Raleigh has been the capital of North Carolina since 1792, when the state purchased 1,000 acres to establish a permanent capital city, centrally located in the middle of the state. It has grown from a tiny one square mile town to a modern government, high-tech and university hub. Vistors to Raleigh generally fly to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, its closest airport, but two other airports, Piedmont Triad and Charlotte Douglas, are within driving distance.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport, or RDU, is located 10 miles northwest of Raleigh in the heart of the Research Triangle Region. Nine major airlines and seven regional carriers offer service to 32 destinations all over the United States and three international destinations--Toronto, Canada; Cancun, Mexico and London, England. The airport offers a wide range of dining options, from fast food chains to sit down restaurants, as well as shops. RDU also boasts an Observation Park, which overlooks RDU's longest runway, offering great views of planes taking off and landing. The park is located near the air traffic control tower, and direct instructions from the control tower to the pilots can be heard from the elevated lookout area. Travelers can reach the airport either by car, taxi or Triangle Transit airport shuttle.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
2400 West Terminal Blvd.
Morrisville, NC 27560
919-840-2123
rdu.com
Piedmont Triad International Airport, or PTI, is located about 66 miles from Raleigh, in Greensboro, North Carolina. PTI is served by the nine airlines flying to 16 cities on the East Coast, in the Midwest and in the South, with 10 daily flights to New York City. Airport facilities include a conference room, parking, six eateries and five shops. A Marriot hotel with 229 rooms is located just outside the terminal building. The best way to get to PTI from Raleigh is by car.
Piedmont Triad International Airport
6415 Bryan Blvd.
Greensboro, NC 27409
336-665-5600
flyfrompti.com
Charlotte Douglas International Airport, or CLT, is the biggest airport in the area and is located about 127 miles from Raleigh. The airport is served by seven domestic carriers, two foreign flagship carriers, and seven regional carriers flying to 131 non-stop destinations all over the world. Airport facilities include parking, a business center, and numerous shopping and dining options. Travelers waiting for their flights can also take advantage of free wifi available throughout the airport. The best way to get to Charlotte Douglas International Airport from Raleigh is by car.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy.
Charlotte, NC 28208
704-359-4000
charmeck.org/Departments/airport/home.htm?header=www.charlotteairport.com
