Cheap Flights from Raleigh to San Francisco (RDU-SFO)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at AU$236 for one-way flights and AU$471 for return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to San Francisco (SFO)
September is typically the cheapest month to flySeptember is typically the cheapest month to fly
From AU$319 - AU$404 per traveller.
Book with confidence
Your quick guide to flights from Raleigh to San Francisco
Pick up great flights from Raleigh to San Francisco
With Expedia, you have your pick of 4 flights a day with 4 airlines covering flights from Raleigh to San Francisco. Whether you’re on a business trip, a family holiday or a luxury break, just enter your travel dates, hit search then check out your choice of flights. Select from return, one way or multi-city flights, and use the advance search tool if you want a direct or refundable flight. You can narrow your search to show you just your preferred cabin class and airline, too. It’s all easy. You can book direct flights from Raleigh to San Francisco that take around 5 hours.
Find cheap flights from Raleigh to San Francisco
From the great flight deals with prices currently ranging from AU$471 to AU$589, you can choose to see the cheapest flights first. Generally, you can book the cheapest flights from Raleigh to San Francisco around 4 to 6 weeks in advance. If your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid weekends and peak seasons – when you are more likely to grab the lowest prices. Even last minute, there are some impressive deals. The cheapest time to fly to San Francisco is normally in September.
Reasons to book your flight from Raleigh to San Francisco with Expedia
Expedia makes it easy to find, book, and travel, with everything you need all in one place. When you enter your travel details, find fantastic deals just for you on flight tickets from Raleigh to San Francisco across all the main airline carriers, so you can save time, dollars, and hassle finding the perfect flight. If you think your plans could change, choose refundable flights so any changes won’t cost you more. Book your flight to San Francisco right now and, if you join Expedia Rewards, you earn points this time and every time you travel with Expedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from AU$236 and cheap return flights AU$471 RDU to SFO with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between AU$598 and AU$1,862 and return flights often range between AU$642 and AU$1,495. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when RDU to SFO ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
The cheapest months to fly from RDU to SFO are typically during off-peak season when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you are able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
Only one airline offers direct flights from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO). United operates 25 direct flights from RDU to SFO every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop return flights from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO), with tickets starting from around AU$377 for flights that can be booked for departure within the next year. Sun Country Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting return flights from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO), with tickets starting from around AU$440. These prices are per adult for economy/coach class. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
How do I find cheap flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO)?
To find a cheap flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. Delta offers the most daily flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
You'll find around 3 nonstop flights per day from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO). For even more choices, look at flights that include layovers, as there are approximately 148 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), and Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA).
What is the earliest flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO) typically departs around 5:00 AM. This service is operated by American Airlines and is a seasonal service, active only in December. An early departure like this can be great for maximising your time in San Francisco, allowing you to arrive with most of the day still ahead of you. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
You'll typically find the most flights from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO) on a Friday, with around 94 flights available. This gives you plenty of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include American Airlines, United, and Delta. Flight schedules are quite consistent throughout the week, with Fridays offering only slightly more options compared to other days.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. Many major carriers, including United, American Airlines and Delta, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer these times because it allows them to arrive at their destination early in the day, giving them more time to settle in or start their activities.
How long does it take to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
A non-stop flight from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Francisco Intl. (SFO) typically takes around 5 hours 50 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 3,854 kilometers. If you opt for a flight with one stop, the journey will usually take longer, around 8 hours 30 minutes. Flights with two or more stops generally take about 11 hours 48 minutes. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to factors like wind patterns and air traffic, so it's always a good idea to allow for some extra time when planning your trip.
Can you fly business or first class from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)?
Yes, you can fly business class or first class between RDU and SFO. You can fly business class with Frontier Airlines and Delta.
First class cabins are available on Alaska Airlines, United, Delta, and American Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for San Francisco, CA (SFO) from Raleigh, NC (RDU)?
If you're planning to travel to San Francisco from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU), you can fly directly into San Francisco Intl. (SFO). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Nashville Intl. (BNA), or Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) before reaching San Francisco. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO)?
If you booked your Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Destination airport
San Francisco International Airport
Distance
3,854 km away
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines