Taking the bus to RDU is probably easier than you think
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
I've been wondering what it's like to take public transit to the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, so on a recent work trip, I gave it a try.
- It was refreshingly painless.
Why it matters: RDU is a major economic driver and one of the most well-liked large airports in North America. Millions of people from the Triangle rely on it to access destinations around the U.S. and around the world.
- But actually getting to the airport can be confusing and expensive.
✈️ Taking the bus to the airport typically involves a stop at GoTriangle's regional transit center, a park-and-ride in south Durham.
- It's a short distance from the Interstate 40 airport exits. You can park there for free.
- There are direct buses from Raleigh. Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill that stop at the regional transit center at least once an hour.
🚌 The ride typically takes 15 minutes or less, even at rush hour.
🚏 If you go: Download the Umo app and select GoTriangle.
- It's much simpler and more reliable — in my experience — to plan local bus trips with Umo than with other navigational apps.
🤑 Load your Umo account with some money. The bus fare is $2.50.
- Credit cards aren't accepted on the bus, so you'll need exact change otherwise.
🚍 The bus stops at both terminals.
- Look for it near the ride shares. It's green and gray, and says "RDU airport shuttle."
⏰ Zoom in: Public transit to RDU works best during the day. The buses don't run early in the morning or late at night.
- Buses leave every half-hour between 6:30am and 6pm on weekdays. The earliest trip on Saturdays and Sundays isn't until 7:30am.
- On a later flight? Route 100, which stops in downtown Raleigh and the regional transit center, picks up between about 6:30pm and 10:30pm.
🚌 Do you have questions about using public transit in the Triangle? Share them with us: [email protected].