Hertz Car Hire
Morrisville

After you collect your luggage at Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU), follow the prominent overhead signs for Rental Cars or Ground Transportation. Those signs will direct you to the designated shuttle stops just outside the baggage claim areas of both terminals. A complimentary shuttle runs continuously and takes you on a short ride directly to the consolidated rental car facility. Once inside, the Hertz desk is easy to locate so you can complete your pickup.

Picking up your car late at night at RDU is set up to be straightforward. The airport shuttles to the rental car centre operate to accommodate late-arriving flights, so you won’t be stranded. The rental car centre is a single, well-lit building, making navigation simple even after dark. To make the process as seamless as possible, have your reservation details ready on your phone or printed out; this helps speed up your time at the desk and gets you on your way quickly.

For the most straightforward drive to Downtown Raleigh, follow signs from the airport to join I-40 East. This major interstate is the primary route connecting the airport to the city. Stay on I-40 for several miles; that gives you time to get comfortable with the car before you need to navigate city streets. As you approach Raleigh, take the Wade Avenue exit (Exit 289), which provides a direct and clearly signed route into the downtown and capitol district.

To reach Downtown Durham with minimal hassle, take I-40 West from the airport. After a relatively short drive you’ll see a clearly marked exit for NC-147 North, the Durham Freeway. This is the most direct route and channels traffic straight into the city centre. Using this freeway lets you avoid more complex local interchanges and provides dedicated exits for key downtown destinations such as the American Tobacco Campus and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

For a simple and direct drive to Chapel Hill, take I-40 West from the airport area. You will remain on I-40 for the majority of the trip; it’s a well-maintained and clearly signed highway. To avoid the more complex interchanges, look for Exit 270 for US-15/501 South. That exit leads you directly toward Chapel Hill and the UNC campus. The turn onto the exit is straightforward and the road takes you into the heart of town with minimal subsequent turns.

Driving from RDU to Cary during weekday commute hours, typically between 7–9am and 4–6pm, often involves heavy traffic. Primary routes such as I-40 and Aviation Parkway can become quite congested. Expect your travel time to be notably longer than a GPS estimate for off-peak periods. It’s wise to build an extra 20–30 minutes into your schedule to allow for delays. Staying in the right or centre lanes can help you avoid stressful last-minute merges for exits.

A common mistake when driving from RDU to Research Triangle Park (RTP) is underestimating the proximity and taking a major highway unnecessarily. Many RTP offices and Morrisville hotels are just a few minutes away via local roads such as Airport Boulevard or Aviation Parkway. Relying solely on a GPS set to prefer motorways may route you on a longer loop via I-40. It’s often better to preview the short local route in a maps app to save time and avoid unnecessary motorway traffic immediately after picking up your car.

When driving to the NC Museum of Art, the main point of confusion is often the exit from I-440 (the Beltline). The museum is located on Blue Ridge Road and the exit signage can appear quickly. Drivers unfamiliar with the area sometimes end up in the wrong lane or miss the turn. Once you exit, pay close attention to signs for the museum entrance, as it’s part of a larger complex that includes a theatre and park grounds, with multiple access points from the main road.

The most direct route to PNC Arena from RDU is to take I-40 East to Exit 289 for Wade Avenue. From Wade Avenue you’ll see large, clear signs directing you to the arena complex via Edwards Mill Road. To avoid circling for parking, follow the official event parking signs as you approach the venue. The arena is surrounded by numerous large lots, and attendants will guide you to the best available space, so it’s generally unnecessary to hunt for a specific spot yourself.

For a major event at PNC Arena, it’s sensible to leave the RDU/Morrisville area at least 90 minutes before the event start time. The drive is short, but traffic on I-40 and especially on the roads around the arena, such as Edwards Mill Road and Wade Avenue, can become extremely congested. Arriving early not only helps you avoid the worst of the traffic but also gives you ample time to park, pass security and find your seat without feeling rushed.

When driving to Duke University from RDU, the best route is I-40 West to the Durham Freeway (NC-147 North). Exits for Duke are clearly signed. Once near campus, be aware that many roads are narrow with frequent pedestrian crossings and bus traffic. For easiest parking, aim for one of the main visitor garages, such as the Bryan Center garage, rather than attempting to find on-street parking. Navigating directly to a specific visitor parking deck with your GPS will save you time and frustration.

To avoid navigating the narrow and often congested roads of the UNC campus, visitors typically park in one of the designated town or university visitor lots. Convenient options are often the municipal parking decks on Rosemary Street or the Rams Head Deck on campus. For game days the university sets up park-and-ride lots on the outskirts with shuttle service to the stadium. Driving directly to one of these larger, accessible lots is far less stressful than attempting to find parking deep within the campus core.

Driving to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park from RDU on a weeknight is generally straightforward via I-40 West and the Durham Freeway (NC-147). However, anticipate increased traffic on the freeway exits and city streets closest to the ballpark, particularly within the hour before a game. The easiest parking solution is to head for one of the two large parking decks at the American Tobacco Campus adjacent to the stadium. These are well signed and offer ample space, saving you the trouble of searching for limited on-street parking.

The least confusing route is to take I-40 West to NC-147 North (Durham Freeway) and use the exit for Jackie Robinson Drive/Mangum Street. Signs will clearly direct you toward the campus. It’s definitely better to plan to go straight into a parking garage rather than searching for street parking. The campus has dedicated North and South parking decks that are easy to access and centrally located. Navigating directly to one of these garages will make your arrival much smoother and more efficient.

To minimise driving during an RTP work trip, a good strategy is to choose a hotel located within or immediately adjacent to the park itself. Many hotels sit along I-40 between Durham and Morrisville, offering very short commutes to major corporate campuses. Look for accommodation near the exits for Davis Drive, Miami Boulevard or NC-54. Staying in this corridor means your daily drive to meetings will likely be 10–15 minutes, avoiding heavier commuter traffic from Raleigh or Chapel Hill.

To comfortably make a dinner reservation in Downtown Raleigh you should allow about 60 to 75 minutes from the time you get in your rental car. The drive itself can take 20–30 minutes without traffic, but you should allow for potential weekday rush-hour delays on I-40. This buffer also gives you time to find a parking deck near the restaurant, walk a few blocks and arrive for your reservation feeling relaxed rather than hurried.

During a heavy thunderstorm visibility can be challenging on any highway, but certain sections of I-40 can feel particularly stressful. Stretches with significant construction or lane shifts, often between RDU and Raleigh, can be tricky because of temporary barriers and changing patterns. Additionally the I-40/I-440 split near Cary can be intense with heavy traffic and multiple lanes merging. It’s best to reduce your speed, increase your following distance and stay in a consistent lane when driving in severe weather.

When driving through Morrisville and Cary, be mindful of frequent speed limit changes, especially on main roads like NC-54 (Chapel Hill Road) and Davis Drive. These roads often transition from 45 or 55 mph down to 35 mph as you enter more commercial or residential zones. Changes can be abrupt and are often accompanied by traffic lights and school zones. Paying close attention to signage is key to driving safely and avoiding unwelcome surprises.

Yes. Downtown Raleigh has a grid of one-way streets that can confuse first-time visitors. Key north–south streets such as Wilmington and Salisbury are one-way, as are east–west streets like Hargett and Martin. It’s common for drivers to need to circle a block to reach their destination. Using a GPS is highly recommended, and be prepared for some streets to have turn restrictions during peak hours to manage traffic flow around the capitol.

In Downtown Durham, the areas around Main Street, Chapel Hill Street and the Brightleaf district can feel particularly tight and congested, with limited on-street parking. These streets are often busy with pedestrians and a mix of delivery vehicles and local traffic. Rather than trying to navigate narrow corridors in search of a space, it’s much smarter to head straight to a public parking deck such as Chapel Hill Street Garage or Corcoran Street Garage and park there on arrival.

A convenient place for a quick stop to reorganise is Lake Crabtree County Park, located just a few minutes from the airport off Aviation Parkway. The park has large, easy-to-access car parks where you can pull over without pressure. It offers a safe space to adjust child seats, sort luggage and let kids stretch their legs for a moment. Alternatively the car park of a large shopping centre like Brier Creek Commons provides ample space and the benefit of nearby toilets and shops.

Once you have your keys, the best approach is for one adult to take the luggage and stroller to the assigned parking spot while another stays with the children in a less-crowded lobby area. This divides the task and keeps the kids out of the active garage. After pulling the car out of its tight spot and into a less congested part of the lot or a designated loading zone, bring the rest of the family over. This method minimises stress and ensures everyone is safely buckled in before you set off.

A good plan is to use the airport’s Cell Phone Lot, a free waiting area situated a minute or two from the terminals. The person with the rental car can wait there comfortably until the others have collected their bags and are standing at the arrivals curb. This avoids circling the terminal roads repeatedly. Once everyone is ready, a quick phone call is enough to coordinate an efficient pickup at the designated passenger loading zone.

Brier Creek Commons shopping centre is an excellent and convenient option just a few miles from the airport. It’s a very short drive north on Lumley Road or west via I-540. This large outdoor mall has a Target, a Walmart Supercentre and a Harris Teeter grocery store, making it a perfect one-stop location for snacks, drinks and any forgotten travel essentials. Its proximity to the airport means you can get what you need and be on your way without a major detour.

The main toll road near RDU is the Triangle Expressway (NC-540). It uses an all-electronic, cashless tolling system, meaning there are no booths to stop at. Cameras capture the vehicle’s licence plate and the rental company is billed directly. The company then typically passes that charge, often with an administrative fee, on to you. Be aware that your GPS may route you onto this road for convenience, so watch for signs indicating Toll if you wish to avoid it.

While GPS shortcuts can be tempting, routes that use Morrisville–Carpenter Road or parts of NC-54 (Chapel Hill Road) can often be slower than they look. These roads are lined with numerous traffic lights, shopping centre entrances and school zones with reduced speed limits at certain times. During morning and afternoon commutes these local arteries can get quite backed up. Sticking to a main thoroughfare like Aviation Parkway or I-540 can sometimes be a more predictable and faster option.

A day trip to the Outer Banks is ambitious, as the drive is about 3.5 to 4 hours each way. To make it manageable, leave the RDU area very early, aiming to be on the road by 6am. A good halfway point to stop, stretch and grab a coffee is the town of Williamston, right off US-64. Once you cross the bridge onto the Outer Banks, focus on one area such as Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head. Plan to leave the coast by 4pm to avoid driving the entire return trip in the dark.

The drive to the Wilmington area is about two hours and is primarily on I-40 East. To make the drive feel easiest, plan to leave the RDU area either mid-morning (around 9.30am) after Raleigh’s rush hour has subsided, or in the early afternoon (around 1.30pm) to get ahead of the evening commute. This timing helps you avoid the heaviest local traffic at the start of your trip, making for a much more relaxed journey to the coast.

When driving to the Blue Ridge Parkway, about a three-hour drive west, be prepared for changing conditions. Mountain weather can shift rapidly, so check the forecast for your destination rather than only Raleigh–Durham. It’s important to plan to be on the Parkway during daylight hours, as it is not lit at night and has many sharp curves. Also note that sections can close in colder months due to ice or snow, so check the National Park Service website for current road status before you go.

The drive from RDU to Asheville is straightforward west on I-40, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours. As you approach Asheville, I-40 merges with I-26. To avoid the steepest and most confusing downtown streets on arrival, use your GPS to navigate directly to a specific address or parking garage. Exiting onto Patton Avenue can lead you into the centre, but expect city traffic and one-way streets; a better approach is often to use I-240 to circle the city and enter closer to your specific destination.

William B. Umstead State Park has two main entrances, and for a stress-free first visit from RDU the entrance off US-70 (Glenwood Avenue) is often the easiest. It’s a straight shot from the airport area via I-540 or Lumley Road. This entrance leads to a large visitor centre car park and provides access to popular trailheads and picnic areas. It’s well signed and avoids the smaller residential roads you might encounter trying to find the park’s other entrance off I-40.

A great strategy is to pick a brewery-dense neighbourhood and park once for the evening. In Raleigh the Warehouse District and the area around Moore Square have several excellent breweries within easy walking distance of each other. In Durham the Central Park District is another fantastic option with multiple breweries and cideries clustered together. By parking in a central public deck in one of these areas you can walk between a few spots and then use a rideshare service for your return trip.

Most Downtown Raleigh hotels have a designated short-term loading and unloading zone directly in front of their main entrance. These are typically marked for 15-minute parking, which is enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. It’s best to pull into this zone, handle your bags and then move your car to the hotel’s long-term parking garage. Avoid leaving your car unattended in these zones for an extended period as they are actively monitored to keep traffic flowing.

For an easy drop-off in Downtown Durham look for streets that are slightly less busy than the main thoroughfares. Side streets such as Corcoran or Parrish Street often have brief moments where you can safely pull over to the kerb. Another excellent option is to use the designated drop-off areas in front of major venues like the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) or the Durham Hotel. These spots are designed for quick stops and are less likely to cause a traffic backup.

Near the NC State campus, be aware that Hillsborough Street, which runs along the northern edge of campus, becomes very congested during class changes and is often slow-moving. On game days for football or basketball roads such as Western Boulevard and Trinity Road become heavily backed up with traffic heading toward Carter–Finley Stadium and PNC Arena. It’s wise to check event schedules and allow significant extra travel time or find an alternative route on those days.

The most direct route to the main WakeMed campus in Raleigh is to take I-40 East to the I-440 Beltline, then take Exit 15 for New Bern Avenue. The hospital campus is located directly off that exit and is very well signed, making it easy to find. This route uses major highways which helps minimise turns on unfamiliar local roads. For other medical centres, using a GPS is always recommended for the most precise directions.

For a stress-free early morning return, plan to leave your hotel about 30–45 minutes earlier than you would normally to arrive at the airport. From Raleigh, Durham or Cary the drive to RDU is typically 20–25 minutes without traffic. This buffer allows time for refuelling near the airport and navigating the rental return area. For example, for a 6am flight, leaving your hotel around 3:45am ensures you can return the car, check in and get through security without rushing.

As you approach the RDU campus, pay attention to the large overhead signs and stay in the lanes designated for Rental Car Return. The airport has dedicated signage that directs you away from the passenger drop-off and pick-up loops for the terminals. Following these specific signs from the moment you enter airport property is key. The entrance to the return garage is a separate roadway, so spotting that sign early will prevent you getting caught in the wrong traffic pattern.

During autumn and spring, be aware of event traffic around the NC State Fairgrounds near PNC Arena, which can cause major backups on I-40, I-440 and Wade Avenue. College football games in Raleigh and Chapel Hill create significant congestion on Saturdays. Additionally downtown areas in both Raleigh and Durham often host large festivals and concerts at weekends, leading to road closures and heavy traffic. It’s a good idea to check a local events calendar for your travel dates.

When driving at night in the Triangle, note that while major highways like I-40 are well lit, some connecting roads and exits can be darker. The I-40/I-440 split near Cary can be particularly confusing in the dark for first-timers, so try to know which lane you need ahead of time. Using a GPS with voice navigation is extremely helpful. On local Morrisville roads watch for cyclists and pedestrians, as some areas may have limited street lighting.