Raleigh-Durham Airport Map & Terminal Guide 2026

Raleigh-Durham Airport Map

The Raleigh-Durham Airport map below shows the full layout of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU/KRDU) — locally known simply as RDU. The airport broke its own passenger record in 2025 with 15.6 million travellers, cementing its status as the Research Triangle’s gateway to the world. RDU is a focus city for Delta Air Lines and an operating base for Breeze Airways and Endeavor Air, with 19+ carriers serving over 85 destinations including 12 international routes in nine countries.

As the RDU airport map shows, the layout consists of two separate landside terminals — Terminal 1 to the west and Terminal 2 to the east — flanking a central parking complex. There is no airside connection between them. Study the Raleigh-Durham Airport map before you travel so you know which terminal and concourse your airline uses.

Raleigh-Durham Airport Location Map

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located in unincorporated Wake County, roughly equidistant between the cities of Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina’s Research Triangle. The airport is accessible from Interstate 40 and Interstate 540, making it convenient for travellers from Raleigh (13 miles east), Durham (13 miles west) and Chapel Hill (17 miles southwest).

RDU Airport Terminals Overview

Raleigh-Durham Airport has two terminals — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — located on opposite sides of the central parking complex. They are separate landside buildings with no airside walkway between them. Each terminal has its own check-in counters, security checkpoint, baggage claim and ground transportation access. Passengers can walk between the terminals in 5–10 minutes via a covered pedestrian walkway through the parking garage, or take the free inter-terminal shuttle bus.

RDU Terminal 1 — Southwest & Low-Cost Carriers

Terminal 1 is RDU’s smaller, west-side terminal, used exclusively for domestic departures by low-cost carriers. It is a two-level building: ground level handles ticketing, baggage claim and ground transportation; the upper level houses the security checkpoint and the single departure concourse (Concourse A) with 9 gates.

RDU Terminal 2 — Major Carriers & International Flights

Terminal 2 is the larger, east-side terminal handling the majority of RDU’s traffic, including all international arrivals and departures. It has two concourses — Concourse C (domestic and international) and Concourse D (domestic) — with a total of 36 gates. All three airport lounges are located here.

Terminal 2 Concourse C — Gates C1–C25

Concourse C is the right-hand concourse of Terminal 2, running from gate C1 to C25. It handles both domestic and international flights. Gates C21, C23, C24 and C25 are the designated international arrival gates where passengers clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The American Airlines Admirals Club and the Delta Air Lines Sky Club are both located opposite Gate C3 in this concourse.

Terminal 2 Concourse D — Gates D1–D20

Concourse D is the left-hand concourse of Terminal 2, handling domestic flights on gates D1, D3, D5, D6, and D8–D20. The United Club is located here opposite Gates D1 and D3. Concourse D offers a good range of dining and retail options.

Getting Between Terminals at RDU

Unlike most hub airports, RDU’s two terminals have no airside connection. If you arrive in one terminal and depart from the other (a rare situation but possible with codeshare itineraries), you must collect your bags, exit the secure area, move between terminals and re-clear security. Both terminals share the same secure zone within their own building, so transfers within a single terminal do not require re-screening.

Walking Between Terminals

The covered pedestrian walkway runs through the central parking garage and takes 5–10 minutes on foot. From Terminal 1 (ground level), access the tunnel to the parking garage and follow signs. From Terminal 2, exit to the walkway near the ground floor and cross John Brantley Boulevard. Moving walkways are available along sections of the route.

RDU Airport Security Checkpoints

Each terminal has its own dedicated security checkpoint. Both open at 4:30 a.m. daily and remain open until the last departure. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at both checkpoints. CLEAR is available at Terminal 2. Peak security times are typically 5–7 a.m. and 4–6 p.m. — arrive early during these windows.

RDU Airport Construction & Expansion (2026)

Getting to Raleigh-Durham Airport

Ground transportation for both terminals departs from the curbside ground-level areas of each building. No direct rail link currently exists to RDU.

RDU Airport Parking

Pre-book RDU parking at rdu.com for guaranteed availability and the best rates. All lots are cashless — credit and debit cards only.

Raleigh-Durham Airport Map — Arrivals

Arriving passengers collect bags from the lower-level baggage claim in their respective terminal. International arrivals land at Terminal 2 gates C21, C23, C24 or C25 and clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before proceeding to baggage claim on the lower level of Terminal 2. Global Entry kiosks are available post-customs for enrolled travellers. Domestic arrivals at Terminal 1 exit directly to the ground-floor baggage carousel.

Ground Transportation from Arrivals

After collecting bags, taxis and ride-share vehicles are available from the designated curbside zones at ground level at both terminals. The GoTriangle Route 100 bus stop is at both terminals, with service to downtown Raleigh. The RTC shuttle stop is also at the terminals during operating hours. Hotel shuttles, private car services and rental-car shuttles all depart from the same curbside zones — follow the signs from baggage claim.

Raleigh-Durham Airport Map — Departures

Departing passengers enter at ground level for check-in at their airline’s ticket counter. Curbside bag drop is available on select airlines for domestic flights. Once checked in, proceed to the upper-level (Terminal 1) or main-level (Terminal 2) security checkpoint. Ticket counters open at 4 a.m.; security opens at 4:30 a.m. Most airlines close check-in and bag drop 30–45 minutes before departure.

Recommended Arrival Times at RDU

Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. RDU is generally efficient and well-regarded for short security queues, but peak periods (5–7 a.m. and 4–6 p.m.) can see longer waits. Gate assignments are displayed on the flight information screens at both terminals and in your airline’s app.

Insider Tips for RDU

RDU consistently ranks among the most passenger-friendly airports in the US — it is clean, manageable and rarely congested outside peak hours. The Research Triangle is home to Duke University, NC State and UNC Chapel Hill, so the airport is especially busy during university graduations, football season and March Madness. If you arrive early and want coffee before security, Terminal 2’s Starbucks is the only 24/7 food option at RDU. Terminal 2 has a quiet meditation room worth knowing about for long waits. There is no direct train to RDU — the GoTriangle bus is the most affordable public option, with free overnight parking at the Regional Transit Center. Rental car is the recommended choice for visitors exploring the wider Triangle, as the three main cities are spread out and bus frequencies outside peak hours are limited.