Overview
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the gateway to North Carolina's Research Triangle, the trio of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill known for its universities, tech firms and Southern hospitality. It's a smart-casual, mid-sized destination rather than a headline tourist city, appealing to travellers visiting family, attending conferences, or exploring university towns and green countryside. There are currently no direct flights from the UK to Raleigh-Durham, so most UK travellers book flights to Raleigh-Durham via a major US hub, making the routing part of the planning.
Best time to fly to Raleigh-Durham
Spring (April to May) is glorious, with mild temperatures and blooming azaleas and dogwoods. Autumn (September to October) brings warm days, crisp evenings and attractive foliage, making both shoulder seasons the best time to fly to Raleigh-Durham. Summer is hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter is generally mild with the occasional cold snap. Hurricane season runs June to November and can occasionally disrupt connections through southeastern hubs, so it's worth building in a little flexibility if travelling then.
Airlines and routes
There are no non-stop flights to Raleigh-Durham from the UK, so journeys involve a connection at a major US hub. American Airlines typically routes UK travellers via Charlotte or Philadelphia, Delta via Atlanta or New York-JFK, and United via Washington Dulles or Newark; British Airways passengers often connect onto American's network via Charlotte. The transatlantic leg from London takes around eight to nine hours, with a further short hop of around an hour to RDU, so total journey times of eleven to fourteen hours, including the layover, are typical.
Things to do in Raleigh-Durham
The Triangle rewards a few days' exploring, mixing museums, gardens and college-town charm.
- Duke Chapel and Sarah P. Duke Gardens: a striking Gothic-style chapel and 55 acres of landscaped gardens on Duke University's Durham campus.
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: the largest natural history museum in the South-East, free to enter and popular with families.
- North Carolina Museum of Art: an extensive collection set within a 164-acre park with outdoor sculpture trails.
- American Tobacco Historic District: converted tobacco warehouses in Durham now filled with restaurants, bars and live entertainment.
- Durham Bulls Athletic Park: catch a minor-league baseball game for an authentic slice of American sporting culture.
At Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
RDU sits roughly midway between Raleigh and Durham, about ten miles from each city centre. There's no dedicated rail link, so most visitors hire a car, take a taxi or rideshare, or use the GoTriangle bus network, which connects the airport to both cities; the drive into either centre generally takes twenty to thirty minutes depending on traffic.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Raleigh-Durham
- Book two to four months ahead for the best combination of choice and value on transatlantic connecting itineraries.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, is usually cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible on your UK departure airport and connecting US hub, as fares via Charlotte, Atlanta or Newark can vary considerably.
- Compare airlines and connection options side by side using the price charts on this page to spot the best-value routing.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for short leisure or business trips; instead, apply for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program before departure, valid for stays of up to 90 days. You'll need a machine-readable ePassport. The currency is the US Dollar, and UK debit and credit cards are widely accepted, though it's worth telling your bank you're travelling. No special vaccinations are required, but travel insurance covering medical costs is strongly recommended given the cost of healthcare in the US.
