Raleigh (RDU) → San Francisco (SFO)
About Raleigh to San Francisco Flights
Discover the best flights from Raleigh to San Francisco, covering 3,854 km in approximately 5h 19m. Raleigh (RDU) to San Francisco (SFO) is one of the popular medium-haul routes within United States. With 2 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Raleigh to San Francisco.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Raleigh to San Francisco vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $570, while August sees the highest prices, averaging $926. Savvy travelers can save up to 38% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
August
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
84 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Raleigh to San Francisco flights, we recommend booking 66 days in advance. Domestic flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
Airlines Serving This Route
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
Alaska Airlines AS | $750 | $2910 | $4370 |
United Airlines UA | $830 | $2490 | $5030 |
Alaska Airlines
AS
Economy
$750
Business
$2910
First
$4370
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$830
Business
$2490
First
$5030
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
Raleigh → San Jose
Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) to San Jose International (SJC)
Distance: 3,820 km
Average price: $673
Raleigh → Oakland
Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) to Oakland International (OAK)
Distance: 3,838 km
Average price: $676
Raleigh → Sacramento
Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) to Sacramento International (SMF)
Distance: 3,765 km
Average price: $665
Raleigh → San Jose
Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) to San Jose International (SJC)
Distance: 3,820 km
Average price: $673
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Raleigh to San Francisco?
The flight time from Raleigh (RDU) to San Francisco (SFO) is approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between Raleigh and San Francisco?
The aerial distance between Raleigh and San Francisco is 3,854 kilometers (2,395 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Raleigh to San Francisco?
Several airlines operate flights between Raleigh and San Francisco, including United Airlines, Alaska Airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh to San Francisco?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Raleigh to San Francisco. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to San Francisco?
For the best prices on Raleigh to San Francisco flights, we recommend booking 74 days in advance. Domestic flights can sometimes offer good last-minute deals, but advance booking is usually cheaper.
Do I need a visa to travel from Raleigh to San Francisco?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Since this is a domestic flight, no visa is required for citizens.
What is the time difference between Raleigh and San Francisco?
Raleigh operates on America/New_York time zone, while San Francisco is in the America/Los_Angeles time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.