Avis Car Hire
Morrisville

After collecting your luggage at either terminal, follow the prominent overhead signs for 'Ground Transportation' and 'Rental Cars'. You will be directed to a designated shuttle-bus stop on the kerb just outside the baggage reclaim area. These complimentary shuttle buses run continuously between the terminals and the consolidated Rental Car Centre (RCC). The ride takes only a few minutes, and once you arrive at the facility you will see the Avis desk clearly marked in the main lobby.

The process for reaching the car hire area is the same regardless of your arrival time. Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have clearly marked shuttle stops for the Rental Car Centre just outside their baggage reclaim levels. These shuttles operate whenever flights are arriving, ensuring you can get to the facility. Simply follow the airport signage for 'Rental Cars', board the next available shuttle bus, and it will take you directly to the correct building.

An efficient strategy is to have the designated driver proceed straight to the rental-car shuttle while the rest of the group waits with the luggage at baggage reclaim. Once the driver has completed the hire process and has the vehicle, they can drive from the rental facility back to the terminal. They can then pull up to the passenger pickup kerb on the arrivals level, making it easy to load the luggage and the rest of the group.

The most direct route to Research Triangle Park (RTP) is to follow the signs from the rental-car facility to I-40 West. Once on I-40 you will only travel a short distance before seeing exits for RTP. The key exits are Davis Drive (Exit 280) and Page Road (Exit 282), which lead into the heart of the park. Using your sat nav is highly recommended, but the motorway signage is large and clear for these primary RTP access points.

For the most accurate navigation, it’s best to enter 'RDU Rental Car Return' or the address 1000 Rental Car Drive, Morrisville, NC into your sat nav. Using a general airport search term might direct you to the passenger terminals instead. Entering the specific destination for the rental-car facility ensures you are guided onto John Brantley Boulevard and into the correct entrance for all rental returns, avoiding the terminal departure and arrival loops.

The most direct route to central Raleigh is to take I-40 East from the airport. During rush hour, you should expect significant traffic, particularly as you approach the I-440 Beltline interchange. An alternative route to consider is Aviation Parkway to US-70 East (Glenwood Avenue), which can sometimes have a different traffic flow. Regardless of the route, allowing extra travel time during peak commuting hours is essential for a less stressful drive.

For a straightforward drive to downtown Durham, your best option is to take I-40 West from the airport area. In a few miles you will merge onto the Durham Freeway (NC-147 North). This freeway is a direct artery into the city centre and has fewer complex interchanges than other routes. It provides well-marked exits for key downtown destinations like the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and the American Tobacco Campus.

Cary is located mainly to the south and west of RDU airport. The most efficient way to reach most parts of Cary is to take Aviation Parkway south from the airport complex. This road will lead you directly to I-40, where you can head east for a short distance to major Cary exits like Harrison Avenue or Cary Towne Boulevard. This route avoids unnecessary looping around the north side of the airport.

For an early-morning flight, it is sensible to budget at least two hours from the moment you drive into the rental-car return garage to arriving at your departure gate. This timeframe accounts for the vehicle return process, the shuttle ride back to your terminal, checking any luggage with your airline, and clearing through security. During peak travel times, this buffer ensures you won't feel rushed.

Don't worry if you miss the turn for the rental-car return. The airport's road system is designed as a continuous loop, so there is no need to exit onto the motorway. Simply stay on the main airport roadway, John Brantley Boulevard, and follow the signs for the terminals. The road will circle you back around to the main entrance, where you will get another opportunity to make the correct turn into the rental facility.

A frequent point of confusion for first-time visitors is the initial exit from the airport complex onto the motorway. It's easy to accidentally get into a lane for I-40 East when you intended to go West, or vice versa. Another common mistake is following signs for the terminals instead of the main airport exit. Always confirm your route on your sat nav before you start driving to ensure you're in the correct lane.

A highly efficient route from the RDU area is to first drive west to visit Duke University in Durham. From Durham you can take a short drive southwest to Chapel Hill to see the UNC campus. Finally, head east on I-40 to reach NC State University in Raleigh. This path creates a logical triangle, minimising redundant driving and allowing you to end your tour closer to the airport if needed.

For easier loading and unloading, consider hotels in the North Hills or Brier Creek neighbourhoods. These areas typically feature hotels with large car parks or dedicated porte-cochères, allowing you to pull up directly to the entrance. While downtown Raleigh hotels are centrally located, they often rely on kerbside drop-off zones or valet services, which can be more challenging with a lot of luggage.

At weekends Downtown Raleigh is vibrant but can present driving challenges, as Fayetteville Street is often closed for festivals or events. Be prepared for diversions and allow extra time for navigation. There are numerous public multi-storey car parks located throughout the downtown area, particularly around the Convention Centre and Moore Square. These car parks are usually the most reliable and convenient option compared to searching for limited on-street parking.

The North Carolina Museum of Art offers extensive free parking in a large surface lot directly in front of its main buildings. Even if you arrive at midday, you can typically find a parking space without much trouble. The entrance to the museum campus and its parking areas is clearly signed from Blue Ridge Road, making access straightforward for visitors.

When visiting Chapel Hill, the most practical approach is to park your car and explore the compact town centre and UNC campus on foot. Visitors typically use the town's public car parks, such as the Wallace Parking Deck or the Rosemary/Columbia Lot. These centrally located garages provide easy walking access to Franklin Street's shops and restaurants, as well as the main university quads.

During a major event at the State Fairgrounds, traffic on surrounding arteries like Hillsborough Street and Blue Ridge Road can be extremely heavy. The best plan is to arrive very early in the day to get ahead of the crowds. Follow the official event signage, which will direct you to designated parking areas, often in large fields on the property. Be prepared for a short walk from your parking spot to the main entrance.

For events at Red Hat Amphitheater, streets immediately adjacent to the venue are often closed to traffic. A sensible plan is to arrange a drop-off and pickup point a few blocks away, such as near the Raleigh Convention Centre or Nash Square. This allows you to avoid the most intense congestion right at the venue's gates. A short walk is a small price to pay for a much smoother exit after the show.

Out-of-town drivers should be aware that major thoroughfares can change speed limits abruptly as they transition from suburban to more developed commercial zones. For example, roads like US-70 (Glenwood Avenue) or NC-54 can drop from 55 mph to 35 mph with little warning. Additionally, many residential streets in Cary and Morrisville have a standard lower speed limit, so it's important to stay vigilant.

I-40 is the primary east-west corridor that runs through the centre of the Triangle, directly connecting Raleigh, RTP, Durham and Chapel Hill. I-540, on the other hand, is an outer loop that bypasses much of the central congestion. Choose I-40 for direct access to the main cities and RTP. Opt for I-540 if your destination is in the northern or western suburbs like Wake Forest, Apex or North Raleigh.

Yes, drivers should be particularly cautious on older sections of the I-440 Beltline in Raleigh, which feature some notoriously short on-ramps that require quick acceleration to merge safely. In some of the more established commercial areas, you may also encounter lanes that suddenly become turn-only with little advance warning. Paying close attention to road signs and road markings is key to navigating these quirks smoothly.

The rental-car garage itself is an excellent place to install a car seat in a calm environment. After you've picked up your vehicle, simply find an open parking space on one of the upper, less-trafficked levels of the garage. This allows you to take your time and ensure the seat is installed correctly without the pressure of moving traffic before you head out onto the main roads.

To manage bulky items efficiently, have one person from your party wait with the luggage at the terminal's passenger pickup kerb. The driver can then take the shuttle to the rental-car facility alone. After securing the vehicle, the driver can return to the terminal and pull up to the kerb, making it a simple process to load the large items directly into the car.

A smaller car is often a great choice for a Triangle trip, as it makes navigating and parking in the tight multi-storey car parks of downtown Raleigh and Durham much easier. However, if your group is larger, has significant luggage, or plans to visit state parks with potentially unpaved access roads, an SUV would provide more comfort and utility. Most primary roads are well-maintained, so the decision usually comes down to space needs and parking convenience.

To avoid getting lost on campus roads, set your sat nav directly to a specific visitor parking garage. The 'Bryan Center Parking Garage' is a popular and centrally located option that is well signed from the main thoroughfare of Science Drive. Another good choice is the 'Science Drive Garage.' Navigating to one of these specific destinations is much simpler than trying to find parking by circling the campus.

When heading to PNC Arena for a major event, plan to leave the RDU area at least 60–90 minutes before the start time to account for heavy traffic. The main roads leading to the arena, such as Edwards Mill Road and Wade Avenue, will be very congested. Follow the electronic signs and directions from parking attendants, as they will guide you to the most efficient available parking lots.

For a relaxed day trip to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, plan to leave the Morrisville area early, aiming to arrive right when the zoo opens around 9am. This strategy allows you to avoid the peak arrival rush, secure a convenient parking spot, and see the animals when they are often most active. The drive is a pleasant one, primarily on US-64 West.

For Sarah P. Duke Gardens, visitor parking is available in a dedicated garage on Anderson Street, which is a short walk from the entrance. At the North Carolina Botanical Garden in Chapel Hill, you'll find ample free parking in a surface lot right by the main building. For either location, arriving on a weekday morning is the best way to enjoy the gardens with fewer crowds and more parking availability.

The most direct way to drive to the American Tobacco Campus is by taking the Durham Freeway (NC-147) and using the Jackie Robinson Drive exit. From there, prominent signs will guide you toward public parking. Visitors typically park in one of the several large, multi-level parking decks that serve the entire campus, offering convenient access to all the restaurants and attractions.

A day trip to the Outer Banks is ambitious, as it requires a drive of at least 3.5 hours each way. To make it work, you should leave the Morrisville area no later than 7am. Plan a brief stop for fuel and snacks around Williamston on your way out via US-64 East. To ensure a safe return, plan to leave the coast by 4pm to avoid driving the entire trip back in darkness.

The key to a smooth day trip to the Wilmington area is an early start. By leaving Morrisville and getting on I-40 East before 8am, especially on a weekend, you can get past the Raleigh-area commuter traffic before it becomes heavy. This early departure is the single best way to ensure you don't spend the first part of your beach day stuck in congestion.

The drive to Greensboro and Winston-Salem from the RDU area is very straightforward. You will simply take I-40 West from the airport and continue on that interstate for the entire journey. The motorway is well-maintained and has clear signage marking the exits for both cities. It's a direct and easy route for a day trip to the Triad region.

The drive to Fayetteville and Fort Liberty from the RDU area is primarily motorway-based. You'll start by taking I-40 East and then connect to I-95 South. Once you clear the Raleigh suburbs, the drive is mostly through rural landscapes. Be aware that traffic can sometimes be heavy around the I-40/I-95 interchange, so it's wise to check conditions before you depart.

A very convenient spot for a quick stop is the Brier Creek Commons shopping centre, located just a few minutes from the airport via US-70. This area offers a wide variety of coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, and stores where you can grab a drink or any last-minute supplies. For something even quicker, there are several petrol stations and convenience stores along Aviation Parkway.

During heavy downpours, the outer lanes and low-lying areas of major interchanges like I-40 and I-540 can be prone to water pooling, a condition known as aquaplaning. It is crucial to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden manoeuvres. Visibility can decrease rapidly, so using your headlights is essential for both seeing and being seen by other drivers.

While major snowfalls are not an everyday occurrence, freezing rain and black ice are a significant winter hazard in the Triangle. Bridges, overpasses, and exit ramps—especially on I-40 and I-540 near the airport—are the first surfaces to become icy. The most dangerous times are typically overnight and in the early morning hours before sunrise, when temperatures are at their lowest.

To ensure you head in the correct direction, confirm your hotel's address and the recommended motorway exit before leaving the rental-car facility. Most RTP locations are accessed from I-40 West. Pay close attention to the overhead signs as you exit the airport onto the main roadway, as the ramps for I-40 East and West are close together. Using a sat nav is the most reliable way to prevent a wrong turn.

The most efficient method is to first drive to the departures level of your airline's terminal. Drop off all passengers and their luggage at the kerb, allowing them to proceed to check-in. After they are safely on their way, the driver can then proceed alone to the rental-car return facility. This strategy avoids the hassle of managing multiple large bags on the rental-car shuttle bus.

A great hybrid strategy is to use your hire car for daytime activities, such as visiting museums, parks, or attractions that are spread across the region. In the evening, if you plan to visit a busy area with limited parking like Downtown Raleigh's Glenwood South or Chapel Hill's Franklin Street, park your car at your hotel. From there, use a rideshare service for a stress-free night out without worrying about parking or navigating.