The key to getting the cheapest RDU Airport parking rates is to take some time to research and reserve ahead of time. This article breaks down multiple methods to save on long term Raleigh-Durham airport parking, making it simple to find the best solution for your trip.
If you're pressed for time, peruse the quick link topics (numbered in the box below) and start your booking now. If you need more details to make an informed decision, keep scrolling! This post is extremely comprehensive. (Note: All links in this article will open in a new browser tab for your convenience)
Trip coming up soon? Use any of our handy shortcuts to land the best cheap RDU parking rates. You can reserve immediately through any of these links:
- Review fees for RDU off-site parking providers**
**Use our HELPER5 promo code to save an additional $5 - These RDU hotels provide free parking with a room **
**Use the HELPER5 coupon code to save $5 off the deposit
- Do a comparison of RDU shuttle service costs here
- Groupon many times has parking discounts available
- One-way RDU car rentals can be an option
If amenities, safety and free transportation to the airport are all essential to you when reserving Raleigh-Durham airport parking, you'll enjoy our detailed review. Browse the benefits and drawbacks of various RDU airport parking techniques, including some unusual ideas you might have never considered. As a bonus, we're offering a free packing checklist that you can print and use as many times as you'd like, and share with friends and family.
Find cheap Raleigh airport parking at an array of privately owned off-airport garages
The first time you use an off-airport lot instead of parking at RDU, you'll think, “Why have I not done this before?!” It's that convenient … and the cost savings really add up, particularly for those who travel multiple times per year.
- Can be a cheaper alternative to on-site RDU long term parking rates
- Allows you to make a reservation for a space to park that’s guaranteed in advance
- Shuttles get you directly to and from your Raleigh-Durham flight terminal without spending a dime
- Facilities are monitored for your safety
- An array of low-cost options for daily, weekly and longer RDU parking
- Numerous parking lots offer great discounts, additional conveniences, and garage selections
- Free cancellations
| Parking Lot | Parking Type | Distance To RDU |
|---|---|---|
Courtyard Raleigh-Durham Airport |
Uncovered Lot | 2.6 miles |
Wingate by Wyndham Raleigh Durham / Airport |
Uncovered Lot | 4.9 miles |
Days Inn Raleigh-Airport-Research Triangle Park |
Uncovered Lot | 1.7 miles |
Cambria Suites – Raleigh-Durham Airport Hotel |
Uncovered Lot | 1.5 miles |
To quickly locate and reserve the top parking at Raleigh airport, we prefer this website*
*If you end up booking an off-site lot, use our parking coupon HELPER5 at checkout to save an extra $5!
Explore hotels close to Raleigh-Durham airport that also have complimentary parking
We call this the park-sleep-fly method because that's exactly what you do! We hook you up with a hotel where you can park your car/van/SUV while you're off on your adventures. Choose to stay overnight at the hotel before you leave, when you return — or not at all. Here's why you may want to give that some consideration:
- Can be cheaper than RDU economy parking dependent upon the time period you're going to be traveling
- Great when you have a flight first thing in the morning or require a hotel in Raleigh-Durham the night before or on the back of your trip
- You're assured a parking place
- Lowest price guarantees possible for a variety of Raleigh-Durham airport hotels
- Complimentary shuttle service right to and from your choice of a terminal at the airport
- You can rest easy knowing hotel parking lots are being monitored at all times
- No cost to void the order
| Hotel | Free Parking | Distance To RDU |
|---|---|---|
Microtel Inn Raleigh Durham Airport |
up to 14 days | 1.0 miles |
Holiday Inn Express Raleigh/Durham Airport |
up to 3 days | 1.5 miles |
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott |
up to 30 days | 2.0 miles |
Days Inn Raleigh Airport |
up to 14 days | 2.0 miles |
Country Inn & Suites – Raleigh-Durham Airport Hotel |
up to 14 days | 0.5 miles |
Holiday Inn Raleigh Durham Airport |
up to 14 days | 1.0 miles |
La Quinta Inn and Suites Raleigh Airport South |
up to 7 days | 1.0 miles |
Cambria Suites – Raleigh-Durham Airport Hotel |
up to 7 days | 0.5 miles |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Research Triangle Park |
up to 14 days | 4.0 miles |
Staybridge Suites Raleigh Durham Airport |
up to 14 days | 0.3 miles |
Wingate by Wyndham Raleigh Durham / Airport |
up to 14 days | 4.0 miles |
Sleep Inn Raleigh Durham Airport |
up to 10 days | 2.0 miles |
Fairfield Inn and Suites Raleigh-Durham Airport-Research Triangle Park |
up to 7 days | 1.5 miles |
Use this site to do a comparison of hotels at RDU airport with free parking deals**
**Enjoy $5 off your deposit with coupon code HELPER5 if you decide to choose this option!
An RDU airport shuttle may very well be a better choice for you over long-term parking
If you favor leaving your personal vehicle at home but aren't keen on the unpredictability of taxis or ride-hail companies, a shuttle service could be just the ticket for you. Here are the many reasons why our customers tell us they use and enjoy this option:
- You'll be able to leave your vehicle out of the weather, safely at home
- Peace of mind knowing that your transport arrangements are lined up beforehand
- Baggage help
- You can pick a precise time to be dropped off/picked up right at your terminal
- Understanding prior to traveling exactly how much you'll have to spend (vs a taxi or ride-hailing options)
- Having to count on relatives and friends to drive you all the way to the terminal or pick you up is unnecessary
- History checked safety trained practiced drivers to help you
- Various choices for 1-way, full round trip or multi-segment routes
- No surprise rate modifications in high-volume periods – a.k.a. surge price structuring
Compare RDU airport shuttle service pricing
Try to uncover area RDU parking coupons or alternatives on Groupon
Many of us have become conditioned to checking for coupons before buying ANYTHING on the internet, and Groupon should definitely be part of that equation. Parking and airport transportation deals do pop up, but you have to be persistent. Best to bookmark the Raleigh-Durham Groupon link below and check back on a semi-regular basis.
- Discounts quite often can save 50% or more (mainly on vendors of off-site long term parking at RDU)
- Uncover discounts for different services that may be right for you like RDU limos/shuttles, as well as other ground transportation possibilities
- Also, a terrific way to grab a deal within your destination city (think dining, metro area guided tours, golf courses, spas, live shows and/or local area sports events)
- With respect to the time of year, you'll find the amount of available parking offers fluctuate
Check RDU airport parking Groupon discounts here
Area parking and/or transportation offers can vary, but be sure to explore special offers at your destination!
Employ this rental car tactic to do away with the hassle of parking at RDU
Depending on how far you live from RDU and/or the length of your trip, this definitely could work as a cost-saving measure. And, like Option #3 above, your vehicle gets to stay securely at your home or apartment and not at the airport (which is a big consideration for a good many of the travelers we hear from).
Here's how it can work:
- Try a comparison online resource to locate the cheapest prices with all the top-name RDU car rental agencies, including Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, Dollar, and Hertz.
- Pre-book a car in your local neighborhood, drive it to the airport and take it back to the on-site car rental agency before your flight. When you get back home, perform the same process in the opposite direction.
Chief benefits of this strategy:
- Takes away the issue of securing RDU overnight parking
- No questioning the security of your own vehicle in the RDU remote lot
- Could be a cheaper option, especially if you live far away from your airport or if you're going to be traveling an extended period of time
- A credit card is not necessary to pre-book a car rental
- Easy cancellations if your travel arrangements change
Have a look at a quote for 2 one-way RDU car rentals by clicking here
Quickly do a comparison of car rental prices to and from the airport from all the popular providers at once!
Get answers to commonly asked questions about Raleigh-Durham airport
Where is Raleigh-Durham airport located?
The RDU airport address is 2400 John Brantley Blvd, Morrisville, NC 27560.
What is the Raleigh-Durham airport telephone number?
(919) 840-2123 is listed as the RDU airport's main phone number. The phone number for parking inquiries is (919) 840-2140.
What is the official Raleigh-Durham airport code?
RDU
What's the Raleigh-Durham airport long term parking cost?
The Raleigh-Durham International Airport official website is where you see the current RDU parking rates for short term and extended stay parking.
| Parking Lots | Parking Type | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
ParkRDU Premier Lot |
Covered | $18/day max |
ParkRDU Central Lot |
Covered & Uncovered | $14/day max |
ParkRDU Economy 3 Lot |
Uncovered Lot | $7/day max |
ParkRDU Economy 4 Lot |
Uncovered Lot | $6/day max |
Other RDU parking perks: 24-hour shuttle from the two Economy lots with service approximately every 20 minutes, free use of the Cell Phone Lot if waiting for passenger arrivals.
RDU does also have an online option to see the present status of their lots, which means you won't have to face the scenario of getting to the airport, wandering in circles (stressful!) only to find the affordable parking places are occupied. If you don't check ahead of time, you could have no alternative except to use one of the lots closer to the terminals with a more expensive daily cost.
Where can I get Raleigh-Durham airport (RDU) parking coupons?
You may save yourself even more on Raleigh-Durham airport parking costs by using a promotional code on this useful Travel Deals resource. While you're there, be sure to have a look at the other promotions we have assembled for additional travel products and things like plane tickets, hotels, and rental cars.
How can I find the latest Raleigh-Durham airport terminal map?
The official Raleigh-Durham airport map is only a click away. See it here: RDU airport map.
How can I get the easiest route to Raleigh-Durham International Airport?
To find the best way to RDU, it’s always a good idea to map it prior to leaving for the airport. Simply tap the ‘Directions’ icon and enter your beginning location and let the app do the planning for you. You can print the instructions or use your smartphone and follow the detailed instructions. Via smartphone, you'll also be able to get traffic alerts, which means you can modify your route if required.
Raleigh–Durham International Airport Overview
Raleigh-Durham International Airport RDU is located in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill).
Known locally as RTP, the region is one of the largest zones in the United States dedicated to research and industry. The area includes three large universities – North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Duke, and NC State.
RDU is near the intersection of I-40 and I-540, northwest of Raleigh, southeast of Durham and east of Chapel Hill.
The largest airlines that operate out of Raleigh-Durham Airport are Southwest, American, Delta, and United. A number of other major and regional airlines service the airport with non-stop and connecting flights across the nation and world.
RDU has three runways and two terminals with Southwest operating exclusively out of Terminal 1.
Shopping and dining options are plentiful at Raleigh airport, which also offers spa services, nail salon, and a florist.
Popular restaurants in Terminal 1 include ACC American Café, Char-Grill, La Tapenade, and Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina. There is also a Starbucks pre-security as well as another near Gate A8. Both are open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In Terminal 2, you’ll find two Starbucks and more than a dozen spots to grab a quick bite to eat or a more traditional sit-down meal, many with options for beer, wine, and spirits. Choose from national chains like Five Guys Burgers and Fries or try one of the local favorites like the Carolina Ale House.
Other passenger services at RDU include complimentary wi-fi, abundant power outlets, tabletop work areas, a business center, meeting rooms, shoeshine, and a postal service dropbox.
Indoors, RDU is a smoke-free airport but there are designated smoking areas (marked) outside each terminal.
One particularly cool part of RDU is its Observation Park, which is located near the air traffic control tower. Open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day, the park features a play area and allows kids and adults to watch planes from an elevated platform and listen to pilot-tower communications through audio speakers. Parking is free and there are restrooms, a picnic spot, grassy area, and educational plaques.
Additional guides in Raleigh-Durham
- Enjoyable activities in and around Raleigh-Durham
- Raleigh-Durham airport local area 10 day weather forecast
- Get traffic status for Raleigh-Durham airport local area
Airport parking strategies: Weigh the advantages and disadvantages
Your individual travel circumstances determine which one of these airport parking solutions will work for you. We've written detailed content that breaks down the advantages of numerous different airport parking savings options.
- 4 reasons why you should make a reservation with an off-site airport parking facility
- We explain why one of your top options to parking on-site at the airport might be hotel free parking specials
- Ways to save time and cash by arranging an airport shuttle service
- The simple way Groupon airport parking coupons could save you money
- Why the choice of 2 one-way rental cars might be an outstanding savings alternative for you
