Terminal 1
A smaller terminal, used mainly for Southwest domestic flights. Ticketing, baggage claim and ground transportation are on the ground level, and the security checkpoint and departures concourse are on the upper level.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina KRDU #34 US airport by passengers
Raleigh-Durham International Airport serves the Raleigh, Durham and Research Triangle area of North Carolina. It has two terminals that are separate landside buildings.
- FAA status
- Ground stop Updated 4 min ago
- Weather now
- VFR 75°F Observed 37 min ago
- Late departures
- 22.9%May 2026 to July 2026
- Security line
- No recent reportsAdd yours
RDU at a glance
RDU has two terminals on opposite sides of the central parking complex. Terminal 2 is the larger one, with Concourses C and D and 36 gates, and it has all three airline lounges.
Economy and Express parking have free shuttles 24 hours a day. Premier parking is $8.50 per hour, capped at $34 per day, and Central is $5.70 per hour, capped at $22.75 per day. Free Wi-Fi covers both terminals.
Main airlines: Delta, United and American operate from Terminal 2, and Southwest uses Terminal 1 for domestic flights. Check the airport site for the current list of airlines.
FAA delay status for RDU
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Ground stop thunderstorms Until 1:45 pm EDT
Source: FAA National Airspace System Status, checked 4 min ago. Airline-specific delays are not shown here.
Current conditions at RDU
VFR
75°F24°C
Good visibility and high cloud base. Normal operations are typical.
- Wind
- 220° 8 mph
- Visibility
- 10+ mi
- Clouds
- SCT 1,100 ft, BKN 4,200 ft, BKN 7,000 ft, BKN 20,000 ft
- Ceiling
- 4,200 ft
- Pressure
- 29.90 inHg
METARSPECI KRDU 111707Z 22007KT 10SM SCT011 BKN042 BKN070 BKN200 24/22 A2990 RMK AO2 RAE00 TSE1656 PRESFR OCNL LTGIC DSNT NE-N AND SE P0006 T02390222 $
Source: NOAA Aviation Weather Center. Observed 37 min ago.
Active weather alerts
- Severe Thunderstorm WarningSevere Thunderstorm Warning issued October 11 at 12:57PM EDT until October 11 at 1:45PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
- Tornado WatchTornado Watch issued October 11 at 11:59AM EDT until October 11 at 5:00PM EDT by NWS Raleigh NC
Full weather, TAF, forecast and runways →
On-time performance at RDU
Based on 14,286 departures from May 2026 to July 2026. A flight counts as late when it leaves 15 or more minutes after schedule.
22.9%Departures late
25.5%Arrivals late
2.26%Cancelled
21.2 minAverage departure delay
| Airline | Departures | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 3,062 | 16.8% |
| American Airlines | 2,666 | 24.2% |
| Southwest Airlines | 2,258 | 33.1% |
| Republic Airways | 1,816 | 18.8% |
| United Airlines | 1,434 | 19.6% |
| Frontier Airlines | 1,182 | 23.5% |
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, On-Time Performance of reporting carriers. Smaller regional carriers and some airlines are not included.
Late departures by month
Terminals
Terminal 2
The larger terminal, with Concourses C and D and 36 gates. Baggage claim is on the lower level, and ticketing and security are on the upper level. The airport lounges and the USO lounge are here.
Moving between terminals
The two terminals are about 5 to 10 minutes apart on foot through a covered pedestrian walkway in the parking garage. A free inter-terminal shuttle bus also runs between them.
Getting to and from RDU
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Taxi
Taxis
Walk-up taxis wait at the taxi zones at both terminals. You can also call Taxi Taxi at 919-333-3333, or book through Curb.
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Rideshare
Ride apps and prearranged transportation
Uber, Lyft and prearranged services pick up outside baggage claim. Use Terminal 1 Zone 1 or Terminal 2 Zone 8.
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Shuttle
Economy and Express shuttles
Complimentary 24/7 shuttles serve the Economy and Express lots. Economy shuttles run about every 20 minutes. Express shuttles also help with luggage.
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Bus
Charter and tour buses
Charter buses need a commercial vehicle permit. Call RDU Ground Transportation at (919) 840-7530 to schedule a pickup or drop-off.
Tips for RDU
- Economy parking at $14.50 per day maximum is the best value, and its shuttle runs 24/7.
- Plan for the walk between terminals if you have a connection, since the walkway takes 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use the taxi zones or ride-app pickup outside baggage claim, not the terminal curb.
- Check the TSA hours before a very early flight, since sources give 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m.
Frequently asked questions
How much does parking cost at RDU?
Economy is $3.65 per hour for up to four hours, capped at $14.50 per day. Express is $4.65 per hour, capped at $18.50 per day. Central is $5.70 per hour, capped at $22.75 per day. Premier is $8.50 per hour, capped at $34 per day.
Is there free Wi-Fi at RDU?
Yes. Free RDU Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals, including the gates and baggage claim.
Does RDU have lounges?
Yes. Terminal 2 has three airline lounges, the American Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club and United Club, plus a USO lounge for military members and their families. Access to the airline lounges depends on status or ticket class.
Does RDU have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Yes. PreCheck lanes are available in both terminals, and CLEAR lanes are also available in both terminals.
What time does security open at RDU?
The airport FAQ gives both 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. as opening times, so check the current hours before a very early flight.
Is there a free shuttle to the parking lots at RDU?
Yes. Economy and Express lots have complimentary shuttles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Economy shuttles run about every 20 minutes.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at RDU?
Ride apps and prearranged transportation pick up outside baggage claim, at Terminal 1 Zone 1 or Terminal 2 Zone 8.
Are there hotels on RDU property?
No. The closest hotel is about 1.6 miles away, and several hotels within about 2.5 miles run shuttles. Confirm pickup with each hotel.
How busy is RDU?
About 7,670,956 passengers boarded flights at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in 2025, according to FAA enplanement data. That ranks it number 34 among US airports.
How often are flights late at RDU?
Over May 2026 to July 2026, 22.9% of departures at RDU left 15 or more minutes late, and 2.26% of flights were cancelled (Bureau of Transportation Statistics).
Guide content last reviewed October 9, 2026. Report a correction