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Finding a rental car at Raleigh-Durham International Airport is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands all around North Carolina with no booking fees. See real-time deals from the RDU rental car center and nearby Raleigh and Durham locations, then reserve everything from economy cars to family SUVs in minutes.
RDU Airport features a consolidated rental car facility that houses all major rental companies:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| RDU Consolidated Rental Center |
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| Nearby Off-Airport Locations |
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Rental Process at RDU:
1. After collecting baggage, follow signs to "Rental Car Shuttles" (Zone 4 at Terminal 1 or Zone 5 at Terminal 2)
2. Board the free green rental car shuttle (runs approximately every 5-10 minutes)
3. The shuttle takes you to the consolidated rental center located about 3 miles (5 km) from the terminals
4. All rental counters are in the same building for easy comparison
On average, car rentals at Raleigh Airport cost around $60 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Compare airport vs. city locations on our site. RDU's off-airport offices often beat airport quotes by 10-15 % (no facility fee). Just factor in a quick rideshare or hotel shuttle to reach them.
Shift your pickup/return to mid-week if you can. Tuesday–Thursday rentals at RDU are usually cheaper than Friday–Monday, except during April graduation season.
Lock in a cancelable booking early, then re-check prices a week or two out. RDU rates sometimes drop last-minute when fleets fill up, especially in winter and early fall.
Skip toll-road add-ons by routing around NC-540. Sticking to I-40 and US-1 avoids both the toll itself and the rental company's admin fee.
Fill the tank at Sheetz on Aviation Pkwy (2.5 mi from return) to dodge pricey agency fuel charges. Keep the receipt in case they ask.
Join the rental company's free loyalty program before you fly. Perks at RDU often include faster pickup and occasional free upgrades—book a compact, drive away in a midsize.
When returning your rental car to RDU:
| Return Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Hours | Most companies operate from around 5 a.m.–midnight, but check specific hours |
| Return Location | Follow "Rental Car Return" signs at the consolidated center |
| Fuel Options | Several gas stations within 5 miles (8 km) of the airport for refueling |
| Shuttle to Terminal | Allow 15–20 minutes (including wait time) to get from rental return to terminals |
Nearest Gas Stations to RDU:
Traffic Rules & Regulations:
Toll Roads: The Triangle Expressway (NC-540) is accessible from RDU and uses cashless electronic tolling. If you don't have a transponder, cameras will capture your license plate and bill you by mail. Rental companies usually add administrative fees on top of the tolls.
Get a rental to get to:
Downtown Raleigh – NC Museum of Natural Sciences, State Capitol
Downtown Durham – Duke University, American Tobacco Campus
Chapel Hill – UNC campus, Franklin Street
Research Triangle Park – campuses, conference venues
How long does the shuttle take from the terminal to the rental car center? The shuttle takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Shuttles leave every 5 to 10 minutes from the pickup zones at both terminals.
What happens if my flight arrives late and the rental counter is closed? Most rental companies at RDU watch for late flights and will stay open for you. If you are worried, call your rental company ahead of time and give them your flight number.
Can I pick up at RDU Airport and drop off at another location? Yes, most companies offer one-way rentals. For drop-offs inside North Carolina, companies often charge a small fee or may not charge one at all. Be sure to ask about any fees when you book.
Where do I refuel before returning my rental car? You can find several gas stations within 5 miles (8 km) of the airport. The closest ones are on Airport Boulevard or Aviation Parkway. Keep your receipt to show you refueled the car.
Is there a way to avoid the airport fees when renting a car in the RDU area? You can rent from a location in Raleigh or Durham to avoid airport fees. This can save you 10–15%. However, you will need to get a ride to these rental places.
What identification do I need to rent a car at RDU? You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in the renter's name and your booking confirmation. International visitors should also bring their passport.
Do I need to purchase additional tolling options for my rental? If you plan to drive on NC-540 (Triangle Expressway), you should look into the rental company's toll program. Otherwise, the company may charge you for the toll plus an extra fee for each time you use the toll road.
Are there electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the rental car return? You won't find many EV charging stations at the rental center itself. But you can find them in the airport's parking decks and at other places nearby in Morrisville.
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