Dearest traveler, have you just emerged, blinking and bewildered, from the mechanical chariot of the skies that deposited you at Raleigh-Durham International Airport? Do visions of oak-lined streets, vibrant museums, and delectable barbecue dance in your head? But alas, a small hurdle remains. Fear not, for you’ve stumbled upon the most delightful of guides for the journey from RDU airport to downtown Raleigh!

Forget maps riddled with cryptic squiggles and timetables as indecipherable as ancient runes. Here, you’ll find transportation options laid bare.

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How to get from RDU Airport to Downtown Raleigh

Parking is available if you have your own car, and rental cars are available if you would like to be able to drive but don’t have a car in Raleigh. Buses can be very convenient if your schedule aligns. Check to see if your hotel has a free (or cheap shuttle). Taxis, rideshares, and private transportation are other options and these should be pre-arranged if you’re arriving late at night.

Rental Cars

Do you want to be able to drive around while in Raleigh? The airport has agents for a number of major car rental firms but it’s best to reserve your rental car before you arrive.

Each of the rental car companies at RDU offers courtesy shuttles to their offices, which are located on airport property. In order to ensure a smooth shuttle pickup, call your rental company to let them know you’ve arrived.

Catch the shuttle bus for your rental car company outside the Bag Claim Level of Terminal 1 (at Zone 4), or Terminal 2 (at Zone 5).

Parking

If you previously drove yourself to the airport, you probably parked in one of the parking lots. Just a guess. RDU has several parking lots and garages offering hourly and per-day parking at various price points.

Economy: $3/hour, $12/day. Two lots with a free, 24-hour shuttle service to the terminals every 20 minutes. This is a great option for long-term parking.

Express: $4/hour, $16/day. A mid-priced option with a free, 24-hour shuttle to the terminals. This option also provides luggage assistance and free bottled water!

Central: $5/hour, $20/day. Located in the garage between Terminals 1 and 2, within a short walking distance to both. There are both covered and outdoor spaces.

Premier: $7.50/hour, $30/day. A covered lot on the ground level of the garage between Terminals 1 and 2, within a short walking distance to both.

If you plan on parking, it’s a great idea to book in advance to guarantee your spot. Reservations need to be make at least 24 hours in advance. Do as I say, not as I do.

Public Transit from RDU Airport to Downtown Raleigh

Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try out a bus, shuttle, taxi, or rideshare that will take you to and from the terminal.

Buses

GoTriangle Route 100 combined with GoTriangle RDU Shuttle provides public bus service between the RDU Airport, the GoTriangle Regional Transit Center, and the GoRaleigh Bus Station in downtown Raleigh. GoTriangle busses are free through June 30, 2024. A single ride will cost $1.25 when GoRaleigh resumes collecting fares again on July 1, 2024. Additional bus fares and pass information can be found here.

The GoTriangle bus stops are located outside the Bag Claim Level of Terminal 1 (between Zones 2 and 3), and Terminal 2 (between Zones 6 and 7).

Use Google Maps or one of these apps for trip planning and bus tracking.

Shuttles

Many area hotels offer free or affordable shuttle services to and from RDU Airport.

When you arrive at RDU, call your hotel to let them know you’ve arrived.

Once you’ve confirmed your shuttle, wait for it outside the Bag Claim Level of Terminal 1 (at Zone 3), or Terminal 2 (at Zone 7).

Taxis

Taxi Taxi is the official airport taxi provider. The taxis run on a meter and you can expect your ride to cost about $30-40 depending on your exact destination, traffic, and amount of luggage.

Walk-up taxi service can be found outside the Bag Claim Level of Terminal 1 (exit the building, turn right, and go towards the end of the terminal), or Terminal 2 (exit the building, turn left, and go towards the end of the terminal.

Alternatively, you can call 919-333-3333 or book your taxi online. Booking ahead is recommended if you will be arriving late at night.

Rideshares

Rideshare companies operating in Raleigh include Uber and Lyft. Use the apps to book a ride. The app will give you a price but you can expect to pay about $30-40 depending on your exact destination, traffic, and whether surge pricing is in effect. Booking ahead is recommended if you will be arriving late at night.

Meet your rideshare outside the Bag Claim Level of Terminal 1 (at Zone 1), or Terminal 2 (at Zone 8).

Private Transportation and Limos from RDU Airport to Downtown Raleigh

If you are a fancy person, you may want to have your secretary book a private driver for you. There are a number of companies permitted to offer this service listed here.

Personal transportation services pick up from the brown limo zones outside the Bag Claim Level in each terminal.

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