Raleigh Information

Population: 276,093

Elevation: 350 feet above sea level

Land Area: 114.6 square miles

Location: Located in the north central section of North Carolina and easily accessible from I-85 or I-95 from the north and I-40 from the south

Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it's noon in Raleigh, it's 1:00pm in New York

City and 10:00am in Los Angeles. Raleigh observes Daylight Savings

Time from April - October

Local Seasons:

Raleigh has a moderate climate during spring, fall and winter, but summers are hot and humid. Winter temperatures are chilly but temperate, ranging from highs in the low 50s F to lows in the upper 20s-mid-30s F, with snowfall rare. Spring and fall days are perfect sweater-weather days, with daytime temperatures usually in the low to mid-70s F, falling at night into the 50s F. Summer days are often in the upper 80s and low 90s F with high humidity.

Getting There:

Located centrally on the East Coast, Raleigh is halfway between Florida and New York City. In fact, more than half of the United States population lives within a day's drive or an hour's flight.

By Air

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

1000 Trade Drive

RDU Airport, NC 27623

919-840-2123

The airport is served by many of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers. It is located 14 miles from Raleigh.

By Car

I-40, which connects the East and West Coasts of the United States, passes through Raleigh and serves as one of the area's main thoroughfares. The area's first-rate system of state highways and the I-440 Beltline provide easy access to the city, surrounding communities and world-renowned Research Triangle Park. I-95 and I-85 run within 25 miles of the city.

By Train:

Amtrak
320 W. Cabarrus St, Raleigh
211 North Academy St, Cary
800-872-7245
Train routes stopping in Raleigh include the Carolinian, which travels from Charlotte to New York; the Piedmont, which travels from Raleigh to Charlotte; and the Silver Star, which travels from New York to Florida. Meanwhile, train routes stopping in Cary include the Carolinian and Piedmont. Please call for specific train schedules.

By Bus:

Carolina Trailways/Greyhound Bus Lines
314 W Jones St

Raleigh, NC 27603-1339
919- 834-8275

Getting Around Town:

The most convenient way to get around is by car, either personal or rental. Most major rental car companies have locations in town as well as at the airport. However, both local bus and trolley service is available.

Capital Area Transit (Raleigh Public Transportation)
919-828-SCAT (7228)

Raleigh Showtime Trolley

919-828-7228
Nighttime route between nightlife on Glenwood Ave., City Market and other downtown hot spots.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day: 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day: last Mon. in May

Independence Day: July 4

Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day: 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve: Dec. 31