Raleigh (RDU) to San Diego (SAN): Discover Top Deals and Flight Insights
Cheapest flight found
$149
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: RDU → SAN
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$149
Highest Fare
$243
Median Fare
$185
Price Spread
$94
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $149)
Most expensive month: April 2026 (from $243)
Biggest price drop caught: $184 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: United
What This Means for You
Flights from Raleigh to San Diego range from $149 to $243, a $94 spread across the months we track. If your dates are flexible, May 2026 tends to have the lowest fares. Because prices on this route change significantly, setting up hourly price alerts gives you the best chance of catching a short-lived drop before it corrects. We have caught drops as large as $184 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
Raleigh (RDU)
To
San Diego (SAN)
Airport Information
Raleigh (RDU)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves as the primary gateway for Central North Carolina, known for its efficiency, modern amenities, and easy navigation across its two main terminals. Passengers can enjoy a wide variety of local North Carolina cuisine and craft brews while waiting for their flight. The airport offers ample parking options and convenient transportation links to the surrounding metropolitan areas, including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, making the start of your journey to San Diego smooth and stress-free.
San Diego (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is uniquely located just minutes away from the downtown core, offering passengers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the bay upon arrival. As one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world, it provides a high level of efficiency and a welcoming atmosphere. Upon landing, travelers have immediate access to car rentals, ride-sharing services, and public transit, allowing them to reach popular destinations like Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, or the Pacific Beach boardwalk in no time at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from RDU to SAN?
A typical direct flight takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, though connecting flights usually range between 7 to 9 hours depending on layover duration and the specific hub used.
Which airlines offer flights between these two cities?
Major carriers including American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest frequently service this route, often with connections in major hub cities like Dallas, Atlanta, or Denver.
Is there a time difference between Raleigh and San Diego?
Yes, San Diego is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is three hours behind the Eastern Time Zone used in Raleigh. Be sure to adjust your watches upon landing.
What is the best way to get from SAN airport to downtown?
The airport is extremely close to downtown; you can take a quick 10-minute rideshare, a taxi, or use the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Route 992 bus for a cost-effective transfer.
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