Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the primary airport serving North Carolina’s Research Triangle region, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. In 1929, Raleigh’s first municipal airport opened. It became the Raleigh-Durham Army Air Field in 1943 and served as a training base for the Army Air Corps until 1948.
In 2024, RDU handled a record 15.5 million passengers, steadily increasing over the years as an alternative to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airport is served by 17 major airlines, including Delta, Avelo, Southwest, and Breeze, and has two terminals.
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Raleigh Airport Tips
Getting Through Security at the Raleigh Airport
There is one airport security area at each terminal that has a separate line for TSA PreCheck. The MyTSA app is helpful in tracking wait times. You can also sign up for Clear and TSA PreCheck, which expedite lines and don’t require you to take out electronics and liquids. You can sign up for Clear at the airport on the day of travel, but PreCheck requires an interview in advance.
If you don’t want to shell out for these services, be prepared with your ID and ticket out, with slip-on shoes and laptop and liquids taken out. A clear toiletry case is a must-have, along with a standard-size carry-on bag.
Going Between Terminals at the Raleigh Airport
A sidewalk and pedestrian path connect the two terminals, which should take around 15 minutes. It’s clearly marked and safe for foot traffic. A free shuttle also runs every 15-20 minutes between the terminals and the Park RDU economy lots. You can pick it up on ground level outside baggage claim.
When it comes to getting from one side of the terminal to the other, it’s accessible by walking or using the moving sidewalk.
Food and Drink at the Raleigh Airport
For its modest size, the Raleigh Airport has several great dining options and is still growing. Terminal 1 has ACC American Café, a sports bar with American favorites and TVs for catching a game. Beyu Caffé is a favorite Durham coffee shop, and Char Grill is another location of a Raleigh institution. There’s also a Starbucks and Salsarita’s, plus La Tapenade Mediterranean Café.
At Terminal 2, grab a pastry and a coffee at La Farm Bakery and Café, Beyu, or Black & White Coffee Roasters. Bongiorno & Son Italian Specialties has great sandwiches if you’re in a hurry. getREEF Virtual Food Hall has several options for ordering ahead, and Crawford’s Genuine from the renowned five-time James Beard-nominated chef Scott Crawford is by far the best around.
Shopping, Art, and Other Features of the Raleigh Airport
RDU offers a diverse shopping experience across its two terminals, featuring a mix of local boutiques, national retailers, and duty-free options. At Terminal 1, it’s mostly basic souvenirs, snacks, and men’s and women’s clothing. Terminal 2 has more options, like a duty-free shop and Root & Branch, with locally made products.
Club Lounges at the Raleigh Airport
There are currently three airport lounges to relax in for those with status in between flights, all located at Terminal 2. United, Delta, and American each have their own.
Going from the Raleigh Airport to the City Center
Getting between RDU and downtown Raleigh is fairly straightforward. GoTriangle‘s Route 100 provides direct bus service from zones 2 and 3 at Terminal 1 and zones 6 and 7 at Terminal 2. The ride takes around 30 minutes to Raleigh Union Station and costs $2.50 per ride.
Taxis and rideshare are also available, with marked areas for pickup outside baggage claim at each of the terminals. Rental cars are another option, and several hotels have complimentary shuttle services like Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Airport Brier Creek and The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport.
What to Do on a Raleigh Layover
If you have a layover at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and some time to explore, there are several options depending on how long your layover is. Your best bet is to check out some of the incredible museums in the capital city.
The North Carolina Museum of Art is free to visit with sprawling galleries and an over 160-square-foot park dotted with sculptures. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and the Museum of History are also free, as is a wander through the 300-acre Dorothea Dix Park for the best views in town.
Leave plenty of time to eat and drink, especially since the city is home to several breweries and award-winning restaurants. Tamasha Modern Indian Kitchen, Figulina, Poole’s Diner, and Crawford and Son are all James Beard nominees or winners.
Have you traveled through the Raleigh airport? Share your tips!
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