Terminal 1Verify your airline before leaving
1600 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560FAA rank #34 · Medium hub
RDURaleigh–Durham
Raleigh–Durham International
Guide reviewed September 1, 2026
The short answer
RDU is straightforward if you know the terminal. Economy is inexpensive, but its 20-minute shuttle cycle belongs inside—not after—your two-hour arrival window.
Arrival planner
When should I be at RDU?
Enter the departure time shown on your ticket.
Recommended airport arrival—:—
Enter your departure time
We’ll work backward from the airport’s recommendation.
2 hours before departure
This is your airport arrival time—not the time to leave home. Airline check-in and bag-drop cutoffs still apply.
Security peakEarly mornings, Monday and Friday travel banks, Sunday evenings, and holidays
01
Security
What you’re walking into
RDU's two terminals have separate checkpoints. Verify Terminal 1 or 2 before parking and use current airport conditions rather than assuming the lines are interchangeable.
Check live security wait times before leaving ↗TSA PreCheck● Yes
CLEAR● Yes
Global Entry● Yes
Mobile Passport● Yes
02
Official parking
What it costs
Economy$14.50/day24/7 shuttle about every 20 minutes
Express$18.50/dayTrunk-to-terminal shuttle
Central$22.75/dayCovered and outdoor spaces; walk to terminals
Premier$34/dayCovered ground-level spaces closest to terminals
03
Ground transportation
Don’t stand at the wrong curb
Ride-app and prearranged pickups use Terminal 1 Zone 1 and Terminal 2 Zone 8 outside baggage claim.
Rental companies operate from nearby on-airport facilities reached by branded shuttles from designated terminal pickup zones.
Terminals 1 and 2 are separate and not connected after security. Use the airport roadway/shuttle system and expect to screen again if you go to the wrong terminal.
RDU cell-phone lotFree; about three minutes from the terminals1000 Trade Dr, Morrisville, NC 27560
The free cell-phone lot at 1000 Trade Drive is about three minutes from the terminals; remain with the vehicle.
04
Airport hotels
Sleep close. Leave the car.
RDU has no hotel inside or directly connected to either terminal. Morrisville and Brier Creek hotels provide the closest park-and-fly choices.
Inside or airport-connected
None at this airportPark-and-fly
Confirm terms before bookingSonesta ES Suites Raleigh Durham Airport Morrisville
- Airport ride
- Airport shuttle listed around the clock with the package; reconfirm pickup instructions
- Parking
- Selected packages advertise parking for up to 30 days
Cambria Hotel Raleigh-Durham Airport
- Airport ride
- On-demand shuttle generally operates 4:15 AM–midnight; arrange with the desk
- Parking
- Parking duration depends on the package selected
Holiday Inn Raleigh-Durham Airport
- Airport ride
- Airport shuttle offered; verify current hours and reservation requirements
- Parking
- Extended parking requires the park-and-fly rate
Hotel information reviewed September 2, 2026. Confirm current shuttle hours, parking terms, and package availability before booking.
05
Airport essentials
Everything else worth knowing
Free Wi-Fi● Yes
USO lounge● Yes
Pet relief● Yes
EV chargingCharging is available in selected parking facilities; confirm the current location before relying on it.
SmokingSmoking and vaping are prohibited inside the terminals.
OvernightRDU operates around flight schedules, with limited overnight services and checkpoint access.
Sources & freshness
Trust the facts. Check the source.
Guide information reviewed September 1, 2026. For today’s operations, rates, and hours, use the live links and official sources below.
RDU official homepage↗RDU parking↗RDU ground transportation↗RDU taxis and rides↗RDU cell-phone lot↗