Raleigh–Durham International Airport (IATA: RDU)
Carolina — Raleigh-Durham International Airport This airport covers the lovely Research Triangle area of North Carolina. The site is located in unincorporated Wake County, just outside Raleigh, Cary and Morrisville. RDU is a 5,000 acres property with three runways. In 2024, it has domestic nonstop service to 59 destinations and international nonstop service to 10 destinations. RDU has a lot of traffic, with more than 500 flights each day and continued growth. It greeted a record 14.5 million travellers in 2023 Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) is the second biggest airport in North Carolina, behind Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Avelo Airlines is a hub there, and it serves as a focus city for Delta Air Lines. Now pack your bags for the globe — from RDU!

Live Air Traffic

Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)—Covers a lot more ground than just the Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham triangle but is still in competition with other airports
[JFK] It serves 59 domestic and 10 international destinations to travelers. RDU has over 500 daily flights operating in and out of it. It has 5,000 acres and three runways. It is North Carolina's second-biggest airport. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves as a base for Avelo Airlines and hub of sorts for Delta Air Lines. RDU had its all-time record high of 14.5 million passengers in 2023. First three nonstop flights include Frankfurt, Mexico City and Panama City coming in 2024. RDU is the place for travelers to get out in the world.

Basic information about airport

Airport code: KRDU
Type: large
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Raleigh-Durham
IATA: RDU
Longitude: -78.7874984741211
Latitude: 35.877601623535156

Rdu Airport on Google Maps

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Rappahannock County, Raleigh-Durham International Airport: Your Connection to the Southeast

Introduction

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (the principal airport for the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, otherwise known as RDU) is one busy hub. Now, complete with modern amenities and plenty of airline choices, RDU is an indispensable point for anyone planning travel in the southeastern U.S.

Airlines and Destinations

RDU serves 59 nonstop destinations and 10 international. It averaged more than 500 daily commercial flight operations in January of this year, placed by RDU on rebuttal to the county's much larger traffic counting system known as a real-time data exchange (RTDE). It is a base for Avelo Airlines, and a focus city for Delta Air Lines, giving travelers more options on where they would like to take off.

Passengers and Flights

RDU broke its previous high of 14.2 million passengers in 2019, serving a record-setting 14.5 million travelers during the year-end holiday season in January and February on their way to North Carolina beaches or skiing trips. The year 2024 saw four new airlines at the airport, while it offered flights to more than two dozen fresh locations and on nearly a half hundred routes.

How to Get Here

RDU is about 14 miles northwest of Raleigh and roughly the same distance southeast of Durham, making it nearly equidistant between both cities. And it is only 17 miles east of Chapel Hill, too. There is a 20-minute drive from each of these destinations to the airport, depending on traffic, if one uses their personal vehicle.

Parking

We have a variety of on-site parking options to meet the needs of just about any traveler: ParkRDU Premier, Central and Economy lots. OneStopParking also makes it easy for passengers to reserve off-site parking at low prices.

Premier and Central lot parking at RDU is $8 an hour or $32 a day, while the Economy lots provide a more affordable option for only $5.25 per hour or just $21 per day.

Terminal Layout

RDU consists of two primary terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, linked by a covered walkway. The two terminals feature modern designs, room to expand and plenty of amenities that make the airport a comfortable place for passengers.

Navigate the Airport

Interactive maps that help guide travelers to specific amenities and give directions from one terminal to the next also enhance wayfinding at RDU. The terminals are clear to navigate, and there is staff who can assist with any queries or problems.

Getting Between Terminals

Raleigh-Durham passengers can also easily walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 on the public side via a covered walkway that takes about ten minutes to traverse. There's a shuttle bus for passengers with luggage or mobility needs that can take you from one terminal to the other.

Services and Amenities

RDU is working to constantly enhance and upgrade the services and amenities it provides its travelers. Improvements that have taken place and are planned include additional security checkpoints, new dining options on the departures level, more shopping choices in Terminal B/Central Hall to better match what's found at National Airport and easier access for persons with disabilities.

Restaurants and Shops

RDU also has a wide variety of dining and shopping options, including several local favorites like Char-Grill as well as national behemoths such as Starbucks. With 13 new dining concepts coming onboard in 2024 and 2025, RDU will soon have more eateries than many cities, which cements it as a foodie destination through-and-through.

Security and Customs

Facial recognition technology was introduced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at checkpoints for all outbound passengers. RDU is one of few airports to have this new security checkpoint procedure on a daily basis. The airport has international arrivals Customs and Border Protection facilities.

Accessibility

We take pride in offering a warm, friendly and open experience for all of our travelers. For those with disabilities, the airport offers a number of services including wheelchair assistance, service animal relief areas, and parking for disability placards/plates.

Travel Tips

RDU advises passengers to reserve parking in advance and arrive early for flights, along with checking flight status before making the trek out to the airport. The airport is also home to a number of layover options for people in the region during long-haul connections.