From Iceland to The Bahamas, plan a trip to one of these worldly spots you can reach direct from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
by Rachel Simon & Emmie Brooks
In November 2022, guests were invited to take the new direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Freeport, Grand Bahama. The 90-minute trip, offered by Bahamasair, was notable not just for connecting the two areas in what felt like record time, but also for the fact that it marked the seventh international route offered by RDU — as well as the airport’s 46th nonstop flight. Since then, they’ve added even more direct flights to international destinations.
It’s a credit to the burgeoning Triangle area that one can stroll into RDU and hop on a direct flight to one of nearly 50 destinations, not just to hubs like Atlanta, Chicago or New York on your way further afield.
Over the past few years, the airport has expanded its nonstop service to far-flung places in Europe and Mexico, offering travelers a greater number of options without the hassle and risk of layovers (raise your hand if you’ve ever spent a well-earned vacation day waiting out a thunderstorm in Hartsfield-Jackson!).
“RDU’s priorities are to expand our direct domestic and international flights and make travel more convenient for our guests,” says Stephanie Hawco, the airport’s director of media relations. And while the height of the pandemic saw travel for RDU and most other airports plummet, numbers are now back up; in October 2022, Hawco says, RDU saw 1.1 million passengers. With that increased travel comes an increased desire for direct flights, especially to international locations that offer glamour and culture very different from the Triangle.
The Grand Bahama route, for instance, “offers travelers a new option for a beach getaway,” while the Icelandair flight to Reykjavik lets travelers jet off for a “bucket list” trip unlike any other, says Hawco. Read on for a list of exciting places outside the continental United States that you can travel to nonstop from RDU.
Cancún, Mexico
After pausing nonstop flights to Cancún during the pandemic, American Airlines resumed service in November. And in December, JetBlue began offering a twice-weekly direct trip to the tropical destination. It takes just over three hours and drops passengers off in a paradise full of stunning beaches and all-inclusive resorts, not to mention family-friendly opportunities for everything from zip-lining in the jungle to snorkeling by underwater sculptures.
London, England
Want to cross the pond? Hop on American Airlines’ direct flight from RDU to London, which has operated daily for over two decades and takes seven and a half hours. Once landing at Heathrow, check out the classics like Big Ben and Tower Bridge, but also try to fit in a play in the West End, tasting trip through Chinatown, or, perhaps, a visit to the Tower of London, where our namesake Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned — or the Palace of Westminster, where he was beheaded.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Want to stay a bit closer to home? A direct flight from RDU to San Juan is only three and a half hours. After JetBlue ended its nonstop service to the city in early 2022, Frontier launched its own direct route, which operates daily. And thank goodness it did, as who would want to miss out on San Juan’s historic forts, stunning beaches and unrivaled nightlife — all while indulging in some savory empanadillas and slow-roasted pernil, two of the country’s signature dishes.
Paris, France
As with American’s Cancún route, Delta’s direct flight to Paris was paused for over two years thanks to the pandemic. In August, the eight-hour trip resumed, and it is now offered four times a week for travelers looking to spend their vacation eating toasty baguettes, taking in classic art and filling their suitcases with clothes and accessories from the city’s many fashionable shops. Plus, there’s Disneyland for the kids!
Reykjavik, Iceland
A volcanic island surrounded by northern seas is just about the opposite of the Piedmont, and you can get directly to Reykjavik on a six-hour flight offered by Icelandair. It flies four days a week and “has been so popular that Icelandair just extended their schedule at RDU,” says Hawco. No wonder: in Reykjavik, you can get off the plane and be soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon less than an hour later, before heading into town (or elsewhere around the country) for whale-watching tours and Northern Lights expeditions.
Toronto, Canada
AirCanada’s flight to Toronto paused during the pandemic, but now is back in full force on the daily. And once you arrive, you can have a ball checking out jewels and gems in the Royal Ontario Museum, drinking wine outside Niagara Falls, or dining at the famous 360-degree restaurant in the CN Tower.
Freeport & Nassau, The Bahamas
For guaranteed sunny beaches, grab one of the twice-weekly Bahamasair flights from RDU to Freeport to explore the island of Grand Bahama’s many offerings, or head on to Nassau, to which the flight continues after its first stop. In less than two hours, you can be relaxing on the beach, snorkeling with stingrays and eating your weight in fresh fish; you can even take advantage of the country’s People-to-People program and get paired with a local to learn about culture and food in the area. Really, what more could you want?
Montreal, Canada
If you’re in the mood for some delicious French-Canadian food and culture, head north to Montreal via AirCanada’s direct route. It launched in 2019 and operates every day, taking less than two hours from start to finish. That means you’ll have plenty of time to practice your French and eat all the delicious poutine your heart desires — all while soaking up the city’s cosmopolitan vibe, gorgeous architecture and endless array of must-see shops, gardens and ice rinks. Hockey fans could even make some noise for the Canes at a Habs game.
Bermuda
Starting in April 2025, BermudAir will offer a twice-weekly direct flight from RDU to Bermuda, getting you to the island’s pink-sand beaches and turquoise waters in just two hours. Once you land, dive into the island’s famous Crystal and Fantasy Caves, where underground pools shimmer beneath dramatic limestone foundations. Take a sunset cruise to soak in the views, or snorkel along the coral reefs teeming with marine life. Whether you’re relaxing on the shore or exploring hidden coves, this island escape offers a perfect mix of adventure and serenity.
Calgary, Canada
Beginning June 2025, WestJet will connect RDU will connect WestJet to Calgary three times a week with a five-hour seasonal flight. A gateway to the Rockies, Calgary offers easy access to Banff National Park, where turquoise lakes and rugged peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop. In the city, ascend the Calgary Tower for panoramic views, stroll through Prince’s Island Park to spot local wildlife or time your visit to experience the legendary Calgary Stampede. A blend of urban energy and natural wonder, Calgary is a must-visit for adventure seekers.
Frankfurt, Germany
Since June 2024, Lufthansa has been flying four times a week from RDU to Frankfurt, Germany’s financial and cultural powerhouse. In just eight hours, you can find yourself wandering the medieval streets of Altstadt, marveling at the grandeur of the Imperial Dom of Saint Bartholomew or exploring the renowned Städel Museum. Take a day trip to the romantic Rhine Valley or Heidelberg Castle, or catch a soccer match in one of Europe’s most passionate football cities. As a major transit hub, Frankfurt also makes an ideal starting point for traveling across Germany and beyond.
Mexico City, Mexico
AeroMexico’s nonstop flight from RDU to Mexico City makes it easier than ever to explore one of the most vibrant cities in the world. In just five hours, you can walk through the city’s history center, Coyoacán, admire the iconic blue walls of the Frida Kahlo Museum or embark on a food and mezcal tour through bustling markets. Architectural gems like the Palacio de Bellas and Chapultepec Castle highlight the city’s blend of past and present. Once the heart of the Aztec empire, this metropolis continues to be a cultural and culinary dynamo.
Panama City, Panama
Copa Airlines’ direct flight to Panama City whisks travelers to the crossroads of the Americas in just four hours. Tour the legendary Panama Canal, sail on a catamaran through crystal-clear waters or venture to Monkey Island for an up-close encounter with wildlife. You can wander the colonial streets of Casco Viejo, visit the interactive Biomuseo or take in skyline views along the Cinta Costera. As a key stop on global trade routes, Panama City blends modernity with history with a mix of cultures, flavors and landscapes.
A version of this article originally appeared in the March 2023 issue of WALTER magazine and was updated on February 13, 2025.
