One passenger fare
Book shared transportation per passenger instead of arranging a private transfer.
RDU Airport ↔ Wilmington, NC
RDU to Wilmington shuttle
We’re exploring a predictable shared ride from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Wilmington for residents returning home and visitors headed to the coast.
Shape the first schedule
Put your trip on the map.
Join in about 60 seconds, then optionally tell us the days, times, destination, passenger count, and $75 booking intent that fit your travel.
What we’re planning
How this route would work
Demand-led stops
Your arrival days, preferred pickup windows, and Wilmington destination will help determine which RDU-to-coast runs launch first.
Useful travel patterns
The route is intended for returning residents, coastal visitors, students, families, and travelers who want to avoid a one-way rental or a long airport pickup from friends.
Preliminary route plan
The practical details we’re testing
- Proposed fare
- $75 one way, per seat
- Estimated travel time
- About 2 hours, depending on traffic and the Wilmington drop-off
- Pickup plan
- Preliminary: designated RDU terminal pickup zones to central Wilmington and/or the ILM area
These are planning estimates, not a published schedule or booking offer. Founding-rider responses will determine the first times and stops.
A simpler cost decision
Why take the shuttle?
Compare the whole travel day—not only the price at the pump. Actual driving, rental, private-ride, and parking costs vary by trip.
Drive yourself
Fuel + parking + wear
Pay for the round-trip drive, leave your car at the airport, and spend the travel time behind the wheel. Parking at RDU can cost $18-34 per day.
Rental car
$80–$150 one way
One-way availability, mileage, taxes, and fees vary. You’ll also need to allow extra time at both ends to pick up the car, complete paperwork, refuel, and return it.
Private ride
Typically $300+
A private transfer can take you door to door on your schedule, but the convenience usually comes at a much higher one-way price.
Cape Fear Regional Express
$75
proposed one-way fare · per seat
One individual seat, one planned fare, luggage space, and no need to leave your car at RDU. Round trip discounts will be available.
$75 is estimated launch pricing for the planned Wilmington–RDU route. Final fares, fees, stops, and schedules will be confirmed before reservations open.
Built in Wilmington
A local idea for a trip our community already makes.
Cape Fear Regional Express is a Wilmington-built idea inspired by how hard it can be to get between the coast and RDU. We’re exploring a simpler, more predictable shared ride—and being transparent while we determine whether enough riders need it.
Ask us a question · hello@capefearregionalexpress.comFrequently asked questions
What we know so far
Where would the shuttle pick up at RDU?
Pickup would use RDU’s designated commercial ground-transportation zones. Exact terminal instructions will be confirmed before reservations open.
Where would the shuttle stop in Wilmington?
Central Wilmington and the ILM area are being evaluated. Founding-rider demand will help select the first practical drop-off point or points.
What is the proposed one-way fare?
The current planning estimate is $75 per passenger, one way. Final fares, fees, and schedules will be confirmed before bookings open.