RDU Closes One Economy Lot, Adds 7,000 Parking Spaces

Raleigh Durham International Airport moved to reduce public access to one economy lot and shift capacity to a larger, upgraded facility as part of ongoing airport expansion work. ParkRDU Economy 4 near Interstate 540 and U.S. Highway 70 stopped accepting new traveler bookings after January 1 and on January 2 it became a lot reserved for airport employees only. Travelers can still use ParkRDU Economy 3, Express, Central and Premier parking.

Travelers already parked in Economy 4 at the turn of the year were allowed to retrieve their cars without interruption. "You can't book new parking reservations after January 1, but if you're parked there now, that's fine. You'll be able to get your car and leave just like you always would," RDU Director of Media Relations Stephanie Hawco said.

Airport officials said the change was planned to make room for an expanded ParkRDU Economy 3, which will add about 7,000 parking spaces and a customer amenity building with restrooms, along with solar panels and electric vehicle chargers. New spaces will open in phases throughout 2026 and the parking expansion is part of a roughly $164 million project tied to the broader Transform RDU capital program.

The Transform RDU program totals about $2.5 billion and encompasses a new runway, an expanded Terminal 2, more ticketing capacity, increased international arrivals infrastructure and larger security checkpoint and baggage claim areas. Construction across the program is expected to run through 2032, which means drivers and commuters should expect phased traffic and access changes over several years.

Local impact will be immediate for some travelers who pick up and drop off at the airport. Redirecting guest parking into an expanded Economy 3 may concentrate vehicle traffic around Aviation Parkway and National Guard Drive, especially while new lots open in stages. Drivers approaching from the north can save time by following Interstate 540 to southbound Aviation Parkway and turning left at the Sheetz at Aviation Parkway and National Guard Drive, where the entrance to ParkRDU Economy 3 is on the right.

For residents planning future trips, parking reservations are available online at ParkRDU.com. The changes reflect a trade off between short term access disruption and longer term capacity gains, additional traveler amenities and added renewable energy and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.