Raleigh-Durham International Airport [RDU] – Ultimate Terminal Guide
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Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the main airport serving the Research Triangle of North Carolina. Over 14.2 million passengers traveled to and from the airport in 2019, an 11% increase to 2018.
As a focus city for Delta Air Lines, the airline accounted for around 30% of the passenger traffic and launched its inaugural flight to Paris-Charles de Gaulle in February 2020.
Table of contents
- Quick Info
- Airlines Operating From RDU
- RDU Airport Terminals
- Inter-Terminal Transport
- Security and Customs at RDU
- RDU Airport Lounges
- Dining and Drinks at RDU
- RDU Wi-Fi and Charging Points
- RDU Airport Lost and Found
- Additional Airport Information
- Important RDU Phone Numbers
- Travel to and From RDU
- RDU Airport Parking Information
- Car Rental at RDU Airport
- RDU Airport Hotels
- Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points
- Final Thoughts
Table of Contents
- Quick Info
- Airlines Operating From RDU
- RDU Airport Terminals
- Inter-Terminal Transport
- Security and Customs at RDU
- RDU Airport Lounges
- Dining and Drinks at RDU
- RDU Wi-Fi and Charging Points
- RDU Airport Lost and Found
- Additional Airport Information
- Important RDU Phone Numbers
- Travel to and From RDU
- RDU Airport Parking Information
- Car Rental at RDU Airport
- RDU Airport Hotels
- Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points
- Final Thoughts
Quick Info
Airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Terminals: Terminals 1 and 2
Airport Address: 2400 John Brantley Blvd., Morrisville, NC 27560
Distance From Downtown Raleigh: 11 miles (18 km)
Distance From Downtown Durham: 10.5 miles (17 km)
Website: rdu.com
Phone Number: 919-840-2123
Annual Passengers: 14.2 million
Daily Arrivals and Departures: 600
Destinations: 52 domestic and 5 international destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here
Airlines Operating From RDU
Terminal 1
Terminal 2
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Air Lines
- JetBlue
- Spirit Airlines
- United Airlines
RDU Airport Terminals

RDU consists of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 that are located on either side of the airport. The parking garages are in between the 2 terminals, and a looping road provides curbside access to both terminals, connecting to I-40 and I-540.
Rental car offices are located southwest of the terminals, along with the cell phone waiting lot.
Terminal 1

Terminal 1 is a small terminal that is used by Southwest Airlines only for domestic flights. Terminal facilities are split across 2 levels, with ticketing, baggage claim, and ground transportation on the ground level and the security checkpoint and departures concourse on the upper level.
From the ground level, passengers can access a tunnel that leads to the parking garage and through to Terminal 2. The upper-level concourse has 9 gates numbered A1-A9 and a small selection of shops and restaurants.
Terminal 2

Terminal 2 also operates across 2 levels, with baggage claim on the lower level along with access to ground transportation facilities. The ticketing area and the security checkpoint are located on the upper level leading through to the departures concourses.
There are 2 concourses on the upper level. Arriving from the security checkpoint, Concourse C is to the right and has 19 gates numbered C1, C3, C7 to C12, C14 to C18, and C20 to C25. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants and an Admirals Club and Delta Sky Club opposite gate C3.
Concourse D is to the left and has 17 gates numbered D1, D3, D5, D6, and D8 to D20. There’s a good selection of shops and restaurants and a United Club across from gate D3.
Inter-Terminal Transport
Walking
Passengers can walk between the 2 terminals by taking the walkway through the terminal garage. Outside of Terminal 2, the walkway is accessible from an underground tunnel to the parking garage, and from outside Terminal 1, passengers can walk across John Brantley Boulevard. The walk takes 5 to 10 minutes between terminals.
Terminal Shuttle
Passengers can ride a shuttle bus between the 2 terminals that also runs to the economy parking lots. From Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, take the Lot 3 bus and from Terminal 2 to Terminal 2, take the Lot 4 bus.
Security and Customs at RDU
RDU has 2 security checkpoints with 1 located in both terminals. These are open from 4 a.m. and close at the last departure.
TSA PreCheck
There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at both security checkpoints. Opening hours vary, so it’s best to check on the TSA website.
RDU has a TSA Enrollment Center in the baggage claim area near carousel 5. The office is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Global Entry
Global Entry kiosks are located at RDU for expedited clearance of passengers arriving into the U.S. from international flights.
There’s no Global Entry Enrollment Center at RDU, with the closest located at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT).
Mobile Passport
RDU participates in Mobile Passport Control for U.S. citizens arriving on international flights.
RDU Airport Lounges
Lounge | Location | Opening Hours* | Day Pass Fee per Person** |
American Airlines Admirals Club | Terminal 2, across from gate C3 | Sunday to Friday: 4:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday: 4:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. | $59 |
Delta Air Lines Sky Club | Terminal 2, across from gate C3 | Sunday to Friday: 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday: 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. | N/A |
United Club | Terminal 2, across from gate D1 and D3 | Daily: 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. | $59 |
USO Lounge | Terminal 2, ticketing level near Starbucks | Open 24 hours | N/A |
*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.
Hot Tip: Want lounge access, but don’t want to pay the entry fee? Check out the best personal and business credit cards that include complimentary airport lounge access.
Dining and Drinks at RDU
RDU has 22 restaurants, cafes, and fast-food counters throughout the airport. Both terminals have a Starbucks outside of the secure area, but all other dining facilities are post-security.
RDU Wi-Fi and Charging Points
RDU provides free Wi-Fi at all of its public areas, including gates and baggage claim. To connect, select “RDU Free WiFi” from the available networks.
Charging Points: Select seats throughout the airport have charging points, and these can also be found at gate areas.
RDU Airport Lost and Found
The department you will need to contact depends on where you lose the item:
- Within the public areas of the terminal: [email protected] or 919-840-7553
- At a security checkpoint: 919-468-4053
- On an airplane: contact the relevant airline
Additional Airport Information
Information Services
Information counters are located in the baggage claim areas of Terminals 1 and 2. The Terminal 1 counter is staffed daily from 7 a.m. to midnight and the Terminal 2 counter from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.
Baby Facilities
RDU has 2 nursing rooms, located at:
- Terminal 1: near gate A6
- Terminal 2 near gate C8
Traveling With a Pet
RDU has 2 pet relief areas located at:
- Terminal 1: outside the terminal at the north end
- Terminal 2: lower level, outside the terminal at the north end
Smoking Areas
Smoking is permitted in the following locations:
- Terminal 1: outside the terminal at either end of the building
- Terminal 2:
- Upper level, outside the terminal at the south end
- Lower level, outside the terminal at either end of the building
Money
ATMs are located in the baggage claim areas and concourses at both terminals.
Foreign currency is available in the Terminal 2 ticketing lobby and in baggage claim.
Luggage Storage
There are no luggage storage facilities at RDU.
Important RDU Phone Numbers
Customer Service: 919-840-2123
Parking Services: 919-840-2140
Lost and Found: 919-840-7553
Travel to and From RDU
Transport Options
Train
There are no direct train services that operate from RDU, but passengers can connect to services at Raleigh.
Bus
The GoTriangle Route 100 bus operates between RDU and the Regional Transit Center located west of the airport. Buses depart from Terminal 1 between zones 2 and 3 and between zones 6 and 7 at Terminal 2.
Shuttles
- Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels based in the Research Triangle region provide shuttle services to the airport. Shuttles operate from the red zones outside of the terminals.
- Private and Shared Shuttles: These depart from the brown area outside baggage claim. The airport recommends these private ride shuttles and these shared-ride shuttles.
Taxi
Taxi ranks are available outside of both terminals. At Terminal 1, this is located outside of baggage claim at the north end of the terminal, and at Terminal 2, taxis are on the lower level outside the north end of the terminal.
Rideshare
Rideshare operators Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are authorized to operate from RDU. Drivers may pick up passengers from the prearranged services area that is located at zone 1 of Terminal 1 and zone 8 of Terminal 2.
Directions by Car to RDU
Arriving From Downtown Raleigh
Take Wade Avenue and merge onto I-40 West. Take exit 284 for Airport Boulevard towards RDU Airport and turn right onto Airport Boulevard for access to the terminals.
Arriving From Downtown Durham
Take NC-147 South and use the left 2 lanes to take exit 5A to merge onto I-40 East towards RDU Airport/Raleigh. Take exit 283 to merge onto I-540 E towards US-70. Take exit 2 for Aviation Parkway and merge onto Aviation Parkway for access to the terminals.
RDU Airport Parking Information

ParkRDU Central
The ParkRDU Central lot is located directly between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. To reach the parking lot, passengers can walk through the underground tunnel from Terminal 1 and across John Brantley Boulevard from Terminal 2. Covered and uncovered parking is available for $2 per hour (for the first 4 hours) and $15 per day.
ParkRDU Premier
Premier parking is available on the ground level of the ParkRDU Central lot. Dedicated premier spaces are located closest to entrances and exit for the quickest access to the terminals. Parking is charged at $3 per hour (for the first 4 hours) and $22 per day.
ParkRDU Express
The ParkRDU Express lot is located northeast of the airport and provides uncovered, mid-range priced parking. A trunk-to-terminal shuttle service operates every 5 minutes with complimentary bottled water. The parking rates are $2 per hour (for the first 4 hours) and $12 per day.
ParkRDU Economy 3 and 4
ParkRDU Economy lots 3 and 4 are located a short distance from both terminals, and passengers may ride the courtesy shuttle buses that operate every 20 minutes. Economy lot 3 is at the south end of the airport, and Economy lot 4 is at the north end of the airport. Parking rates are:
- ParkRDU Economy lot 3: $1 per hour (up to 4 hours on the day of entry) and $8 per day
- ParkRDU Economy lot 4: $1 per hour (up to 4 hours on the day of entry) and $7 per day
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking
Visitors picking up passengers may want to wait in the cell phone waiting lot, located at 1000 Trade Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560. Visitors must remain with their vehicle until the passenger is ready for curbside pick up. The lot is a 3-minute drive from the terminals.
Hotel and Off-Airport Parking
Although RDU’s economy daily parking is some of the most expensive we’ve seen, you can book cheaper parking at off-airport parking lots and hotels.
Off-site parking can be booked at airportparkingreservations.com for as little as $4.50 per day.
Parking for Passengers With Disabilities
There are 310 accessible parking spaces across the airport’s parking lots, located closest to exits/entrances and shuttle stops. All shuttle buses operating to and from the parking lots are wheelchair accessible.
Parking Contact Number
General Inquiries: 919-840-2140
Car Rental at RDU Airport
Rental car offices are located south of the airport, and all offer courtesy shuttle buses to and from the terminals. Shuttles operate from the green stops outside of baggage claim at zone 5 in Terminal 1 and zone 18 in Terminal 2.
The following rental companies are available on-airport property:
- Advantage: 800-777-5500
- Alamo: 800-327-9633
- Avis: 800-331-1212
- Budget: 800-527-0700
- Dollar: 800-800-4000
- Enterprise: 800-736-8222
- EZ Rent-A-Car: 800-277-5171
- Hertz: 800-654-3131
- National: 800-227-7368
- Payless: 800-729-5377
- Thrifty: 800-227-7368
Hot Tip: Read about the credit cards that include car rental insurance so you can avoid paying for expensive insurance through the rental provider.
RDU Airport Hotels

There are no hotels on RDU airport property, however, the closest accommodation is only 1.6 miles away. There’s a good selection of 2- to 4-star hotels available within a 2.5-mile radius.
Hotel | Address and Phone Number | Star Rating | Distance From the Airport (Miles) |
Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport | 1500 RDU Center Dr., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-840-8088 | 3 | 1.6 |
Hyatt Place Raleigh Durham Airport | 200 Airgate Dr., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-405-2400 | 4 | 1.7 |
Tru By Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport | 350 Airgate Dr., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-813-7129 | 3 | 1.7 |
Cambria Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport | 300 Airgate Dr., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-361-3311 | 3 | 1.8 |
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Raleigh-Durham Airport, NC | 201 Airgate Dr., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-544-1010 | 3 | 1.8 |
Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport Morrisville | 2001 Hospitality Ct., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-467-9444 | 3 | 1.9 |
Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport/Morrisville | 2020 Hospitality Ct., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-467-8689 | 3 | 1.9 |
Fairfield Inn & Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek | 10040 Sellona St., Raleigh, NC 27617 919-246-0107 | 3 | 2 |
La Quinta by Wyndham Raleigh Durham Intl AP | 1001 Hospitality Ct., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-461-1771 | 3 | 2 |
Microtel Inn by Wyndham Raleigh-Durham Airport | 104 Factory Shops Rd., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-651-3793 | 2 | 2 |
Quality Inn & Suites Raleigh Durham Airport | 001 Aerial Center Pkwy., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-481-3600 | 3 | 2 |
Hyatt House Raleigh/Rdu/Brier Creek | 10030 Sellona St., Raleigh, NC 27617 919-405-7001 | 3 | 2 |
Aloft Raleigh Durham Airport Brier Creek | 10020 Sellona St., Raleigh, NC 27617 919-957-8523 | 3 | 2 |
Holiday Inn Express Raleigh-Durham Airport | 1014 Airport Blvd., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-653-2260 | 2 | 2.1 |
Hampton Inn Raleigh/Durham Airport | 1010 Airport Blvd., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-462-1620 | 3 | 2.1 |
Staybridge Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport-Morrisville | 1012 Airport Blvd., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-468-0180 | 3 | 2.1 |
Days Inn by Wyndham Raleigh-Airport-Research Triangle Park | 1000 Airport Blvd., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-234-5211 | 2 | 2.2 |
Fairfield Inn & Suites Raleigh – Durham Airport / RTP | 2750 Slater Rd., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-468-2660 | 3 | 2.2 |
Extended Stay America – Raleigh – RDU Airport | 2700 Slater Rd., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-380-1499 | 2 | 2.2 |
Holiday Inn Raleigh Durham Airport | 930 Airport Blvd., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-465-1910 | 3 | 2.3 |
Four Points by Sheraton – Raleigh-Durham Airport | 1200 Claren Cir., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-380-1221 | 4 | 2.4 |
Embassy Suites Raleigh – Durham Airport/ Brier Creek | 8001 Arco Corporate Dr., Raleigh, NC 27617 919-572-2200 | 4 | 2.5 |
Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points
Hotel | Address and Phone Number | Star Rating | Distance From the Airport (Miles) | Loyalty Program | Redemption Cost |
Hyatt Place Raleigh Durham Airport | 200 Airgate Dr., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-405-2400 | 4 | 1.7 | World of Hyatt | 5,000 World of Hyatt points |
Four Points by Sheraton – Raleigh-Durham Airport | 1200 Claren Cir., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-380-1221 | 4 | 2.4 | Marriott Bonvoy | 15,000 to 20,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport | 1500 RDU Center Dr., Morrisville, NC 27560 919-840-8088 | 3 | 1.6 | Hilton Honors | 22,000 to 40,000 Hilton Honors points |
The Hyatt Place Raleigh Durham Airport is ideally located a half-mile from the airport and within close proximity to Research Triangle Park. The hotel is pet-friendly and offers an indoor pool, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and free breakfast for all guests. Better yet, as a Category 1 property in the Hyatt portfolio, award nights at the hotel cost just 5,000 points per night!
Four Points by Sheraton – Raleigh-Durham Airport is centrally located in Raleigh with easy access to Cary, Durham, and Chapel Hill for local shopping, dining, and entertainment. Guests will enjoy amenities like the indoor pool, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, free breakfast for all guests, and a free airport shuttle. The hotel is a Category 3 Marriott Bonvoy property, so award nights cost 15,000 points on off-peak nights, 17,500 points on standard nights, and 20,000 points on peak nights.
Hilton loyalists will feel at home at the Hilton Garden Inn Raleigh-Durham. You’ll find that it offers all of the amenities you’ll need for an enjoyable stay like a free airport shuttle, 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, business center, and an on-site restaurant. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, so the price can vary based on the season and demand, but you can expect to pay somewhere between 22,000 and 40,000 points per night.
Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points, World of Hyatt points, or Marriott Bonvoy points.
Final Thoughts
In 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration approved the airport’s Vision 2040 plan for airport expansion. With a completion date of 2040, this long-term plan doesn’t account for any immediate developments, but with the airport around 10 years ahead of its projected growth, that will need to be revisited. The Vision 2040 plans include gate expansion at both Terminals 1 and 2, a new rental car center and ground transportation facilities, and improvements to some of the parking lots.