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.
- Smooth Security Lines at RDU: Unlike some other major airports, RDU has generally avoided the long security wait times reported elsewhere, with operations continuing as normal. Some travelers even reported getting through security in a matter of minutes when arriving from larger airports like LAX and DCA.
- Modern Terminals and Amenities: Travelers describe RDU as having modern terminals, big open spaces, and quality food/drink options. There's also an observation/kids park landside.
- Ongoing Improvements and Expansion: RDU is investing $2.5 billion over the next 10 years in its "Transform RDU" project, which includes runway replacement, additional eco-friendly parking, a John Brantley Boulevard extension, and a Terminal 2 expansion with additional ticketing counters, a roomier international arrival area, and new baggage carousels.
- Efficient Parking Solutions: RDU has implemented Parking Mobile Pay for a smoother exit from lots and garages, allowing travelers to scan a QR code and pay digitally. The Park Economy 3 Expansion is also adding 7,000 new spots with shuttle service to both terminals.
- Helpful Programs for Faster Security: Programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are noted as being effective in helping travelers avoid long lines at RDU and other airports, with Global Entry also offering expedited customs reentry and TSA PreCheck perks.
- Limited Regional Non-Stop Flights: Despite expanding international and national routes, RDU has a "maddening route network for regional business travel," with very few non-stop flights to other mid-sized cities in the Atlantic Southeast, often requiring connections through hubs like CLT or ATL.
- Rental Car Shuttle Delays: One traveler noted that it took a long time for a rental car shuttle to arrive, as each company operates its own shuttle, which was perceived as inefficient.
- RDU** is a well-regarded airport by many travelers, offering a generally smooth and modern experience, with significant ongoing investments aimed at further improving its facilities and capacity. However, its regional connectivity remains a point of frustration for some business travelers.
- Sources researched: cbs17.com, qcnews.com, rdu.com, raleighmag.com, crankyflier.com*
New & changed departures
9 changes to RDU's schedule in the last 90 days.
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Track all changesRoutes from RDU
126 nonstop destinations · 64 airlines.
Airlines at RDU
64 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) offers 325 flight routes operated by 64 airlines. Major carriers include Breeze Airways, Frontier, Southwest and others. Popular destinations from Raleigh/Durham include Hartsfield-Jackson Intl, LaGuardia, John F Kennedy Intl, Reagan National, Charlotte/Douglas Intl.
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Common questions about RDU
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from RDU?
Raleigh Durham International Airport has 325 scheduled routes to 126 destinations in 14 countries, operated by 64 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Raleigh Durham International Airport?
64 carriers operate scheduled departures, including Breeze Airways, Frontier, Southwest.
Where is Raleigh Durham International Airport located?
Raleigh Durham International Airport is located in Raleigh/Durham, US, at an elevation of 435 ft. Its IATA code is RDU and ICAO code is KRDU.