How Early Should I Arrive at Raleigh Durham?
Personalized arrival time recommendations for Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU) based on current conditions
Recommended Arrival Times at RDU
Domestic Flights at RDU
International Flights at RDU
Current Wait Times at RDU
What's Included in These Times
Domestic Flight (2 hours)
- Check-in & bag drop (if needed): 15-20 min
- Security screening: 8 min avg
- Walk to gate: 10-15 min
- Buffer for delays: 20-30 min
International Flight (3 hours)
- Check-in & bag drop: 20-30 min
- Security screening: 8 min avg
- Passport control: 18 min avg
- Walk to gate: 15-20 min
- Buffer for delays: 30-45 min
Tips for RDU
- Add 30 minutes if you're checking bags
- Add 30-60 minutes during holidays and peak travel seasons
- TSA PreCheck can save 30+ minutes at RDU
- Mobile check-in 24 hours before saves time at the airport
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Use Arrival CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at Raleigh Durham International Airport for a domestic flight?
For domestic flights at RDU, arrive 2 hours before departure. During peak hours (5-8 AM, 4-7 PM), arrive 2 hours 30 minutes early. With TSA PreCheck, 1 hour 30 minutes is usually sufficient.
How early should I arrive at Raleigh Durham International Airport for an international flight?
For international flights at RDU, arrive 3 hours before departure. This includes time for check-in, security, and passport control. During peak periods, arrive 3 hours 30 minutes early.
Is 2 hours enough time at Raleigh Durham International Airport?
2 hours is generally sufficient for domestic flights at RDU during normal hours. Add 30 minutes if checking bags, and consider arriving earlier during peak travel periods or holidays.
What are the busiest times at Raleigh Durham International Airport?
The busiest times at RDU are typically 5-8 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays. The busiest months are Jul, Aug, Dec. Arriving earlier during these periods is recommended.