Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Airport Airport

IATA Code
RDU
ICAO Code
KRDU
Airport Type
Large Airport
Class
International

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is a medium‑hub airport serving the Research Triangle region. It has two passenger terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) with multiple concourses and handled around 10-13 million passengers annually in recent years. Major US carriers operate frequent domestic and some international services.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Elevation: 132 m
35.8787, -78.7873

Terminal Guide for Raleigh-Durham International Airport #

RDU’s passenger facilities are arranged across Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, each with multiple concourses and gate clusters; most airlines operate from a dedicated terminal though some carriers use gates in either terminal. The terminals are linked inside landside and there is a short covered connector between them for transfers; allow extra time if transferring landside or between different ticketing areas.

Getting to and From Raleigh-Durham International Airport #

RDU is roughly a 20-35 minute drive from downtown Raleigh or Durham depending on traffic.

  • Taxi/rideshare: Taxis and app-based ride services operate from designated curbside areas; expect fares to central Raleigh of roughly USD 30-50 depending on destination and traffic.
  • Shuttles & buses: Regional transit and airport shuttles connect RDU with surrounding cities and campuses; check local operators for schedules.
  • Car hire/drive: Multiple rental operators are on-site; driving to the Triangle area is straightforward via I‑40 and I‑540.
  • Parking: Short‑ and long‑term parking is available at the terminal complex.

Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Raleigh-Durham International Airport #

RDU offers full airport services expected at a medium‑size US airport.

  • Lounges: Several airline and independent lounges operate in the terminals - check access rules with your carrier or Priority Pass.
  • Food & drink: A wide range of sit‑down restaurants and quick‑service options are located airside and landside.
  • Wi‑Fi & charging: Complimentary public Wi‑Fi and numerous charging points throughout concourses.
  • Other services: Car rental centre, business services, family restrooms and accessible facilities.
  • Duty‑free: Available on most international departures where applicable.

Hotels and Layovers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) #

  • RDU Airport Marriott - located at the airport with a covered walkway to the terminal; convenient for early flights. (See parent site: marriott.com)

Other hotels are available in nearby Morrisville, Cary and Raleigh (15-30 minutes by car). For short overnight stays the on-site Marriott is the most convenient option; downtown Raleigh and Durham offer broader choices.

Tips for Raleigh-Durham International Airport #

  • Know your terminal: RDU uses two numbered terminals - check which terminal and concourse your airline uses before arriving.
  • Marriott connection: The on‑site RDU Airport Marriott connects to the terminal via a covered walkway - convenient for overnight stays or early flights.
  • Ground transport: Allow extra time for travel into Raleigh/Durham area at rush hour; rideshares and taxis queue at designated curbside zones.

Weather & Climate near Raleigh-Durham International Airport #

Climate

Raleigh-Durham International Airport's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1126 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 30 Good
Best Time to Visit
AprilJuneOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2° 10°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.9h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
10.8h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
17°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
13.0h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 26°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
13.9h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
18° 30°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
14.4h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°
70%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
14.1h daylight

August

August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 31°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
13.3h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
16° 28°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

81 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
23°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
11.2h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).

71 Very Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
17°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

77 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.2h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

79 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.7h daylight

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