Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU)

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (IATA: RDU, ICAO: KRDU) is the primary air gateway for North Carolina’s Research Triangle region, a major center for technology, education, and life sciences. Serving the cities of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and their surrounding communities, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure connecting the region's dynamic economy to national and global destinations. Opened for commercial air service in 1943, RDU's growth has mirrored that of the adjacent Research Triangle Park, expanding over the decades to meet increasing demand.

The airport is strategically located between Raleigh and Durham, approximately 14 miles from each city's downtown core. Its central position is easily accessible via Interstate 40, and travelers can utilize rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and the GoTriangle public bus system for ground transportation. As a large airport that served over 14.5 million passengers in 2023, RDU is served by all major U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, along with prominent low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines. The airport supports a robust network of nonstop flights to dozens of domestic cities and a growing number of international destinations, such as London, Paris, and Cancun.

RDU operates two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is a smaller facility primarily used by Southwest and Avelo Airlines. Terminal 2 is the larger, primary terminal, housing most other domestic airlines and all international carriers. It features modern architecture, a wide selection of shops and restaurants with local and national brands, and airline lounges for American, Delta, and United. For a smooth journey, travelers should confirm their airline's terminal before arrival, as the two buildings are not connected by an internal walkway and require a short shuttle bus ride for transfers. It is recommended to arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights and at least two to three hours before international flights. Pre-booking parking online is advisable, particularly during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability.