$114 Find Cheap Flights from Raleigh to California - Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Raleigh to California departing on 8/17. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap Flights from Raleigh to California

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$290
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$349
San Diego
San Diegononstop$213
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$303
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$337
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$297
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$379
Bakersfield
Bakersfield2 stops$326
Merced
Merced2 stops$1,228
Reno
Reno1 stop$347
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$290
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$349
San Diego
San Diegononstop$213
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$303
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$337
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$297
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo1 stop$379
Bakersfield
Bakersfield2 stops$326
Merced
Merced2 stops$1,228
Reno
Reno1 stop$347

Book Cheap Raleigh to California Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Raleigh to California that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Raleigh to California

Sun, Aug 23 - Tue, Sep 1
Breeze Airways Logo
8:55 am - 11:24 am
RDU
-
SAN
5h 29mnonstop
Breeze Airways Logo
12:54 pm - 9:08 pm
SAN
-
RDU
5h 14mnonstop
$213Breeze Airways
Thu, Aug 13 - Thu, Aug 20
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:08 pm - 9:26 pm
RDU
-
SAN
5h 18mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 6:59 pm
SAN
-
RDU
9h 34m
1 stop
$215Multiple Airlines
Mon, Aug 24 - Fri, Aug 28
Delta Logo
2:55 pm - 11:56 pm
RDU
-
OAK
12h 01m
2 stops
Delta Logo
12:33 pm - 11:57 pm
OAK
-
RDU
8h 24m
1 stop
$302Delta
Thu, Aug 6 - Thu, Aug 13
Delta Logo
6:50 pm - 8:56 pm
RDU
-
LAX
5h 06mnonstop
Delta Logo
9:40 am - 5:38 pm
LAX
-
RDU
4h 58mnonstop
$307Delta
Wed, Sep 16 - Tue, Sep 22
Southwest Logo
1:45 pm - 8:00 pm
RDU
-
OAK
9h 15m
2 stops
Southwest Logo
9:00 am - 9:20 pm
OAK
-
RDU
9h 20m
2 stops
$307Southwest
Thu, Aug 13 - Thu, Aug 20
American Airlines Logo
6:00 pm - 8:19 pm
RDU
-
LAX
5h 19mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
LAX
-
RDU
5h 00mnonstop
$309American Airlines
Sat, Aug 15 - Sat, Aug 22
Southwest Logo
7:45 am - 4:10 pm
RDU
-
OAK
11h 25m
2 stops
Southwest Logo
5:15 am - 3:10 pm
OAK
-
RDU
6h 55m
1 stop
$325Southwest
Tue, Aug 11 - Tue, Aug 18
United Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 3:13 pm
RDU
-
BUR
12h 13m
2 stops
United Airlines Logo
12:44 pm - 11:26 pm
BUR
-
RDU
7h 42m
1 stop
$352United Airlines
Wed, Aug 12 - Sat, Aug 22
United Airlines Logo
12:30 pm - 5:33 pm
RDU
-
BUR
8h 03m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
9:00 am - 9:19 pm
BUR
-
RDU
9h 19m
1 stop
$355United Airlines
Tue, Aug 11 - Tue, Aug 18
American Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 11:35 am
RDU
-
BUR
8h 05m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
9:50 am - 10:53 pm
BUR
-
RDU
10h 03m
2 stops
$360American Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Raleigh to California flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Raleigh to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from Raleigh to California?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Raleigh to California departing in August.

What is the cheapest Raleigh to California flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest ticket to California from Raleigh found in the last 5 days was to John Wayne (Santa Ana), at $107 round-trip. The most popular route is from Raleigh (RDU) to San Francisco (SFO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $359.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to California?

The average price for all round-trip flights from Raleigh to California depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

The cheapest time of day to fly to California is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $456 on average. Morning departures are around 19% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to California is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $560.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Raleigh to California?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $397, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Raleigh to California?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Raleigh to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Raleigh to California is April, when tickets cost $365 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and December, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $522 and $461 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Raleigh to California?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Raleigh to California clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to California on a Wednesday and more expensive on a Sunday. On your return trip to Raleigh, you should consider flying back on a Wednesday, and avoid Sundays for better deals.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Raleigh to California?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Raleigh to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Raleigh to California, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 13% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 20 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$114
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 4% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 5% increase in price.
Flight from Raleigh to John Wayne (Santa Ana)

Flights from Raleigh to California: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Raleigh to California 
ManishFlew with Air New Zealand
RDU
-
SFO
Apr 2026
Long haul so make sure to get up and move around a bit.
HartajFlew with United Airlines
RDU
-
SFO
Dec 2024
RDU long-term parking can add 30-70 mins to your departure time. At terminal 2 in RDU, getting a taxi can take 2-5 mins, vs. waiting 10-30 mins for a car app pickup. :)

FAQs - booking California flights

  • Where are the most common layovers between Raleigh and California?

    Most flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to California will have at least one layover, but layovers on this route could be almost anywhere in the country. Some of the most common layovers on this path are at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

  • Does Raleigh-Durham International Airport have any lounges for passengers?

    Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has a handful of lounges that passengers can use while waiting for flights to California. The American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta SkyClub, and United Club are all good options.

  • Which airlines welcome pets on flights from Raleigh to California?

    Several airlines will allow you to bring pets on board when you’re flying from Raleigh to California. American Airlines is one of the best in the business when it comes to accommodating pets. Your pet just needs to be small enough to fit into a soft-sided 18 x 11 x 11-inch kennel, and you must have a health certificate for your pet from your veterinarian issued within 10 days of your travel date.

  • What steps can I take to make a flight from Raleigh to California more sustainable?

    To make a flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to California more sustainable, look into flying with an airline like American Airlines or Delta. They’ve both committed to becoming carbon-neutral by 2050 and have strong sustainability plans in place.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Raleigh to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Raleigh to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Raleigh to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Raleigh to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Raleigh to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from Raleigh to California with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Raleigh to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Raleigh to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Before you even think about trying to book a flight from Raleigh, NC, to California, you should decide which airport in California you want to fly to. You’ll have to ability to take off from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and head to a number of airports in California, including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Smaller airports like Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) will also be options.
  • You’ll be able to fly from Raleigh to quite a few airports in California, but unfortunately, you won’t be able to fly direct in most cases. Many airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, and United Airlines, will make at least one stop between North Carolina and California. Some will also make two or even three stops. Make it your mission to find a flight plan that only includes one stop whenever possible.
  • No matter how many stops a flight makes between Raleigh and one of the airports in California, you will likely spend at least 8 or 9 hours on a plane when you’re on your way to the West Coast. Because of this, you should look into the possibility of securing a first-class ticket for your flight. Some airlines like Frontier won't offer true first-class tickets, but others, like American Airlines and Delta, will be more than happy to extend first-class options.
  • Most of the airlines that travel from Raleigh to California will charge you baggage fees if you choose to check bags at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. American Airlines, for example, will charge you for each bag you check. You might be able to trim your travel costs by leaving your luggage at home and only bringing a carry-on bag that doesn't exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport isn’t a hub for Delta, but it is considered a “focus city” for the airline. It’s why Delta tends to have more flights taking off from RDU and heading to California than other airlines. You may want to take advantage of this since it could help you find more convenient flight times.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Raleigh to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Raleigh to California. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Raleigh to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.9
SouthwestOverall score based on 4250 reviews
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
8.6Crew
8.0Comfort
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

The flight was late. The crew was rude. There was no food. Cramped and uncomfortable. Nothing about this flight was good.

2.0 MediocreIrene, Jun 2026
DEN - SFO
Read more Southwest reviews

The flight was late. The crew was rude. There was no food. Cramped and uncomfortable. Nothing about this flight was good.

It was just okay, no frills, basic transportation with no luxury. No screens on the seats, no water or drinks on a short flight. Full flight but at least it was on time.

The first time I flew in the extra legroom section. It was difficult to notice a difference. I had bad luck with my neighbors. The crew was okay. Southwest has reduced the live TV options.

No gluten free snacks. Seats felt worn or bare bones even though it was a new 737 MAX 8.

Plane was clean and comfortable. Flight attendants and gate staff were professional, friendly and efficient. Boarding and deplaning were orderly and efficient. All in all, the typical excellent Southwest experience.

Not having a five hour delay with little notice! The crew was very kind, though, and just as tired as we passengers were. The flight didn't depart until nearly 1 am...and no reason was ever given.

It was cancelled at the last minute. Left us scrambling. Totally unacceptable

Seats are tight. You pay extra to get to board early so you can sit with your companion. If not, you possibly will end up sitting in a middle seat if you are boarding group C.

Lost cabin pressure and had go back to the originating airport. We were left sitting on the plane for more than 30 minutes with no directions from Southwest on what was going on, other than the app telling us there would be a flight at 12:30 AM. I finally got off and went directly to a SW desk and rebooked for the next day. I understand that malfunctions happen, but SW was totally unprepared to manage the situation and did not serve the passengers. To make matters worse, they took one hour to find my checked bag.

Appreciate that when flight was delayed, our next connection waited for us.

Gate agent showed up 20 minutes before boarding and was not at all friendly. Had to take this flight due to the one on the day before being cancelled and any later options were already full with long standby lists. Despite having paid for Delta Comfort seats, Delta did not allow me (or anyone) to choose their seat. The agent assigned them for everyone just prior to boarding. Self seat selection was allowed on the original flight. Flight staff was great - very friendly.

Two delays on two separate planes with parts they could not easily find and replace.

The agent at check in and at the gate were less than thrilled to be at work. I'm not a fan of Kayak's placement on the plane. I got put in the middle seat and none of my preferences were used.

Everything was good except wifi and a leaking drink chiller. The floor was all wet and my bag was soaked. Did not notice until debarking. Have not heard back from Delta. Even though this was leg one of an international flight in first class, they denied access to their Sky Club - very disappointing!

Flight was delayed, 30+ bags had to be gate checked. Crew were very friendly!

Flight was 3 hours late so only had an OK experience

I had a wonderful experience flying with delta. The gentleman taking care of us on our flight was so nice, accommodating, and attentive. He always was smiling and giving pins to the kids which made me smile. The flight was quick too and without turbulence. Thank you for the great flying experience.

Horrible. This was not first class. This was a connecting flight whi h was late. My original flight never came. I hated the fact that delta gave me a connecting flight from New York to Orlando Florida. No meals and the television screens were not working. There wasn't even any power to charge your phones. This is NOT FIRST CLASS DELTA!!! Do better next time!

Flight was late. Club was full. Experience is exactly what I expected.

Everything would be much better if Kayak stopped nosing into my business with Delta.

I didn’t have a seat assignment and my seat was very dirty on the flight from Frankfurt to Budapest.

Turbulent taking off & landing to Dulles from Raleigh. Flight from Dulles to Tokyo very good!!

Food is terrible. Flight is outdated and seats are not comfy.

Good flight. On time. Boarding and seating was easy. Crew were really friendly, yet professional. Bathroom (by cockpit) was small but serviceable. Some the seats were showing some notable wear & tear, but were comfy. Very happy UA customer. TY! 🤛🏽💗

Boarding was easy. RDU gates can get crowded, be prepared to be patient. Flight was smooth, with excellent service. Pilots really provided a lot of visibility into flight details. Plane and seats were clean and serviceable. TY!

All flights were on time and boarding was issue free

Water service would be great. The way they board is terrible. Slow passengers first😂😂 They need to smart up a bit

Got automatically assigned middle seats unless you fork out extra money for a seat assignment, not impressed.

Late by nearly 2 hours due to taking that long to change a tire on the plane.

The boarding on this Air Canada flight from Toronto to Barcelona was a complete mess. The ticket was written under United but they were actually Air Canada flights. We went from one end of the Toronto airport to the complete other side.

I found the seats ergonomically uncomfortable forcing the body to seat slightly hunched. For a short flight I worked on adjustments but for a longer flight, it would be difficult.

For some unknown reason, my checked bag didn't arrive at the same time. I got to my destination about 30 minutes late (5pm) and my bag was delivered to my hotel at 2:06am.... in the past 4 flights with AA, they been delayed and I've missed connections and my bags. Poor service.

Check in for 5am flight at RDU was hampered by American check in counters being seriously understaffed , was told even supervisor called out. Took so long in line for special services check in that we missed our 5am departure even after arriving at 3:30am. Had to be rescheduled to later flight from Charlotte to St Thomas.

Awfully rude American worker at door when we started boarding flight. Then, walk into a blazing hot airplane with no air conditioning until twenty minutes into the flight. Free entertainment was non existent! My husband, along with the fellow passenger in our row, and I could not get entertainment to work, no WIFI! Really?? Been flying American a long time. Was very disappointed.

Flight delayed and missed connection. Rescheduled flight cancelled after 6 hrs wait. Rerouted thru ORD, flight cancelled, overnight stay in ORD. Still in the air on new flight!

Very below average , plane from Dallas to Toyko was very poor designed plane. I had to sit for 13 hours next to fat man. Really bad seat and entertainment screen sucked

This flight never occurred because AA couldn’t get their act together.

Everything was great except boarding for the flight from Charlotte to Raleigh and seating from New Orleans to Charlotte.

For an over three hour long flight one pack of cookies was not enough.

Unlike other airlines, did not allow for basic economy flexibility for new COVID spike. Disappointing.

Flight was scheduled at 9:40pm. Got delayed to 10 am, the next day. crazy

Our flight was canceled. I will never use Kayak nor Frontier for travel again. The entire experience was a headache.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

i was unable to check in the flight. refund requested

I think Frontier was very good at communication. Their app worked very well. Loading was great and the flight was nice and easy.

I liked the price of the flight and the chance to buy a seat with no person seated in the middle seat.. Also the flight was right on time.

Flight got delayed for 3.5 hours, and for the first hour after the departure time there was no update from the gate folks...

I am very disappointed with Frontier Airlines. They cancelled our flight because they couldn't find a crew member, and then didn't get us to our connecting flight. We had to cancel our whole vacation. We were promised flight and hotel vouchers, but they never sent them.

Over an hour delay in departure but I was notified beforehand. Another delay on tarmac upon arrival at LGA. We ended up departing the plane almost 2 hours later than expected

Attendance were to busy bull shitting to pay attention to the guest, had an attude problem.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Raleigh to California

Information on your arrival and departure airports