RDU · Raleigh, NC · Large Hub

Raleigh-Durham International Airport Guide

Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), every figure cited to the airport's own data.

Quick answer

  • Terminals: 2 terminals, not airside-connected (re-security between some)
  • Minimum connection time: 30 min domestic, 1 hr 15 min international to domestic
  • Arrive: 1 hr 30 min before domestic, 2 hr 30 min before international
  • To Raleigh: about 20 min one-way
  • Free WiFi: Yes · Showers: Yes

Terminals & connections

Raleigh-Durham International Airport has 2 terminals. Not all terminals are airside-connected; transfers between some terminals require exiting security and re-clearing TSA. Terminal transfers require shuttle and re-security.

Terminal 1

4 airlines: Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air

Lower-cost carriers.

Terminal 2

8 airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, British Airways, and more

Major US legacy carriers and limited international.

Minimum connection times

Domestic to domestic
30 min
Domestic to international
45 min
International to domestic
1 hr 15 min
International to international
1 hr
Transfer system
Free shuttle between T1 and T2 (landside)
Airside connected
No

Layover helper

Interactive tool

Enter your layover details and we will tell you whether you have a tight connection, a comfortable connection, or enough time to leave RDU.

Security & TSA

Typical TSA wait at RDU is 20 minutes at peak and 5 minutes off-peak. Arrive at least 1 hr 30 min before a domestic flight and 2 hr 30 min before international.

TSA PreCheck
Available
CLEAR
Available
Global Entry
Available

Lounges

1 notable lounge at RDU, including airline-branded clubs and third-party options accessible via Priority Pass or day-pass. Check your credit card benefits (Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture X) before paying a day-pass fee.

The Club RDU

Terminal 2

Priority Pass

Access: Priority Pass, day pass

Amenities: Bar

Amenities

4 of 7 core amenities available at RDU: showers, free WiFi, nursing rooms, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 1 terminal.

Showers

Available

The Club RDU

Sleep pods

Not available

WiFi

Free (good)

Nursing rooms

Available

Both terminals

Chapel

Not available

Pet relief areas

Available

Pet relief areas

Dining highlights

Terminal 2: The Pit Authentic BBQ, Carolina Ale House

Ground transport to Raleigh

RDU is about 20 min from downtown Raleigh by the fastest transit option.

Option Cost Time
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare
Downtown Raleigh and Durham are both 15-20 min away.
 $25-$45 15-35 min
GoTriangle Route 100
Bus
 $2-$3 30-50 min

Parking

RDU parking ranges from $9/day economy to $30/day short-term.

Short-term
$30/day
Long-term
$13/day
Economy
$9/day
Valet
Not available

Can I leave RDU during a layover?

Yes, RDU is close enough to Raleigh that a 3-hour layover is workable. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Raleigh. Round-trip to the city center is about 40 min plus re-screening on return.

Research Triangle Park is 10 min; downtown Raleigh 20 min; Durham 20 min. Easy to grab BBQ and return.

Overnight layover hotels

  • Renaissance Raleigh North Hills
    15-min rideshare
    $$

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive at RDU?

Arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight from RDU, and 150 minutes before an international flight.

What is the minimum connection time at RDU?

RDU requires at least 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 75 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. RDU terminals are not all airside-connected; expect to re-clear security between some terminals. Transfer system: Free shuttle between T1 and T2 (landside).

How long does it take to get between terminals at RDU?

Budget 8 min for same-terminal transfers and 15 min for different-terminal transfers at RDU via Free shuttle between T1 and T2 (landside). Terminal transfers require shuttle and re-security.

Can I leave RDU during a 3-hour layover?

Yes, RDU is close enough to Raleigh that 3-hour layovers are workable. Round-trip to the city center is about 40 minutes plus re-screening. Research Triangle Park is 10 min; downtown Raleigh 20 min; Durham 20 min. Easy to grab BBQ and return.

Does RDU have showers?

Yes, RDU has showers at The Club RDU.

Does RDU have sleep pods?

RDU does not have dedicated sleep pods. Check premium airline lounges for quiet rooms.

Is WiFi free at RDU?

Yes. RDU offers free WiFi throughout the airport.

What is the cheapest way to get from RDU to Raleigh?

The cheapest option is typically GoTriangle Route 100 at $2-$3, taking 30-50 minutes.

Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at RDU?

RDU supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Typical peak-hour wait is 20 minutes.

Where should I eat at RDU during a layover?

Notable dining at RDU includes The Pit Authentic BBQ (Terminal 2), Carolina Ale House (Terminal 2).

How much does parking cost at RDU?

RDU parking rates: $30/day short-term, $13/day long-term, $9/day economy. Book online in advance for significant discounts vs. drive-up rates.

Is there a hotel at RDU for overnight layovers?

The closest option is Renaissance Raleigh North Hills (15-min rideshare, $$). Budget time for the shuttle or rideshare in your overnight plan.

Which terminal does my airline use at RDU?

RDU has 2 terminals. Major airline assignments: Terminal 1: Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines; Terminal 2: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.

Are there pet relief areas at RDU?

Yes. Pet relief areas.

Compare RDU to other airports

See how RDU ranks against the other 69 airports in our dataset.

Best for layovers RDU ranks well for quick layovers With sleep pods See which airports offer capsule hotels and nap rooms Shortest MCT RDU dom-to-dom: 30 min · intl-to-dom: 1 hr 15 min

Airlines operating at RDU

Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of RDU.

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Sources & verification

Verified 2026-04-14. Airport operations, parking rates, and amenities change; always confirm with Raleigh-Durham International Airport before flying.