RDUKRDULarge Airport

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Raleigh/Durham, United States435 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

RDU

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

KRDU

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

435 ft

The elevation is typical for the region.

Coordinates

35.88, -78.79

Raleigh/Durham map position.

Airport scale

Large Regional Gateway

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

Raleigh-Durham Airport overview

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves Raleigh/Durham, United States. It is listed as a large regional gateway, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through RDU.

The airport sits at 435 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are 35.8787, -78.7873, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in United States.

Nearby alternatives include Triangle North Executive Airport (LFN) and Rocky Mount Wilson Regional Airport (RWI). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across North America.

RDU planning callout

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time. For this page, compare RDU with nearby airport links and the United States country guide before finalizing route choices.

Raleigh-Durham Airport unique facts

RDU fact 1

Raleigh-Durham International Airport uses IATA code RDU and ICAO code KRDU.

RDU fact 2

RDU serves Raleigh/Durham in United States.

RDU fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #1591 by estimated passenger scale among listed United States airports.

RDU fact 4

Across North America, this airport ranks #1930 in the current featured airport set.

RDU fact 5

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is classified as a large regional gateway, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

RDU fact 6

RDU sits 435 feet above sea level.

Raleigh-Durham Airport facilities

Raleigh-Durham Airport restaurants

At RDU, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

RDU lounges

For Raleigh-Durham International Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

RDU WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving Raleigh-Durham Airport.

Raleigh/Durham airport parking

For departures from Raleigh/Durham, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

RDU accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through Raleigh-Durham International Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

RDU ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in United States; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

RDU currency exchange

Currency desks at Raleigh-Durham Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

RDU car rental

Save RDU as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

Raleigh-Durham Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near Raleigh-Durham International Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

RDU medical help

For urgent health needs at RDU, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

RDU charging

At Raleigh-Durham Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

RDU business travel

Raleigh-Durham International Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

RDU family travel

Families using RDU should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

Raleigh-Durham Airport terminals

RDU terminal planning

Terminal layouts at Raleigh-Durham International Airport can change by airline, route, and operating day. Confirm your RDU terminal after check-in, then use airport signage for transfers, baggage claim, and ground transport.

Raleigh-Durham Airport transportation

RDU taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at RDU when arriving late or carrying luggage into Raleigh/Durham.

RDU train or metro

If rail is available at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

RDU bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Raleigh/Durham, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from RDU.

RDU driving and car rental

For rental cars, save the airport code RDU in navigation and follow terminal-specific return signs rather than only city-center directions.

Raleigh-Durham Airport location

RDU

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

35.8787, -78.7873

Triangle North Executive Airport

44 km from RDU

Rocky Mount Wilson Regional Airport

81 km from RDU

Pope Field

81 km from RDU

Simmons Army Air Field

84 km from RDU

Raleigh-Durham Airport traveler tips

RDU tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

RDU tip 2

Weather delays are usually more tied to regional systems than airport elevation.

RDU tip 3

For international departures, leave time for document checks before security as well as any terminal train or shuttle.

RDU tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around 35.88 latitude and -78.79 longitude.

RDU tip 5

Morning departures are often smoother when you pre-book parking, rideshare, or rail tickets.

RDU tip 6

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time.

Raleigh-Durham Airport FAQ

Where is Raleigh-Durham International Airport located?

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is located in Raleigh/Durham, United States, at coordinates 35.8787, -78.7873.

What is the IATA code for Raleigh-Durham International Airport?

The IATA code for Raleigh-Durham International Airport is RDU. Its ICAO code is KRDU.

Is Raleigh-Durham International Airport a large airport?

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is classified as a large airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a large regional gateway in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at RDU?

For Raleigh-Durham International Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is Raleigh-Durham International Airport?

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 435 feet above sea level; The elevation is typical for the region..

Does Raleigh-Durham International Airport have scheduled airline service?

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is marked as having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does RDU serve?

RDU primarily serves Raleigh/Durham and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to RDU?

Nearby comparison airports include Triangle North Executive Airport (LFN) and Rocky Mount Wilson Regional Airport (RWI).

What transport should I check first at RDU?

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time. For Raleigh-Durham International Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

Raleigh-Durham Airport related airports

ABQ

Albuquerque International Sunport

Albuquerque, United States

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

5,355 ft

North AmericaGuide

ALB

Albany International Airport

Albany, United States

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

285 ft

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ANC

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Anchorage, United States

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

152 ft

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ATL

Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Atlanta, United States

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

1,026 ft

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