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$129 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh (RDU)

View $129 flight on Tue, Sep 15, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Raleigh (SFO-RDU)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $129 for one-way flights and $258 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 24 - Wed, Sep 30
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$258 Roundtrip, just found
$258
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $258 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Tue, Oct 6
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$259 Roundtrip, just found
$259
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $259 just found
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Sun, Oct 18
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$260 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$260
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $260 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Sep 30 - Thu, Oct 1
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$263 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$263
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 30 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Thu, Oct 1, priced at $263 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Oct 4 - Mon, Oct 5
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$264 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$264
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Oct 4 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $264 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Sep 24 - Mon, Sep 28
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$268 Roundtrip, just found
$268
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 24 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Mon, Sep 28, priced at $268 just found
Alaska Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Tue, Oct 6
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$299 Roundtrip, just found
$299
Roundtrip
just found
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Tue, Oct 6, priced at $299 just found
United
Fri, Nov 13 - Sat, Nov 14
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$354 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$354
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Nov 13 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Sat, Nov 14, priced at $354 found 5 hours ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Sat, Sep 12
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$372 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$372
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $372 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, Oct 19 - Thu, Oct 29
SFO
San Francisco
RDU
Raleigh
$372 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$372
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from San Francisco to Raleigh, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $372 found 13 hours ago

Alternative airports near Raleigh

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

Select flight to Raleigh - Durham Intl. RDU. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 20 minutes. Flights from $325
RDU
Raleigh - Durham Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center20 min
Flights from $325

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh (RDU)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $164 - $289 per traveler.

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

San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh (RDU) at a glance

Travel between San Francisco (SFO) and Raleigh (RDU) with a selection of airlines catering to this domestic long-haul route. You can compare weekly flights from various carriers, ranging from full-service to budget options, to discover the lowest fares from San Francisco that align with your travel plans and schedule. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Raleigh, gather all the essential details for your journey from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,400 miles (3,860 km)
  • Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$500, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Raleigh - Durham International Airport (RDU)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from San Francisco to Raleigh, focusing on non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover points include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Denver International Airport (DEN) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with the same layover duration. This variety allows you to mix and match based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to find your ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a major full-service airline, United provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares generally falling between $145 and $600. This airline is responsible for around 42% of departures on this route, featuring a standard non-stop flight duration of 5 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta focuses on one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $140 to $375. Representing about 21% of the departures on this route, passengers can expect an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • American Airlines: This full-service carrier also offers one-stop services, with one-way fares usually between $120 and $480. Accountable for roughly 15% of departures on this route, the in-flight time is around 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its low-cost offerings, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop services with one-way fares typically ranging from $120 to $430. This carrier accounts for about 12% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • Frontier Airlines: A low-cost alternative, Frontier Airlines offers one-stop service, with one-way fares generally ranging from $120 to $245. This airline represents around 7% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from San Francisco to Raleigh with upgraded flight choices. Leading airlines include United, which provides both first class and premium economy, Delta, offering similar options, and American Airlines, which features a first-class cabin.

Best time to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh (RDU)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Francisco to Raleigh are March, April, and June, when peak temperatures in Raleigh reach up to 76.6°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 62.8°F. For better deals, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $244. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 43 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and September have the fewest flights, with approximately 24 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $244, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: June, May, and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $250.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from San Francisco to Raleigh, with approximately 43 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January41.5°F (5.3°C)Average24$264
February45.1°F (7.3°C)Average27$281
March51.4°F (10.8°C)Moderately High31$289
April61.0°F (16.1°C)Moderately High33$267
May69.1°F (20.6°C)Average40$253
June76.6°F (24.8°C)Moderately High43$246
July79.9°F (26.6°C)Average37$244
August78.3°F (25.7°C)Average37$255
September73.0°F (22.8°C)Moderately Low24$274
October62.8°F (17.1°C)Moderately Low33$260
November51.8°F (11.0°C)Moderately Low34$294
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Average33$289

*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 San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh (RDU)

  • Oakland to Raleigh (OAK-RDU): Oakland International Airport (OAK) is located approximately 12 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The price for one-way economy tickets on this route usually falls between $150 and $375, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from one-stop or multi-stop flights, with common layover locations at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Leading airlines for this route include Southwest Airlines, a budget-friendly option, and Delta.
  • San Francisco to Greensboro (SFO-GSO): Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) is about 66 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). One-way economy fares on this journey generally range from $125 to $395, varying with the season and booking timing. Passengers can typically find one-stop flights with popular layover points at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Notable airlines operating this route include American Airlines and Delta, with first-class service available as well.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh (RDU)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco to Raleigh 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 usually available when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which aligns with the booking habits of most travelers. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. not only tend to offer lower prices but are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday often results in cheaper fares, while Friday remains the most popular 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 Raleigh - Durham International Airport from San Francisco International Airport

Raleigh welcomes travelers from San Francisco with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Raleigh city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 15 miles) from Raleigh - Durham International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Raleigh efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Raleigh, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Raleigh - Durham International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Cary Station, a train station, is about 6 miles from the airport, providing convenient access to rail services.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $129 and cheap return flights from $258 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $177 to $1407, and return flights typically cost between $380 and $1406. 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
February is typically the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Raleigh, NC (RDU), with average return fares around $397. This fare is about 9% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand often decreases after the holiday season. Other budget-friendly months to fly from San Francisco to Raleigh include January and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
United operates around 27 direct flights from SFO to RDU every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
JetBlue Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh (RDU), with round-trip tickets starting from around $273.73. 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.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Raleigh, NC (RDU) 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. United offers the most daily flights from SFO to RDU, 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
When flying from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Raleigh, NC (RDU), February and September are ideal months. February offers an average price of around $397, making it a budget-friendly option, while September is also popular for its mild weather. Both months provide a good mix of affordability and flight options, enhancing your travel experience.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
There are approximately 4 nonstop flights per day from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from SFO to RDU. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh (RDU) are in the late evening, from 9pm to midnight. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta and United offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to enjoy a full day in San Francisco before heading to your destination.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from SFO to RDU takes around 5 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 2,395 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 2 hours 30 minutes longer than direct options. 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SFO to RDU route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Raleigh, NC (RDU) typically costs between $1,920 - $2,756. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $899 - $1,574 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 Raleigh from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
If you're planning to travel to Raleigh from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Raleigh - Durham Intl. (RDU) Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Diego Intl. (SAN), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Portland Intl. (PDX) before reaching Raleigh. 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.) Raleigh 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Raleigh, NC (RDU-Raleigh - Durham 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
San Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
Raleigh - Durham Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$258
Distance
2394 mi
Average flight time
9 hours 41 mins

Book with confidence

San Francisco to Raleigh Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Raleigh

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

 

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

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

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 San Francisco to Raleigh in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $129 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 San Francisco to Raleigh 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 San Francisco to Raleigh 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.

 

San Francisco to Raleigh Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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