How to Get from Raleigh/Durham Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Raleigh/Durham
You can leave Raleigh-Durham International Airport by taxi, private transfer, ride-hailing, rental car or public transport where it is available. The best option depends on how much luggage you have, how many people are travelling and whether you need to be at a fixed time.
- Taxi: Taxis wait at the airport's ground transportation area, so you can go straight to a vehicle after collecting your bags.
- Private transfer: A pre-booked car gives you a fixed fare and a named driver, which suits families, groups and anyone with a set schedule.
- Ride-hailing: Ride-hailing apps are an option, though fares change with demand and you should check the pick-up point in the app.
- Rental car: Rental desks are at the airport, and driving is the most flexible way to reach Durham, Raleigh or the wider Research Triangle.
There is no passenger rail line into the airport. Amtrak trains serve Raleigh's downtown station, so from the airport you would still need a taxi, transfer or car to reach it.
Raleigh/Durham Raleigh-Durham International Airport Private Transfer and Taxi
A private transfer from Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a pre-booked car that collects you at RDU and takes you to your address in Raleigh, Durham or elsewhere in the area. Vonaride lets you agree the fare at booking, so the price you see is the price you pay, even if traffic is heavy.
Flight tracking is useful at RDU because arrival times can shift with weather and airline schedules. Your driver follows your flight and adjusts the pick-up time to suit, and a meet and greet service means the driver waits in the arrivals area holding a name sign. Vonaride also offers English-speaking drivers, 24/7 customer support and free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up. Free waiting time is included, and its length is shown before you book.
To check prices or request a quote for a transfer from RDU, use the booking form on the Vonaride website. Note that car availability varies by date and time.
Raleigh/Durham Raleigh-Durham International Airport Terminals and Arrivals
Raleigh-Durham International Airport operates from a main terminal building with airline check-in, security and concourses for departing flights. Arriving passengers collect their bags on the lower level and then move to the ground transportation area for taxis, ride-hailing and pre-booked transfers.
Check your airline's details before you travel, as gates and check-in areas can change. Follow the airport signs to ground transportation after baggage reclaim, and allow time for walking if you have a lot of luggage.
Facilities and Services at Raleigh/Durham Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport has restaurants, cafés and shops both before and after security, along with seating areas for waiting. Car rental desks are located at the airport for those who plan to drive.
For current details on food outlets, shops, charging points, accessibility support and opening times, check the airport's official website before your journey. Facilities can change, so it is worth confirming them shortly before you fly.
Arriving in Raleigh/Durham: What to Know
Raleigh and Durham sit within the Research Triangle, a region known for universities, research parks and a mix of city and suburban living. Most visitors heading into Raleigh or Durham travel by car, so traffic can be busy at peak times on the main highways around the region.
Summers in North Carolina are hot and humid, and afternoon thunderstorms are common, so allow extra time if you are catching a transfer in bad weather. Some routes in the area use toll roads, so ask your driver or check your rental car terms if you plan to drive yourself.
Ready to plan your ride? Check prices or request a quote for your Raleigh/Durham transfer with Vonaride, and enter your flight details so the booking matches your arrival.
Questions about Raleigh/Durham Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) transfers
Is there a train from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Raleigh?
There is no train station at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Amtrak trains serve Raleigh's downtown station, so you would need a taxi, private transfer or other road transport to reach it from RDU.
Where do I find a taxi at RDU?
Taxis are available at the ground transportation area after you collect your luggage in the arrivals hall. Follow the airport signs for ground transportation, and ask staff if you are unsure where to go.
How long does it take to get from RDU to downtown Raleigh?
Journey time depends on traffic, the time of day and your exact destination. Peak periods on the main roads can add noticeable time, so allow extra margin if you have a flight or meeting to reach.
Do I need a rental car to get around Raleigh and Durham from the airport?
You do not need a car if you plan to stay in central Raleigh or Durham and use taxis or pre-booked transfers. A car is more useful if you plan to visit several places around the Research Triangle, and you can collect one at the airport.
Can I get a transfer from RDU to Durham as well as Raleigh?
Yes, transfers from Raleigh-Durham International Airport can go to Durham, Raleigh or other addresses in the area. Enter your destination when you check prices or request a quote, and the exact fare is shown before you book.
Updated November 2, 2026