Ride-app and prearranged pickups use Terminal 1 Zone 1 and Terminal 2 Zone 8 outside baggage claim.
FAA rank #34 · Medium hub
RDURaleigh–Durham
Raleigh–Durham International
Verified 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
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.
The free cell-phone lot at 1000 Trade Drive is about three minutes from the terminals; remain with the vehicle.
04
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.
Verified September 1, 2026. Time-sensitive details can change without notice.
RDU official homepage↗RDU parking↗RDU ground transportation↗RDU taxis and rides↗RDU cell-phone lot↗