Getting Around Raleigh

Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.

Raleigh Airport information

Raleigh is served by Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), which is the main airport for the city and the surrounding Research Triangle area. It’s a busy airport with many flights connecting Raleigh to over 80 destinations, including 15 international cities in 11 countries. This makes it a convenient airport for travelers coming for business or events. The airport is located just outside Raleigh city, making it easy to reach from downtown or event venues. It has three runways and lots of daily flights, including popular airlines like Delta and Breeze Airways, which flies to many places directly from Raleigh. For event planners, the airport’s size and connectivity mean guests can find direct flights from many locations, and the airport continues to expand its routes, especially internationally.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) covers 5,000 acres and has three runways.

It serves over 15 million passengers yearly, ranking 35th busiest in the U.S. as of 2025.

More than 80 destinations are available, with nonstop flights to 15 international locations.

Breeze Airways is the fastest-growing airline at RDU, offering nonstop flights from places like Key West, FL and Manchester, NH.

The airport is about 15 miles from downtown Raleigh, usually a 20-30 minute drive.

Facilities include rental cars, parking, dining, and lounges, useful for business travelers.

Event planners should note the airport's ongoing expansion, including new international flights from Canada.
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Airport information

Raleigh Train information

Raleigh’s main train station is Raleigh Union Station, located downtown and offering passenger rail service mainly through Amtrak. It’s a convenient option for business travelers or event guests coming from nearby cities like Charlotte or even long distances such as New York or Miami. The train station has parking nearby and connects with local transit, making it easy to reach event venues or hotels. Raleigh is also part of a bigger rail project (called the S-Line) that is improving train connections between Raleigh and Richmond, VA, which will eventually cut travel times and add more trips, making train travel more attractive.

Raleigh Union Station is downtown at 510 W. Martin St with easy access for travelers.

Amtrak operates several daily trains connecting Raleigh with Charlotte, New York, Miami, and other cities.

Parking is available across the street at affordable rates with short-term options nearby.

The station offers Wi-Fi, ticketing services, and bike racks.

The S-Line project will improve rail speed and frequency between Raleigh and Richmond, VA, by around 2027.

Taxi and rental car services are accessible at the station.

Event planners can consider including information about train schedules and transit options for guests arriving by rail.
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Train information

Raleigh Public Transportation Information

When traveling or planning events in Raleigh, the city's public transit system, GoRaleigh, is the main option for getting around. It operates many bus routes covering the city and connecting to nearby towns. The system is growing, especially with plans for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which will bring faster, frequent buses with dedicated lanes, making travel easier in key areas by 2028. For event planners, GoRaleigh can help with moving guests between hotels, venues, and the airport cost-effectively. There are also express routes and regional services that link Raleigh to the broader Research Triangle region.

GoRaleigh operates 38 bus routes and several express routes throughout Raleigh.

Around 24,300 people use GoRaleigh on weekdays, showing good coverage and frequency.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction started in 2025 and will open by 2028, improving key corridors.

Several regional routes connect Raleigh with nearby towns and cities, useful for event logistics.

Contact number for GoRaleigh services: 919-485-7433.

The transit system offers affordable fares and can be a good transport option for event attendees without cars.

Event planners can coordinate with GoRaleigh to provide shuttle services or transit info for attendees.

This information should help both event planners and travelers understand the best ways to get in and around Raleigh smoothly and efficiently. Knowing the airport options, train connections, and public transit can make planning trips or events easier and more convenient.
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Public Transportation Information