taxi service from RDU. Taxis are available on the terminal curbs for all arriving flights, or you can make a reservation by calling (919) 333-3333. Walk-up taxis at the same zones.
  • Rental Cars – All the major rental car companies offer courtesy shuttles to their offices, which are located on airport property. Catch the shuttle bus for your rental car company at the green Rental Car shuttle stops outside bag claim at Zone 4 in Terminal 1, and Zone 5 in Terminal 2.
  • Trains – there are no direct train services that operate from RDU, but there are rail stations located in Raleigh, Durham and Cary you can connect to. 

Hotel Shuttles

If you are staying in Raleigh or Durham from out of town, the following hotels offer shuttle services to and from the airport. These aren’t necessarily free shuttle services, so you may want to check the price of a Lyft or Uber before booking a shuttle – generally, shuttles are better if you have families or lots of luggage.

Hotels in Raleigh

Hotels in Durham

Peak Travel Times

Plane parked at a gate at an airport

Peak travel times at RDU are typically early morning (about 5am-8am) and late afternoon (about 3pm-7pm), with holiday weekends the heaviest of all. Peak times is when the highest number of passengers make their way through the TSA checkpoints. Generally, most passengers wait less than 30-minutes for security checkpoint screening. But this can vary.

We actually learned from staff there that Mother’s Day is the biggest travel day of the year at RDU! That is because it falls as the same weekend as college graduation, so moms are flying in from everywhere. And of course, Thanksgiving!

Keep in mind the time of the day, the day of the week, the time of the year, and any weather issues when you are flying. Road congestion around the terminal’s peaks in late afternoon and early evening, according to RDU. If you are traveling during busy holiday periods like Thanksgiving or Christmas it will be much more chaotic so factor that in (Read our holiday travel tips here).

How early should I arrive at Raleigh-Durham Airport

Lady walking through an airport towards check in counter

One of our top recommendations for stress-free travel is to arrive at the airport early. I’d much rather know I’m there and have time to grab a coffee, walk around and check-out some stores, maybe get a bite to eat than be rushing through security and running to my gate in a state of panic! You don’t want to start off a dream trip all stressed and potentially miss your flight that you have planned and saved up for many months in advance!

For domestic flights, you should arrive at least two hours prior to departure. For international flights you should arrive at least three hours prior to departure. Most airlines begin boarding 30-45 minutes before departure. You need to allow time for:

  • Driving to the airport and any potential traffic delays
  • Finding your parking spot
  • Getting from parking to the terminal
  • Complete the airline check-in 
  • Getting through the security screening process
  • Getting to your departure gate
  • Check your flight status here

What time is check-in and bag drop?

raleigh durham international airport 3

Ticket counters generally open between 4am and 4:30am. Most airlines stop accepting checked bags 45 minutes before a domestic flight and 60 minutes before an international one, and some (Alaska) cut off at 50 minutes. Check your airline’s exact rule. NOTE: Always contact your specific airline for its up-to-date policy on carry-ons and checked baggage, including size and weight limits.

Security Checkpoints

Security checkpoints open around 4am daily and close at 10:30 p.m. daily. Time-of-day estimates from Security Wait Times are modeled from typical patterns, not measured live, so treat the below table as a guide.

Time of dayTypical standard-lane wait
Midnight-6 a.m.2-15 min
6-9 a.m.13-18 min; busiest hour is 6-7 a.m. (~18 min)
9 a.m.-3 p.m.10-11 min
3-6 p.m.13-16 min
6-11 p.m.5-13 min; quietest 10-11 p.m. (~5 min)

TSA PreCeck, Global Entry and CLEAR

raleigh airport 3

Yes, RDU has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at both of their security checkpoints at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. You can check the official TSA website for opening hours at any airport as they can vary. If you haven’t already enrolled in TSA PreCheck, you can enroll online or enroll at a service center near you. RDU also has Global Entry and CLEAR in Terminal 1 and 2.

Tips for stress-free check-in

raleigh durham international airport 8
  • Check-in online at home and you get your boarding pass on your phone so you can go straight to bag drop.
  • Pack carry-on only, especially if you have connecting flights, and if you’ve checked-in online you can go straight to the security checkpoint.
  • Book the earliest flight. This reduces the impact of the domino effect, especially if you’re connecting and things go wrong like weather delays!
  • Slip on shoes, comfy pants (no belt if possible), cross body bag for easy access to documents. 
  • Download your airlines app to get updated flight notifications.
  • Know your terminal before you leave home. Southwest, Avelo, Alaska, Breeze and Sun Country depart from Terminal 1. Everyone else uses Terminal 2. Southwest & Avelo international flights arrive at Terminal 2 but depart from Terminal 1.
  • Reserve parking at least 24 hours ahead at parkrdu.com. Reserved cars get in through license plate recognition, and RDU posts live lot occupancy on its parking page
  • Parking is cashless. RDU takes cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and sells prepaid cards at ReadySTATION kiosks if you have none
  • Allow extra time in Terminal 2. Construction along the ticketing hall runs through 2032. All counters and checkpoint lanes stay open, but signs and paths shift
  • Beat the rushes. Standard-lane waits average about 18 minutes at 6-7 a.m. and 13-16 minutes from 3-6 p.m., against 10-11 minutes mid-day. PreCheck averages around 4 minutes
  • Get REAL ID or a passport ready. TSA began enforcing REAL ID for domestic flights in May 2025; confirm current rules at tsa.gov before you publish
  • Use the free cell phone lot at 1000 Trade Drive if you are picking someone up, and allow about 30 minutes after landing for bags. Tell arriving passengers to claim bags before calling you.
  • Watch our video.

Parking at RDU

raleigh airport 1

There are four main RDU parking options including long-term and short-term parking. Note: cash is no longer accepted for RDU Airport Parking facilities. All major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted at exit lanes and drive-up pay stations and pay-on-foot self-service kiosks. If you don’t have a card, use one of the ReadySTATION kiosks available. See all parking FAQs here.

  • Reservations need at least 24 hours’ notice at parkrdu.com; reserved vehicles get automatic gate entry by license plate recognition
  • RDU shows live occupancy for each lot. Check it before driving there.
  • ParkRDU phone: (919) 840-2140
  • Free cell phone lot at 1000 Trade Drive for pickups

ParkRDU Premier

Premier features dedicated spaces in a covered area for those wanting the ultimate ease and convenience. 

  • Located on the ground level of the main parking garage 
  • Direct access to both terminals.
  • Covered spaces
  • Rate: $8.50 each hour (or part thereof) up to four hours, then $34 daily maximum
  • Directions

ParkRDU Central

Central has more than 10,000 spaces with a short walk to both terminals. Conveniently located in the main parking garage between Terminals 1 and 2.

  • Short walk to terminals
  • Covered & outdoor spaces
  • Rate: $5.70 each hour (or part thereof) up to four hours, then $22.75 daily maximum
  • Get directions.

Economy 3

There are two Economy lots just a short and free shuttle bus ride away from the terminals. This is the best choice for low-cost on-airport long term parking.

  • Rate: $3.65/hour or $14.50/day
  • Easy access from U.S. 70 and I-40
  • Free 24/7 shuttle service every 20 minutes
  • Directions

RDU Express

Located at 1710 East International Drive, near the FAA Control Tower. This parking lot is cheaper, but it’s further away from the terminals. There is a 24/7 shuttle service from the parking lot to the terminals, which comes with a free bottle of water.

  • Free 24/7 shuttle service
  • Luggage assistance
  • Rate: $4.65 each hour (or part thereof) up to four hours, then $18.50 daily maximum
  • Get directions

Handicapped Parking

Handicapped parking spaces are provided in the Park Premier facility and on all floors of the Park Central parking garage in close proximity to the elevators. The economy facilities also offer handicapped parking spaces located next to the bus shelters. 

Free Shuttle

Lady catching a bus with suitcase
Free shuttle from lots 3 & 4

The RDU airport shuttle is free from economy lot 3 and ParkRDU Express on an 11-minute frequency. If you are traveling from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, look for the Economy shuttle. If you are traveling from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, look for the Express shuttle.

  • Lot 3 shuttle takes approximately 7 minutes to arrive at Terminal 1 and 10 minutes for Terminal 2. 
  • All shuttles stop at both terminals during their routes. 
  • Download the free TransLoc mobile app (App Store, Google Play) to find the next arriving shuttle with real-time map updates. 

HOT TIP: book parking online at least 24 hours in advance at ParkRDU.com/parking for a discount and guaranteed entry into the parking lot of your choice. Below is a table with all the parking rates:

LotHourlyDaily max
ParkRDU Premier$8.50$34
ParkRDU Central$5.70$22.75
ParkRDU Express$4.65$18.50
ParkRDU Economy 3$3.65$14.50
Economy 4closedclosed

Can you walk between terminals at RDU?

Woman walking through an airport with luggage
5-minute walk between terminals

Another thing we love about Raleigh-Durham International Airport is that getting from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 involves an easy 5-minute walk and there’s a people mover. 

Lounges at RDU

There are four longes at RDU: American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, United Club, and USO lounge. A free Pepsi lounge is reportedly coming by the end of 2026 (a casual space with seating, workspaces, outlets, TVs and two Pepsi vending machines). All lounges are in Terminal 2. RDU has no traditional Priority Pass lounge.

LoungeLocationHoursAccess
American Airlines Admirals ClubAcross from Gate C3Daily 4:30 a.m.-8 p.m.Day pass $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles (Upgraded Points, May 2026)
Delta Sky ClubAcross from Gate C3Sun-Fri 4:30 a.m.-7:45 p.m.; Sat 4:30 a.m.-7 p.m.Eligible Delta members and cardholders only
United ClubAcross from Gates D1 and D3Daily 5 a.m.-7:30 p.m.Day pass $59 (Upgraded Points, May 2026)
USO North CarolinaTicketing level, before securityReported 24 hoursActive-duty military and eligible families
Pepsi lounge (new)Terminal 2Planned 24 hoursFree to all passengers, no membership

Does RDU have Wi-Fi and charging points?

Lady working on a laptop in an airport
We like to get work done before flying

As someone who runs an online-business and gets to the airport early, I’m always on the lookout for charging stations and appreciate free WiFi, and RDU Airport does a pretty good job of this. You can access free Wi-Fi in all public areas, including gates and baggage claim, and other WiFi services may be available in lounges, restaurants, bars and retail locations. To use the airport WiFi select “RDU Free WiFi.” As for charging points, select seats at various gates around the airport have charging points.

Terminal 1

Lady walking into the entrance of an airport

Terminal 1 currently serves five airlines: Alaska, Avelo, Breeze, Southwest and Sun Country here. Avelo and Southwest flights all depart from Terminal 1, but their international arrivals land at Terminal 2. NOTE: Avelo closed its RDU crew base on Jan 28, 2026 but still flies New Haven and Rochester from here.

Food & beverage in Terminal 1:

  • ACC American Cafe (full-service restaurant showing ACC games)
  • Beyu Caffe
  • Raleigh Beer Garden, local pub concept
  • Char-Grill
  • La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe
  • Puro Gusto (Gate A6): all-day Italian-inspired eatery
  • Ready to Fly Grab & Go
  • Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
  • Starbucks

Services & amenities in Terminal 1:

  • Alaska Bag Service
  • GoTriangle Bus Stop
  • Nursing Suite
  • Southwest Bag Service
  • Smoking area
  • Post office box
  • Rental car
  • Water bottle filling station
  • Pet relief area
  • See all services here

Terminal 2

raleigh durham international airport 10

Terminal 2 is much larger, more modern, and has considerably more dining and shopping options. Terminal 2 currently has 14 airlines and five new restaurants that opened in July 2026, while construction runs through the ticketing hall.

Food & beverage in Terminal 2:

  • Adios! by Oscar Diaz (Mexican with Southern influences from the Durham chef and Top Chef contestant)
  • Black and White Coffee Roasters (great local coffee shop)
  • Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay
  • Bond Brothers Kitchen and Bar (popular local brewery)
  • Bongiorno & Son Italian Market & Deli
  • Carolina Craft (local brewers & distillers)
  • Crawford’s Genuine (award wining local chef)
  • Half Moon Empanadas
  • Jason’s Deli
  • La Farm Bakery (popular local bakery)
  • Whisky River (old west inspired dining)
  • See full list of dining optiuons here

Retail in Terminal 2:

  • Raleigh-Durham Duty Free
  • Tech on the go
  • WRAL Travel Store
  • City Market News
  • Corsa Collections
  • Root & Branch
  • Swarovski
  • TripAdvisor
  • Vineyard Vines
  • See full list of shopping here

Services & amenities in Terminal 2:

  • GoTriangle bus stop
  • American Airlines Admiral’s Club
  • Delta Sky Club
  • Charter Bus Drop-Off/Pick Up
  • Nursing Suite
  • Post office box
  • Rental car
  • United Club
  • CLEAR enrollment
  • See full list here

Best places to eat and drink at RDU Airport

People sitting at a cafe inside an airport
La Farm Bakery is popular

Another reason we enjoy flying from our local Raleigh Durham International Airport is the number of local food outlets on offer, especially in Terminal 2. We have flown a lot throughout the U.S. and many airports are just terrible with endless chains and fast food restaurants. Concessions are generally open 6am-8pm, and the pre-security Starbucks in Terminal 2 stays open overnight. The rest of the dining options are post-security. For local dining at RDU consider:

PlaceTerminalWhy it belongs
Adios! by Oscar Diaz2Mexican with Southern touches from a Durham Top Chef contestant
Black and White Coffee2Local coffee shop
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay2The name-brand burger stop
Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine2Durham Distillery cocktails plus flatbreads, pimento cheese and pulled pork sliders
La Farm Bakery + Café2Local French style bakery
Bond Brothers Beer Company2Local Cary brewery bar with regional beers
Crawford’s Genuine2Braised short rib and crispy trout from chef Scott Crawford
Half Moon Empanadas2Grab-and-go empanadas
Guy’s Pizza Joint2Celebrity-chef pizza
Raleigh Beer Garden1Local pub, Guinness-award experience
Puro Gusto1All-day Italian-inspired eatery
ACC Cafe1Sit-down spot showing ACC games
Char-Grill1Local burger and breakfast favorite
Lonerider2Raleigh brewery and distillery

All up there are over 25 dining options at RDU including local flavors for a quick bite or a place to linger longer. There is ample shopping with something for every traveler, and all the services with everything you need for a trip.

Hotels near RDU Airport

If you are looking for the best hotels near Raleigh Airport for either business or leisure travel, we’ve done the research for you. Here are hotels near Raleigh airport, and if you’re heading into the city, here are the best downtown Raleigh hotels to consider when you visit Raleigh. 

Final thoughts

raleigh airport 4

Even though our local airport is not a major hub like Atlanta or Dallas, when we want to get away, we can pretty much fly anywhere easily enough from RDU. Flight options have improved a ton since 2004 and they continue to add direct flights from Raleigh to exciting destinations every year! 

The airport has undergone significant renovations and upgrades in recent years with exciting plans in the works, and this has made the airport more comfortable and convenient for travelers.

Raleigh Itineraries + Tips

If you have any questions, comments or tips of your own about Raleigh-Durham International Airport, please share them below in the comments section! 

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6 thoughts on “Complete Guide to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)”

  1. A quick question: we will be at an event at the Hyatt Place Durham/Southport hotel on a Sunday. Our United flight leaves at 5:35 pm. If we catch a cab at 3:30, do you think we would be okay with getting through security and catching our flight in time? It seems like a pretty small airport, but I don’t know if I should plan on slow security times. We do have TSA precheck.

    1. Hi Jane. So that hotel looks to be about a 15-min drive to the airport, so without any traffic delays or issues puts you at RDU by 3:45. RDU is “usually” pretty good getting through security and it is not a huge airport. You “should” be ok but I don’t know what day you are flying as congestion can change daily, and you know how the airline industry has been recently. Unless it’s an urgent event you have to fly to and cannot miss your flight under any circumstances, I would probably do the same as you!

  2. Like all airports, travel through the security checkpoint is limited to ticketed passengers. Airlines may grant a gate pass for one person to accompany a minor child or passenger needing assistance to the gate area.

    This is NOT true … MANY airports now allow non ticketed people into the airport to meet for lunch or arriving passengers. Too bad RDU doesn’t follow this lead.

  3. Stephanie Kolacny

    We will have a 1 hour 45 minute layover in RDU in March before flying to Iceland on Iceland Air. Is that enough time, or should we rebook our first flight into RDU?

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