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Raleigh-Durham Airport Guide

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Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Raleigh-Durham Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

If it weren’t for having memorized CNN Airport after watching it continually for 9 hours and the fact that I think they are trying to generate the first indoor snow storm with the air conditioning of doom it would still be bad. – Chris

RDU Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

What to Expect

Raleigh-Durham Airport (code: RDU) operates two separate terminals (1 and 2), with connections between the two provided by shuttle bus. The newer and larger Terminal 2 offers about three dozen eateries and shops. Terminal 1 only has a few restaurants, cafes and small shops. The majority of services in both terminals are located airside. A Starbucks in Terminal 2 remains open overnight, leaving only vending machines for overnight snacking. WiFi is available, and the terminals have plenty of charging stations/outlets. Additional comfort can be found through fee-based access to one of the airport’s first-class lounges.

Sleeping in Raleigh-Durham Airport

After security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas, and security must be re-cleared the next day when the checkpoints open. Most comfortable, armrest-free seating is located on the airside, though there are some armrest-free benches scattered around the landside of Terminal 2. Some travellers report that they slept in comfortable recliners on the airside of Terminal 2 just past security until they were kicked out at 3:00 AM and then attempted to find armrest-free seating on the landside, with mixed results. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Raleigh Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours. TSA security checkpoints typically open at 4:00 AM and close after the last departing flight.

Keep in mind that airline check-in and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several hotels within a short drive of Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Many offer airport shuttle service. Check with your hotel for schedules and pick-up instructions.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.

  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, across from Gates C1 and C3. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
  • United Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, across from Gates C1 and C3. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges (members only)

  • Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 2nd level, across from gate C3. Lounge Access: Elite Status • Lounge membership programs.

Military Lounge

  • USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal 2, 3rd floor, entrance on the Ticketing Level near Starbucks.

Drinking Water

Water bottle refill stations are available free of charge. Location: Landside and Airside.

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the airport operate on varying schedules. Some open as early as 4:30 AM and close after the last departure. Vending machines are available, including near the baggage claim area.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

In Terminal 1, power outlets are available near gate seating and in baggage claim. In Terminal 2, look for seating areas with tables equipped with built-in 110V outlets and USB ports.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “RDU Free WiFi” network. Sessions typically last up to 48 hours.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

Art at the Airport – Permanent and rotating exhibits are displayed throughout the terminals.
ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available throughout both terminals. Fees may apply.
Baby Care Facilities – Family washrooms with baby changing facilities are available throughout the airport. Nursing pods are available in both terminals (T1 near Gate A6 • T2 near Gate C8).
Chapel – Located in Terminal 1, baggage claim area. Open 24 hours.
Courtesy Phones – Available near terminal directories and connect directly to Airport Guest Experience staff.
Currency Exchange – Travelex operates in Terminal 2 (ticketing lobby and baggage claim). Availability may be limited to certain hours or international arrivals.
Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free is temporarily closed. Retail shops are available for travel essentials, reading materials, and gifts. A 24-hour flower kiosk is available.
Information Desk – Located in Terminals 1 and 2. Staffed by North Carolina travel agents. Airport ambassadors are also available throughout the terminals for assistance.
Meditation Room – Closed.
Observation Area – The RDU Observation Park is located near the Air Traffic Control Tower and Park and Ride 2. Features include runway views, live air traffic control audio, a playground, and picnic tables. Open daily from 9:00 AM to sunset.
Postal Services – Mailbox available in Terminal 2, baggage claim area.
Smoking Areas – Smoking is not permitted inside the terminals.
Spa – XpresSpa (Terminal 2, airside near Gate C3) and Na’Sah’s Nail & Spa (Terminal 1, airside near Gate A7).

Airlines
Raleigh-Durham Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Canada • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant Airlines • American Airlines • Avelo Airlines • Bahamas Air • Delta Air Lines • Frontier Airlines • Icelandair • JetBlue Airways • Spirit • Sun Country • Southwest • Spirit • United Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Triangle Transit Route 100 is an ordinary local bus route between RDU airport and the Triangle Transit Regional Transit Center, offering connections to other Triangle Transit buses serving Raleigh, Durham and Cary. For route maps, schedules and fare information, visit the GO Triangle website.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies serve the airport, offering free shuttle service from the airport to their service locations: Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Thrifty. Shuttles pick up at the green Rental Car shuttle stops.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

Free shuttle service is available to transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Alternatively, you may opt to take a walk instead for five to ten minutes.

Shuttles

Several companies offer shared-ride shuttle service to and from Raleigh-Durham Airport. These shuttles can be found in the brown limo zones outside the baggage claim areas of either terminal.

Taxis

Taxis are available outside near Baggage Claim 3 (Terminal 1) and on the lower level, outside of Baggage Claim 1 (Terminal 2). All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required, but you can pre-book your taxi by contacting RDU Taxis, Inc. For suggested trip fares, visit the Raleigh-Durham Airport website.

Last updated: 2026-03-24

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.

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