Fetch your luggage, exit the gates of Raleigh, NC Airport (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.), and collect your rental car. Which one you drive off in depends on where you want to go. If you’ll be spending a lot of time driving in downtown Raleigh, around 11 miles from the terminal, you’ll want something small and zippy. A compact car that’s easy to operate will be perfect for those busy city streets. But with so many things to see, like the stunning sandy shores of the region, there’s a good chance you’ll rack up those miles. A larger vehicle, like an SUV or a full-size car, will make lengthier road trips more comfortable.