RDU Rental Car Guide: Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Renting a car at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in Morrisville, North Carolina. This guide covers the pickup process, top brands on-airport, pricing, hidden fees, and the specific tricks for saving money at RDU that you would not learn from the rental company itself.
Where to pick up your rental at RDU
All rental car facilities are on airport property and reached by free shuttle. From Terminal 1, board at the green Rental Car shuttle stop in Zone 4 outside baggage claim. From Terminal 2, use the green Rental Car shuttle stop in Zone 5.
Look for the green Rental Car shuttle stops: Zone 4 at Terminal 1, Zone 5 at Terminal 2.
RDU pricing & hidden fees
Average daily rate: varies by season, so compare all-in quotes for your dates.
Mandatory airport fees: A customer facility charge and concession recovery fee, North Carolina's 8% tax on short-term vehicle rentals, and possible local vehicle rental tax. Check your agreement for the exact amounts.
These charges are added on top of the quoted base rate, so a cheap headline price at RDU can look very different at checkout. Always check the all-in total when comparing across brands.
Top rental brands at RDU
RDU hosts 10 on-airport rental brands:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
Best for premium service: National (Emerald Aisle) and Hertz (Gold) let loyalty members skip the counter
Cheapest base rates: Compare Payless, Dollar and Thrifty against the majors, since the gap changes with your dates
For each brand's specific fuel policies and refueling charges, see our deep-dive guides:
Hertz fuel policy · Enterprise fuel policy · Avis fuel policy · Budget fuel policy · National fuel policy
RDU-specific quirks worth knowing
Should you rent off-airport instead?
Branches in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Morrisville can skip airport charges, but compare the total including your ride there.
Worth considering for longer rentals: A branch near your hotel or office for week-long stays in the Triangle.
How to save the most at RDU
- Compare the all-in total. At RDU, the cheapest headline rate is not always the cheapest final bill.
- Skip prepaid fuel. Self-fill is usually cheaper: fill up close to the return location, since the company refuel charge is usually well above the pump price. Check your agreement for the exact rate.
- Check your coverage before you go. Many credit cards and auto policies cover damage to a rental, but card coverage never includes liability, so confirm what you have before declining the counter's offer.
More tips: how to avoid hidden rental fees.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you pick up a rental car at RDU?
Free Rental Car shuttles leave from the green stops in Zone 4 at Terminal 1 and Zone 5 at Terminal 2.
What is the average rental car price at RDU?
There is no reliable average for RDU: rates move with season, demand and car class, and airport charges come on top. Compare all-in quotes for your dates.
What hidden fees should I watch for at RDU?
A customer facility charge, a concession recovery fee, North Carolina's 8% short-term vehicle rental tax and any local vehicle rental tax.
Which rental car company is best at RDU?
National (Emerald Aisle) and Hertz (Gold) let loyalty members skip the counter. Price Payless, Dollar and Thrifty against them.
Is it cheaper to rent a car off-airport from RDU?
Branches in Raleigh, Durham, Cary and Morrisville skip airport charges, which can pay off on week-long stays.
Are there any quirks to renting at RDU?
The Triangle Expressway near the airport is all-electronic, and I-40 between Raleigh and Durham is busy at rush hour.