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$96 Cheap Flights from Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SAN)

View $96 flight on Wed, Dec 2, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Raleigh to San Diego (RDU-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $96 for one-way flights and $192 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 27 - Sat, Oct 31
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$192 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$192
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $192 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Dec 2 - Sat, Dec 12
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$198 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$198
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Sat, Dec 12, priced at $198 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Dec 2 - Sat, Dec 12
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$201 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$201
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Sat, Dec 12, priced at $201 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 14
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$203 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$203
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $203 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Mon, Oct 19
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$204 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$204
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $204 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Dec 2 - Sat, Dec 12
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$207 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$207
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Dec 2 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Sat, Dec 12, priced at $207 found 3 hours ago
Breeze Airways
Tue, Oct 27 - Sat, Oct 31
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$208 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$208
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Breeze Airways flight, departing Tue, Oct 27 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $208 found 3 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Sat, Oct 31
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$210 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$210
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $210 found 3 hours ago
United
Fri, Oct 30 - Sat, Oct 31
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$282 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$282
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 30 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $282 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
RDU
Raleigh
SAN
San Diego
$287 Roundtrip, just found
$287
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Raleigh to San Diego, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $287 just found

Alternative airports near San Diego

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl. TIJ. Average driving time to city center is 26 minutes. Flights from $693
TIJ
General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl.
Average driving time to city center26 min
Flights from $693
Select flight to McClellan-Palomar CLD. Average driving time to city center is 38 minutes. Flights from $700
CLD
McClellan-Palomar
Average driving time to city center38 min
Flights from $700

Find the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SAN)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $148 - $212 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Raleigh - Durham Intl. to San Diego Intl.

Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering weekly flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) on this long-haul domestic route. Whether you’re looking for cheap flights from Raleigh or prefer a full-service experience, you can easily compare options to find the flight that aligns with your budget and schedule. Get ready to discover San Diego's iconic attractions and neighborhoods as you plan your next flight.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
  • Flights per week: around 40+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$410, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored by passengers traveling from Raleigh to San Diego, with options for both one-stop and non-stop flights. Popular layover choices include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a roughly 50-minute layover, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offering about a 1-hour layover, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of layover time. These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop service, with one-way prices usually between $120 and $460. It makes up around 38% of departures along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes, with a total travel time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
  • Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta offers one-stop services, with one-way fares typically falling between $140 and $480. Representing roughly 22% of departures on this route, passengers can expect an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly option, Southwest Airlines provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $105 to $380. This carrier accounts for about 16% of departures on this route, with a typical one-stop journey lasting 6 hours and 30 minutes in the air, and an overall travel time of around 7 hours and 30 minutes.
  • United: United Airlines, another full-service carrier, offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $480. This airline makes up approximately 11% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Breeze: Breeze is a low-cost airline that provides non-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $105 and $300. It represents approximately 4% of departures for this route, with a total travel duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Travelers flying from Raleigh to San Diego have the option to upgrade their flight experience. American Airlines offers first-class service, while Delta provides both first class and premium economy cabins. United also features first-class service for those looking to enhance their journey.

Best time to fly from Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Raleigh to San Diego are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 60.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 72.3°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $185). Flight availability peaks in May and October, with approximately 46 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and February have the fewest flights, with approximately 32 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $185, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: May, October, and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $202.
  • Most flight options: May and October have the highest number of flights from Raleigh to San Diego, with approximately 46 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Moderately High32$229
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Average32$233
March58.1°F (14.5°C)Moderately High40$246
April60.6°F (15.9°C)Moderately High45$230
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Average46$201
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Average42$208
July70.5°F (21.4°C)Average44$210
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Moderately Low34$185
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Moderately Low38$203
October68.2°F (20.1°C)Average46$202
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Moderately Low42$216
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Average42$253

*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 routes from Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SAN)

  • Greensboro to San Diego (GSO-SAN): Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is located approximately 66 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). One-way economy tickets on this route generally range from $110 to $410, influenced by the time of year and advance booking. Travelers often find one-stop flights available, with common layover points at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Leading airlines on this route include American Airlines and Delta, and first-class service is also offered.
  • Raleigh to Carlsbad (RDU-CLD): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is situated around 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN). One-way economy fares typically vary from $155 to $430, depending on the season and when tickets are booked. This route is primarily served by one-stop flights, with many connections via Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). American Airlines is the most frequently chosen airline for this journey.
  • Fayetteville to San Diego (FAY-SAN): Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) is located around 61 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). One-way economy fares for this route usually range from $170 to $480, influenced by seasonal factors and booking timing. Travelers can expect one-stop service, with popular layover locations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). Delta and American Airlines are the top carriers on this route, and first-class service is available as well.

How to find the best prices for flights from Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Raleigh to San Diego 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 2-8 weeks in advance, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) often offer lower prices, although Morning flights (5am-12pm) remain the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally provides cheaper options, while Thursday is the busiest 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.* Find San Diego hotel and flight deals.
  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 San Diego International Airport from Raleigh - Durham International Airport

San Diego 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 San Diego efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Diego, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from San Diego International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at San Diego 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 San Diego International Airport, Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Middletown Station, a metro station, is about 2.3 miles away by car. For those looking to embark on a cruise, B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, a cruise terminal, is situated approximately 3 miles from the airport by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $96 and cheap return flights from $192 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $178 to $1093, and return flights typically cost between $338 and $1431. 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 Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from RDU to SAN is October 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're 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 Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Enter RDU to SAN and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
How do I find cheap flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.), 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 Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Raleigh, NC (RDU) to San Diego, CA (SAN) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, MX offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, MX typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from RDU to SAN, 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 Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) to San Diego Intl. (SAN). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This service is seasonal and active in January and December, allowing you to maximize your time in sunny San Diego. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Raleigh (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego (SAN-San Diego Intl.) are from 6am to 9am. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your journey early and make the most of your time in San Diego.
How long does it take to fly from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from RDU to SAN typically takes around 6 hours, covering approximately 2,189 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 1 hour 50 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the RDU to SAN route with American Airlines.First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Spirit Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) 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 Diego from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU)?
If you're planning to travel to San Diego from Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Nashville Intl. (BNA), Midway Intl. (MDW), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA) before reaching San Diego. 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-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) 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-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) San Diego Vacation Packages 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-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) 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 Intl.
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$192
Distance
2188 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 1 min

Book with confidence

Raleigh to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Raleigh to San Diego

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 San Diego are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Raleigh to San Diego with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Raleigh to San Diego

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Raleigh to San Diego: 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 San Diego

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 San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $96 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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.

 

Raleigh to San Diego Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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