Traveling can be hectic, and navigating an unfamiliar airport to find your rental car only adds to the stress. If you’re flying into Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), you’re landing at a major travel hub in North Carolina that serves the central part of the state, including the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. RDU is known for its efficiency and has two passenger terminals that host a range of amenities including dining, shopping, and multiple car rental services. This guide will provide a straightforward way to find and pick up your rental car at RDU, helping you start your journey with ease.
Step 1: Choose Your Rental Car Company
Before you even land at RDU, it’s wise to have your rental car booked and of course, you can do this right here on the AutoRentals.com website! The airport hosts several reputable car rental agencies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. Each of these companies has a counter on airport property, making it convenient to manage your booking upon arrival.
Step 2: Collecting Your Luggage
Once you disembark from your plane at RDU, follow the signs to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. The airport is well-signposted, and there are two main terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Most flights arrive at Terminal 2, which is larger and closer to the rental car counters/offices
Step 3: Finding the Rental Car Counters
After you have collected your luggage, look for signs directing you to ground transportation. At the time of this writing, if you arrive at Terminal 1, you can catch the shuttle at the green Rental Car shuttle stops outside of bag claim at Zone 4 in Terminal 1 and Zone 5 in Terminal 2. The shuttle service is free and operates frequently, making it easy to get to your counter.
Step 4: Completing Your Rental Agreement
At the rental car counter, present your driver’s license, credit card, and any other requested information to the agent. You’ll complete your rental agreement here if you haven’t already done so online. This is also a good time to confirm details such as the type of car, the rental period, and any included insurance or extras. Make sure to ask about any return instructions or policies that you need to be aware of, especially if you plan on dropping off the car at a different location.
Step 5: Picking Up Your Rental Car
Once the paperwork is completed, the rental car agent will direct you to the location where your rental car is parked. At the time of this writing, the rental cars are conveniently located a short walk from Terminal 2. The walk is typically under 5 minutes, and you’ll find clear signage guiding you to the Rental Car Parking Lot.
Step 6: Inspect Your Rental Car
No matter which company you rent from, before you drive off, take a few minutes to inspect the rental car. Check for any existing damages and ensure they are documented by the company to avoid any disputes later. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s controls and features, such as headlights, windshield wipers, and the GPS if you’ve opted for one.
Step 7: Heading Out
Now that you have your rental car, you can head out from RDU to your destination. The airport is conveniently located with easy access to major highways such as I-40 and I-540, which can take you to Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill, as well as other parts of North Carolina.
Final Tips
- – Plan ahead by checking your rental car company’s hours of operation at RDU, especially if your flight is arriving late at night.
- – Consider joining your rental car company’s loyalty program for faster service and potential upgrades and AutoRental’s email list for discounts and savings.
- – Always ensure that you have a map or GPS ready, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
- – Check the RDU Rental Cars website for the latest updates and information.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a smooth start to your visit to the Raleigh-Durham area. Safe travels!
