Raleigh/Durham International Airport Guide
Contact information and flight status
- rdu.com; 919-840-2123 (staffed 5:30 a.m. 12:30 a.m.)
- Terminal maps
- Current departures
- Current arrivals
Checkpoint savvy
Busiest times: Both terminals, 6 a.m.- 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 6 p.m.
Workarounds: Terminal 1: All gates accessible through one checkpoint. Terminal 2: All gates are accessible through one checkpoint.
Parking
Parking information: 919-840-2140 (staffed Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Most convenient: Premier (garage between Terminals 1 and 2), $18/day. Central, $14/day. Both lots also have hourly rates.
Least expensive: Economy 3, $7/day; Economy 4, $6/day (credit card only). Shuttle to terminal.
Cellphone lot: Follow signs to "Rental Car Return." Lot is across from Advantage Rent A Car.
Transportation to/from city
Most convenient: RDU Taxi Service to downtown, $30. Approximate travel time: 25 minutes. Uber and Lyft are permitted to operate at RDU in pre-arranged zoned at Terminals 1 and 2. See more options.
Least expensive: Triangle Transit Route 100 provides service between Downtown Raleigh and RDU. Travel time: 35 minutes. Fare: $2.
Wi-Fi and charging stations
Free Wi-Fi available through Boingo. Paid options available for higher speeds.
Power outlets: Terminal 1: Outlets (standard and USB) are located throughout the concourse, including restaurants. Terminal 2: 186 electrical outlets and USB ports are adjacent to the seats.
Go local
Good choice for local gifts: 2nd Edition Booksellers (pre-owned books, vintage novels, maps and more; Terminal 2, Gate D10). See more options.
Good choice for local food: Terminal 1: ACC All-American Café (Gate A8), Char-Grill (Gate A5). Terminal 2: 42nd St. Oyster Bar, Carolina Vintages (Gate D3). See more options.
Tips and tidbits
RDU has a USO center, 15 art installations and a spa offering massages, facials, manicures and other services.
Nearby layover option
RDU's Observation Park has an elevated observation area overlooking the airport's longest runway, a children's play area and picnic tables. The General Aviation Terminal has a balcony and panoramic views of one of the airport runways. Lake Crabtree Park is on airport property and has a playground, picnic tables and walking trails.
Your tips and picks?
Please share your time- and money-saving tips, favorite restaurants, bars and stores in comments below.
These guides are written by Harriet Baskas, who is the author of six books, including the airport guidebook Stuck at the Airport and a blog of the same name.