Where to Park at Raleigh-Durham International
It’s been proven that travelers don’t like parking their car for any length of time unless they absolutely have to. It’s a hassle for the most part. You drive around and around aimlessly for what seems like hours searching for the perfect parking spot. Oftentimes the parking lots are full but still you take that chance in hopes someone will be leaving the time you come around the corner.
If you’re lucky enough to find a space you have to grab your luggage, and take that long hike to the terminal. If you’re gone for a few days or more, you have to worry about paying to get out. Just face it, parking at any airport isn’t just worth it. Many travelers simply opt to be dropped off at the terminal. It’s much easier. So the next time you do have to fly, and don’t have anyone to drop you off there are several options to parking at Raleigh-Durham International airport.
Obviously the closest parking is known as hourly/daily parking. This 12,000 space parking deck is situated in between both Terminal A and C. The garage is divided into two different sections. Hourly parking is located in the first level and will cost you $1.00 per hour with a $24.00/day maximum. The daily section, which is on six different levels will cost you $1.00 per hour or $10.00 daily max. Of course it would be wise to choose the daily lot, but during the holiday season it can get quite crowded.
You also have the option for park and ride. There are two different lots located near the terminal. The first, park and ride 3 (purple lot) has 4,000 parking spaces and will cost you $6.00 a day. Park and ride 4 (Orange lot) will cost you $6.00 a day and can hold 3,000 cars. There are two seasonal park and ride lots which will run you $5.00 a day. If you park in any of these lots,a shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes.
Keep in mind the main parking deck is the most popular and fill up the quickest. If you are picking someone up, you can’t park along the curbside because you will be towed. So, if all lots are full there will be electronic signs guiding you to the closest park and ride lot.
What are the pros and cons of short term/long term parking you ask? Short term is mainly for picking someone up. Long term (or daily parking) is conveinant but it will cost you $10.00 a day. That can add up especially if you’re going to be gone for a week or more. However it’s conveinant to the terminal. The parking deck (for the most part) is completely covered, so if it’s raining you don’t have to worry with getting wet. Overall, short term/long term parking is conveinant but will cost you more.
With park and ride, it is much cheaper but not conveinant. Even though the shuttle is free, it runs every 15 minutes and you might get stuck out in the rain. There is a covered area but won’t protect you from the nasty weather. The lots are much further from the terminal, so if you’re in a hurry I would suggest you park at the main deck.
Parking at Raleigh-Durham is conveinant (for the most part), it’s not terribly expensive. There are some airports that charge double than RDU. If you do park beyond the terminal, it can take some time. One of the nicer features is exit express. It allows you to pay for parking before leaving the airport. It also keeps you from waiting in some long lines when getting out.
