Travelling from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): What you need to know
Begin your travels at one of Orlando's main airports, Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Check out your options for booking a flight from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) departing from either of these.
1 hour 50 minutes is the average travel time for a direct Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport flight.
Durham (where Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located) and Orlando share the UTC-4 timezone. With no time difference, coordinating plans between the cities is hassle-free.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the most popular route. There are 39 direct departures a week to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, hop on the last flight with Frontier Airlines at 10:20pm. Opt for the first MCO to RDU departure operated by Frontier Airlines at 6am if getting there sooner works for you.
Leave plenty of time to catch your flight from Orlando to RDU. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're taking off during a major holiday or other peak period, give yourself more time. Get there two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
Airports in Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
You can book a direct flight from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) leaving from Orlando International Airport (MCO).
At MCO, you'll find a variety of airlines offering direct flights from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, such as:
The airline with the highest booking numbers between MCO and RDU is Delta Air Lines.
Among carriers on this route, Frontier Airlines leads the way for on-time arrivals.
To get to MCO from central Orlando, it takes around 20 minutes to drive the 32 kilometres or so.
Want a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near Orlando International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport or prefer not to feel hurried, these hotels are the ideal choice:
Of the departures from Orlando International Airport, 78.28% touch down on time at their destination.
MCO is located at One Airport Boulevard.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Orlando to SFB in about 2 hours 5 minutes. The airport is roughly 48 kilometres away, and making the journey by car will take approximately 35 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your Orlando to RDU flight? Check in to a hotel near Orlando Sanford International Airport before your break officially starts. These stays have your key waiting:
Orlando Sanford International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 69.11%. This figure provides insight into how often flights departing from this airport arrive on schedule.
About Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Stay at one of these accommodation options near RDU instead:
Travel at your own pace with a Raleigh-Durham International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Hertz and experience more of Durham and beyond.
Get the best deal by reserving your ride around one week ahead of your Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport flight.
Getting from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to central Durham
The centre of Durham is around 16 kilometres from Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Journey times by car hire or cab will vary depending on traffic conditions, so do some research ahead of your trip.
It typically takes 1 hour 10 minutes if you're using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
R 348 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Return flights start at R 831. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Orlando to RDU if you book early. Airlines often have some amazing early bird rates.
Affordable Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport tickets are easier to find when you have flexibility in your schedule. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to compare fares across the month and then fly out on the cheapest day.
You don't need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as a new deal shows up on plane tickets from Orlando to RDU.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
The best time to fly from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
May is the quietest month for flights from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to go to Durham based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Orlando to RDU plane ticket, consider what kind of weather works for you. July is the warmest month in Durham, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in January when temperatures are between -3ºC (27ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF).
More about Durham
Once you've booked your flight from Orlando to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Durham:
DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Centre and American Tobacco Campus District are just the start of the big attractions to add to your Durham travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at American Tobacco Historic District.
Explore more of the United States
Durham has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of the United States just waiting to be explored. Around 193 kilometres west of Durham, a visit to Charlotte will keep your itinerary busy. Don't miss top attractions like Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Discovery Place and NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Around 274 kilometres north-east of Durham, Virginia Beach is another favourite stop in the United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Resort Beach.
