Transportation Options at Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU)
Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.
Raleigh–Durham International Airport offers several transportation options connecting the airport with the cities of Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the wider Research Triangle region. Travelers can choose between public buses, taxis, ride-sharing services, rental cars, and private vehicles. Most transportation services are located outside the terminal buildings in the designated Ground Transportation areas.
Because the Research Triangle region is quite spread out, many visitors prefer renting a car or using ride-sharing services to move easily between cities.
Buses and Airport Shuttles
Public transportation at RDU is mainly provided by the regional bus system GoTriangle. The airport is connected to several cities in the region including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill through scheduled bus routes.
Main Route
- GoTriangle Route 100 – connects the airport with downtown Raleigh, downtown Durham, and the Regional Transit Center.
Bus stops are located outside the terminals in the ground transportation area. Buses typically operate throughout the day with frequent departures.
Tip: Route 100 is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel between the airport and downtown Durham.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services
Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available at Raleigh–Durham Airport. These services operate 24 hours a day and provide direct transportation to hotels, business districts, and nearby cities.
Taxi ranks and ride-share pickup areas are located outside the terminals at the designated ground transportation zones.
Ride-sharing services are usually slightly cheaper than taxis and can be booked easily through a smartphone app.
Rail, Metro or Tram Connections
Currently, Raleigh–Durham International Airport does not have a direct rail or metro connection. However, regional transportation plans include future rail projects that may improve connectivity between the airport and nearby cities.
Passengers who wish to travel by train can use bus connections to reach the Amtrak stations in Raleigh or Durham, where intercity rail services operate.
If you plan to travel to other cities in North Carolina by train, the Durham Amtrak station is usually the closest option from the airport.
Car Rental Services
Car rental is one of the most popular transportation options for travelers arriving at RDU Airport. Major international rental companies operate directly from the airport, and the rental car facilities are located in the parking garages near the terminals.
Companies operating at the airport include:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Dollar
- Thrifty
Rental prices typically range between $40 and $90 per day depending on the vehicle type and season.
See more information
Booking your rental car online in advance can often provide significantly lower prices.
Getting to the Airport by Private Car
RDU Airport is easily accessible by car via several major highways connecting the airport with the surrounding region.
- Interstate 40 (I-40) – main highway connecting Raleigh and Durham.
- NC-540 / Triangle Expressway – toll road providing fast access from the south and west.
- Aviation Parkway – direct access road to the airport terminals.
Traffic can be heavier during weekday rush hours, especially on I-40 between Raleigh and Durham.