Herein lies a captivating collection of options to get around downtown Raleigh. Whether you want to don your walking shoes or need a speedier method, plenty of possibilities await to suit all needs and budgets.

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How to Get Around Downtown Raleigh

Walking

Fancy a brisk and invigorating power walk? Splendid! Don your walking shoes and take to the sidewalk for the best way to get around downtown Raleigh. You’ll likely want to supplement walking with another mode of transport if you need to get from one end of downtown to another.

Interactive touchscreen IKE kiosks are scattered throughout downtown and offer a digital map at your fingertips. They provide information to help pedestrians navigate and explore all Downtown Raleigh has to offer. A mobile version of the IKE kiosks can be found here.

Biking

For the more athletically inclined, a two-wheeled adventure awaits! Biking is a convenient way to get from one end of downtown to another. The BikeRaleigh map shows bike lanes, greenways, and prefered bike routes, but use your own discretion as not all routes will be appropriate for all riders. There are a number of bike racks available throughout downtown Raleigh so pedal your cares away.

Cardinal Bikeshare

If you didn’t bring your own bike downtown, another great option is Cardinal Bikeshare. Cardinal Bikeshare is a public, self-serve bicycle rental system with hundreds of bikes across dozens of docking stations.

Purchase a membership on the website, app or directly at a docking station kiosk. Here are the pricing options for pay-as-you-go, monthly, and annual passes. Unlock a bike using the mobile app or tap your membership card/fob on the handlebars.

Ride in bike lanes when possible, do not ride on the sidewalks, and follow all traffic signals.

Keep your ride under the allotted time to avoid incurring extra time fees.
The secondary lock can be used to secure the bike to a rack for any stops you need to make along the way. When you’re done, dock your bike at any station. Listen for the sound to confirm that it has been secured and check the bike screen for the “docked bike” indication to appear.

E-scooters

If the desire for spontaneous whimsy strikes, liberate a zippy, e-scooter, another great option. Dockless e-scooter programs available in Raleigh include Lime (use link for $5 off) and Spin.

Download the app. Create an account. Use the map in the app to find the e-scooter closest to you. Follow in-app instructions to unlock your e-scooter and begin your ride.

Note that you must be at least 18 years old to ride. Ride in bike lanes when possible, do not ride on the sidewalks, and follow all traffic signals.

When arriving at your destination, scout for a designated scooter parking corral, and if not near a corral, choose a parking spot behind the curb that does not block pedestrian or other traffic. Use the kickstand to park your e-scooter in an upright position. If you follow these parking rules, you will deserve a cookie for being a such shining example of responsible e-scootery. Follow in-app instructions on how to conclude your trip. 

Rental Cars

Do you yearn for the freedom of the open road, but lack your own four-wheeled steed? Fret not! Rental car agencies abound, eager to equip you with a temporary chariot. The airport has agents for a number of major car rental firms. If you wait until you’re already downtown, there are fewer options, but there is an Enterprise location as well as an Avis and Budget agent inside the Sheraton Hotel. Regardless of which rental agency or location you choose, it’s best to book in advance.

Parking

An expansive parking system awaits your motor vehicle. The City of Raleigh offers a number of on-street and off-street parking options downtown. In addition, private surface parking lots are available in excess. If you would like to plan where you’re going to park before arriving at your destination, you can use this interactive map. Simply enter the address of your destination to see nearby parking options, hours of operation, and cost.

As a general rule, city owned parking decks charge $1/hour for the first two hours then $2/hour up to the daily maximum of $14. Check ahead though as a few of the decks are $3/hour up to the daily maximum of $15. Special event parking in city-owned parking decks is $10. The cost of on-street parking varies and is often time-limited.

All parking decks and on-street parking can be paid for using nearby payment machines but it tends to be much faster and easier to pay using the Passport Parking app. You’ll need to know your license plate number as well as what zone you’re parked in, which can be found on the parking payment machine.

Buses

And what joyous news! Public buses currently offer complimentary passage through June 30, 2024! Busses in Raleigh are run by GoRaleigh and the main transit hub is the GoRaleigh Station. Use Google Maps or one of these apps for trip planning and bus tracking. Plan to arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before its expected arrival. When your bus approaches, signal the driver that you would like to board. About a block before you want to get off, push the button near the door or pull the cord above your head to request the next stop. Bus fares and passes can be found here for when GoRaleigh resumes collecting fares again on July 1, 2024.

Taxis and Rideshares

If doorstep convenience is your desire, taxis and rideshares stand at the ready.

Taxis are not particularly common in Raleigh. The biggest company, Taxi Taxi can be booked online or by calling 919-333-3333. All taxis run on a meter and rates are $4.20 for the first mile and 25¢ for each additional 1/10-mile.

More common in Raleigh is getting around by rideshare. Rideshare companies operating in Raleigh include Uber and Lyft. Use the apps to book a ride.

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So, dear reader, embrace the multitude of delightful transportation options and embark on your downtown Raleigh adventure!

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