$103 Cheap Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Phoenix (PHX)

Raleigh (RDU) to Phoenix (PHX) at a glance

Travel from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with a range of airlines offering convenient routes on this domestic short-haul journey. You can explore options for cheap flights from Raleigh, comparing full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Whether you're planning a trip to see Phoenix's iconic attractions or neighborhoods, find all the essential details for your next flight to Phoenix.

• Fastest flight duration: around 5 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,900 miles (3,060 km)
• Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$485, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU) to Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Raleigh to Phoenix, focusing on both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover spots include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), with a typical 45-minute layover; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which has about a 1 hour and 30 minute layover; and Denver International Airport (DEN), featuring a layover of around 1 hour and 45 minutes. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $145 and $530. It represents about 43% of the departures along this route, with a standard non-stop flight duration of 5 hours.
• Southwest Airlines: Serving as a budget-friendly carrier, Southwest offers non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $140 to $525. It accounts for around 21% of the route's departures, and the non-stop flight time is approximately 5 hours.
• Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost option, Frontier provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $105 and $255. It makes up about 20% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• Delta: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares that generally range from $145 to $525. Delta comprises about 9% of the departures for this route, with a flight time of around 6 hours and a total journey time of roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layover.
• United: Another full-service carrier, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $130 and $535. It accounts for around 5% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of about 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Raleigh to Phoenix can enhance their experience by upgrading their flight. American Airlines provides first-class service, while Delta features both first class and premium economy cabins.

Best time to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to Phoenix (PHX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Raleigh to Phoenix are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Phoenix reach up to 74.5°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 94.8°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $225. Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 40 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. July has the fewest flights, with approximately 24 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $225, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: August, May, and June typically offer average one-way fares of around $235.
• Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Raleigh to Phoenix, with approximately 40 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative route from Raleigh (RDU) to Phoenix (PHX)

• Greensboro to Phoenix (GSO-PHX): Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is located approximately 66 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). On this route, one-way economy fares generally fall between $130 and $430, influenced by the time of year and when you book. Flights typically include one-stop options, with common layover points being Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Major airlines operating this route include American Airlines and Delta. Additionally, there are first-class service options available for travelers.

How to find the best prices for flights from Raleigh (RDU) to Phoenix (PHX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Raleigh to Phoenix is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday generally provides cheaper options, although Thursday remains the most favored travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Sky Harbor International Airport from Raleigh - Durham International Airport

Phoenix welcomes travelers from Raleigh with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Raleigh - Durham International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 15 miles) from central Raleigh. Here's how to reach Phoenix efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Phoenix, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Sky Harbor International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sky Harbor International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Sky Harbor International Airport, Terminal 3 Station, a metro station, is just a short 0.1 miles away on foot, while Phoenix Airport Bus Stop, a bus station, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, providing convenient options for public transportation.

Raleigh to Phoenix Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Raleigh to Phoenix

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Raleigh to Phoenix are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Raleigh to Phoenix with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Raleigh to Phoenix

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Raleigh to Phoenix: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Raleigh to Phoenix

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Raleigh to Phoenix in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $103 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Raleigh to Phoenix flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Raleigh to Phoenix airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.