Cheap flights from Detroit Metropolitan to Raleigh-Durham International from $150
Updated 2026-09-22
501 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 1h 25m with 5 airlines operating direct service from Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) to Raleigh-Durham International (RDU). Fares on this corridor stay relatively stable across the year — booking 4–8 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek departure typically secures the best price.
Flying from Detroit Metropolitan
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County is Delta's principal Midwest hub. Two terminals — McNamara (Delta) and North Terminal (Spirit, AA, UA, others) — are connected airside through the post-security ExpressTram. There is no commuter rail to downtown Detroit; DDOT bus 125 runs from the airport to Rosa Parks Transit Center in around 60 minutes. International long-haul to Europe is dense (Air France, KLM, Lufthansa) and to Asia (Delta direct to Tokyo Narita) — making DTW one of the strongest secondary US gateways for transpacific travel.
Arriving in Raleigh-Durham
Raleigh-Durham International serves the Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) and is 12 miles from each. There is no rail; GoRaleigh bus 100 reaches downtown Raleigh in 45 minutes for $1.25, GoTriangle bus 805 reaches downtown Durham. Fares to RDU peak around Duke and UNC graduations (May) and major basketball games (February–March); January and August are the cheapest.
Who flies DTW to RDU?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 1h 25m | Economy |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | 1h 25m | Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 1h 25m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 1h 25m | Economy |
| United Airlines | UA | 1h 25m | Economy |
5 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Detroit to Raleigh-Durham FAQs
Direct flights from Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) to Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) take approximately 1h 25m for the 501-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
5 carriers operate direct service from Detroit Metropolitan (DTW) to Raleigh-Durham International (RDU): Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — Delta Air Lines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No — United States is domestic travel for US citizens. A US passport is not required for the 50 states, DC or US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands), though Real ID-compliant ID is required at TSA from May 2025.
Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) is the primary international airport for Raleigh-Durham. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.