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RDU Airport: Your Guide to Getting Around

  • Air Travel
  • Renee Martin
  • 5 minutes

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Finding your way around an airport can be hard if you’ve never been there before. If you’re flying into or out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), knowing what’s where is important to avoid getting lost or missing your trip. This guide contains all the information you need to navigate RDU airport easily.

RDU Airport code and history

The airport code RDU simply stands for Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The airport has a relatively short history compared to other major airports in the United States. RDU started life in 1929 as Raleigh’s Municipal Airport, serving as a small regional airport for the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. The new Raleigh-Durham Airport came into existence in 1943. Initially, the airport saw limited commercial traffic, with only a few airlines operating flights.

However, in the 1960s, the airport began to expand, with a new terminal building and longer runways constructed to accommodate larger aircraft. By the 1980s, RDU had become a major hub for American and Delta Airlines. The airport underwent a modernization that was completed in 2011.

Today, RDU is a bustling airport with over 11 million passengers passing through each year, serving destinations across the United States and around the world.

Overview of RDU Terminals

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are located on opposite sides of RDU Airport. A circular road allows curbside access to both terminals from the outside and direct access to Interstates 40 and 540. The official RDU parking garages are located between the two terminals.

Note: Plenty of offsite RDU Airport parking lots are available near the airport. For more information, check out All You Need to Know About RDU Airport Parking.

Save 60% on airport parking

Ground Transportation Options

With various ground transportation options, getting to and from RDU Terminals is easy. There are several parking options for those driving, including hourly, daily, and economy parking. Additionally, several ride-sharing services are available such as Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi services. For those looking for public transportation, there is a bus service that runs between the terminals and downtown Raleigh and a shuttle service that connects RDU to nearby cities.

Tips for Navigating RDU Airport

Navigating RDU Airport can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the airport. To make your experience smoother, you must plan and know what to expect. One tip is to familiarize yourself with the layout before arriving. This will help you locate your gate, restaurants, and other amenities. Additionally, arrive early to allow time for security and any unexpected delays. Finally, consider downloading the RDU Airport app for real-time flight information and updates.

Directions to RDU Airport

If you’re driving to RDU Airport, the address to use for GPS is 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560. The airport is located just off Interstate 40, accessible via exit 284. If you’re coming from downtown Raleigh, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the airport. From Durham, it’s about a 25-minute drive.

RDU Airport Arrivals

When you arrive at RDU Airport, you’ll find yourself in the central terminal, which houses domestic and international terminals. The arrivals area is on the first floor, with baggage claim in the same area. If you’re meeting someone who’s arriving at RDU, you can wait for them in the designated waiting area outside of baggage claim.

RDU Airport Amenities

RDU Airport offers a variety of amenities for travelers, including dining options, shopping, and lounges. Several restaurants and cafes are located throughout the terminal, as well as various shops and retail outlets. If you need to get work done, several lounges are available, including the Delta Sky Club, United Club, USO Lounge, and the American Airlines Admirals Club.

There are also several RDU Restaurants you can eat at before or after your flight. These include:

  • ACC American Café
  • Char-Grill
  • La Tapenade
  • Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
  • Starbucks Terminal 1
  • 42nd St. Oyster Bar
  • Bruegger’s Bagels
  • BurgerFi
  • getREEF Virtual Food Hall
  • Jason’s Deli
  • La Farm Bakery Café
  • Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
  • Raleigh Taproom
  • Starbucks Terminal 2
  • Uptown Burger Bar
  • Whisky River

RDU Airport also has several hotels nearby for weary travelers to rest in. Some of the best are

  • Cambria Suites
  • Sonesta ES Suites
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport-Brier Creek
  • Holiday Inn
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites
  • Hyatt House
  • Tru By Hilton
  • Aloft Raleigh Durham Airport Briar Creek (By Marriott)
  • DoubleTree by Hilton at Research Triangle Park
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport Brier Creek

What airport is RDU?

RDU is the IATA code for Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Where is RDU Airport?

RDU Airport is in the unincorporated part of Wake County. The City of Raleigh and the towns of Cary and Morrisville are to the north and east, and Cary and Morrisville are to the south.

How to get a taxi at Raleigh Durham International Airport

For airport-related taxi needs, RDU travelers can call Taxi Taxi at (919) 333-3333. At the Taxi zones, walk-up taxis are available at both Terminals.

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