Seamless Coast-to-Coast Travel: Book Your Flights from RDU to SFO
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 → SFO
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$149
Highest Fare
$249
Median Fare
$244
Price Spread
$100
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $149)
Most expensive month: July 2026 (from $249)
Biggest price drop caught: $95 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: Frontier
What This Means for You
Flights from Raleigh to San Francisco range from $149 to $249, a $100 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 $95 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
Raleigh (RDU)
To
San Francisco (SFO)
Airport Information
Raleigh (RDU)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves as the primary gateway for the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and modern infrastructure across its two main terminals. Located centrally between the cities of Raleigh and Durham, it offers a wide array of amenities including local North Carolina-inspired dining options, art exhibits, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The airport has seen significant growth recently, making it a stress-free and pleasant starting point for your long-haul journey to the West Coast.
San Francisco (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major international hub renowned for its commitment to sustainability, impressive museum-quality art installations, and world-class passenger facilities. Located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, it features four terminals connected by the convenient AirTrain system. Travelers can easily access the city via the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system directly from the International Terminal, or enjoy the airport’s unique amenities such as the dedicated Yoga Room and high-end Napa Valley-inspired eateries while arranging ground transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from RDU to SFO?
A non-stop flight from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco typically takes between 5 hours and 45 minutes to 6 hours and 15 minutes, depending on wind speeds and weather conditions.
Which airlines offer direct flights on this route?
Currently, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are the primary carriers offering non-stop service between RDU and SFO, though schedules can vary by season.
What is the time difference between Raleigh and San Francisco?
San Francisco is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is 3 hours behind Raleigh’s Eastern Time Zone. Be sure to adjust your watch upon arrival.
What is the best way to get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
The BART train is the most cost-effective and efficient method, taking about 30 minutes. Alternatively, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate from designated zones in the parking garages.
Are there lounges available at RDU for travelers?
Yes, RDU features several lounges, including the Delta Sky Club and the American Airlines Admirals Club, as well as the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club for eligible cardholders.
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