SMF - RDU

$170 Find Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Raleigh - Compare and Save

1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$295
Typical prices: $377-$539
Frontier
Mon 12/3Fri 12/7
SMF - RDU • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$170
Typical prices: $210-$332
Frontier
Tue 12/11
SMF - RDU • 1 stop
Nonstop flights
There are currently no direct flights between Sacramento and Raleigh. You'll need to take a connecting flight to reach the destination.
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 19 weeks in advance save around 46% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 17% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $244 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 41m (one-way)
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Insights
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Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Raleigh (SMF-RDU)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Sacramento to Raleigh

Thu, Dec 3 - Mon, Dec 7
Frontier Logo
12:25 pm - 4:06 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
24h 41m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
5:01 pm - 11:35 amRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
21h 34m1 stop Denver Intl
$295Frontier
Thu, Dec 3 - Mon, Dec 7
Frontier Logo
12:25 pm - 4:06 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
24h 41m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
5:01 pm - 11:35 amRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
21h 34m1 stop Denver Intl
$324Frontier
Tue, Dec 8 - Tue, Dec 15
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:11 pm - 5:30 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
18h 19m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:10 pm - 9:13 pmRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
31h 03m1 stop San Diego
$403Alaska Airlines
Tue, Dec 8 - Tue, Dec 15
Southwest Logo
1:35 pm - 11:15 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
6h 40m1 stop Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
5:35 pm - 10:00 pmRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
7h 25m1 stop Denver Intl
$415Southwest
Sat, Feb 6 - Wed, Feb 10
Southwest Logo
12:35 pm - 10:05 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
6h 30m1 stop Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
6:00 am - 11:25 amRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
8h 25m1 stop Houston Hobby
$415Southwest
Thu, Dec 3 - Tue, Dec 8
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:11 pm - 5:30 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
18h 19m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:10 pm - 5:48 pmRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
27h 38m1 stop San Diego
$418Alaska Airlines
Tue, Dec 8 - Tue, Dec 15
United Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 4:22 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
7h 02m1 stop San Francisco
United Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 1:28 pmRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
10h 28m2 stops Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl San Francisco
$420United Airlines
Tue, Jan 12 - Tue, Jan 19
United Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 2:56 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
6h 56m1 stop Denver Intl
United Airlines Logo
9:45 am - 5:42 pmRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
10h 57m2 stops Chicago O'Hare Intl Denver Intl
$420United Airlines
Fri, Feb 19 - Tue, Feb 23
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 6:09 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
9h 09m1 stop Los Angeles
Delta Logo
7:00 am - 3:19 pmRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
11h 19m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$436Delta
Thu, Dec 3 - Tue, Dec 8
Delta Logo
6:15 am - 6:22 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-RDU Raleigh-Durham
9h 07m1 stop Minneapolis St Paul
Delta Logo
9:56 am - 7:03 pmRDU  Raleigh-Durham-SMF Sacramento Intl
12h 07m2 stops Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$479Delta
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Sacramento to Raleigh flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

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

Round-trip flights from Sacramento to Raleigh typically range from $377 to $539. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $295, on Frontier.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Sacramento to Raleigh?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Thursday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Sacramento to Raleigh. It’s 4% cheaper than the average day, while Sunday is the most expensive, with prices 11% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento to Raleigh?

•August is the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento to Raleigh at $372 round-trip.
•December ($528) and January ($496) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 41% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Sacramento to Raleigh the cheapest?

Flights from Sacramento to Raleigh are cheapest 19 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 46% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Key details for Sacramento to Raleigh flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$170
Beat the crowds with an average 37% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 47% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Sacramento to Raleigh

When to book flights from Sacramento to Raleigh

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Sacramento to Raleigh based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Sacramento to Raleigh flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    Two cabin classes are available on flights from Sacramento to Raleigh:

    • Economy Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    A nonstop flight from Sacramento to Raleigh takes 00m, covering 2,338 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Sacramento to Raleigh flight?

    Round-trip flights from Sacramento to Raleigh range from $377 to $539, with an average of $447 over the past 12 months. Anything below $377 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Sacramento to Raleigh flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 42% above the $447 route average. Book 19 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Have flight prices from Sacramento to Raleigh changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $295 to $1,543. That means the highest observed fare was about 5x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from Sacramento to Raleigh looking right now?

    One-way fares from Sacramento to Raleigh are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $206, which is 16% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU)?

    Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates averaging $61 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Hertz
    • Dollar
    • Thrifty
    • Alamo
    • Budget

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    Flights from Sacramento to Raleigh usually depart from Sacramento Intl (SMF) and arrive at Raleigh-Durham (RDU).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Sacramento to Raleigh pass through?

    One-stop flights from Sacramento to Raleigh most commonly connect through:

    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 22% of one-stop connections
    • San Diego (SAN) - 16% of one-stop connections
    • Charlotte Douglas (CLT) - 13% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 11% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 14% on flights from Sacramento to Raleigh. Thursday is the cheapest departure day at $432 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $499, a difference of $67.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    Flying via Lambert-St Louis (STL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 41m, compared with 7h 18m via San Francisco (SFO) and 7h 30m via Charlotte Douglas (CLT).

  • What is the time difference between Sacramento and Raleigh?

    Raleigh is 3 hours ahead of Sacramento (Eastern Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Raleigh?

    Some of the most popular sights in Raleigh are Raleigh Convention Center, Lenovo Center and NC State Fairgrounds. These are among the most viewed places in Raleigh on KAYAK.

  • What is the luggage allowance on Alaska Airlines flights from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    The luggage allowance on Alaska Airlines flights from Sacramento to Raleigh typically includes one personal item and one carry-on bag at no additional cost. The maximum size allowance for the carry-on bag is 22 × 14 × 9 inches. The first checked bag fee can be waived for specific fare classes or for eligible credit card holders. The maximum weight allowed for each checked bag is typically 50 lbs.

  • Can I change or cancel flights from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    Yes, it is typically possible to change or cancel flights from Sacramento to Raleigh, but the specific policies and fees associated with changes and cancellations may vary by airline and fare type. Generally, American Airlines allows passengers to make changes or cancel their flights, but may charge fees or require certain fare types to be eligible for changes or cancellations.

  • How do I get from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to the city center?

    There are multiple transportation options available for travelers to get from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to the city center. Uber or taxi services are available from the airport to Downtown Raleigh and typically take around 20 minutes. The GoTriangle bus system also offers multiple routes with service to and from the airport. Route 100 runs directly to Downtown Raleigh and takes around 40 minutes. Rental cars are also available at the airport for travelers who prefer to drive themselves.

  • What services are offered to first-class passengers on United Airlines flights from Sacramento to Raleigh?

    First-class passengers on United Airlines flights from Sacramento to Raleigh are typically provided with a range of services designed to enhance their travel experience. United Airlines offers several types of premium cabin services, including United First, United Polaris, and United Business. Some of these services include priority boarding, spacious and comfortable seating, premium food and beverage options, in-flight entertainment, and personalized service.

Your guide to booking Sacramento to Raleigh flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Thursday departure and avoid flying on Sunday. On this route, Thursday flights average $432, about $67 less than Sunday fares (13% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 19 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 46% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Sacramento to Raleigh trip for August. Fares historically average $372 round-trip in that month - typically $156 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Raleigh-Durham Airport.

    • Hyatt House Raleigh / RDU / Brier Creek
    • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Raleigh-Durham Airport/Brier Creek
    • The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport
  • JetBlue Airlines allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on flights from Sacramento (SMF) to Raleigh (RDU), as long as the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 20 lbs. Only dogs and cats are allowed on JetBlue flights, and a maximum of six pets are permitted per flight for all passengers.
  • Southwest Airlines offers a variety of services for passengers with reduced mobility on flights from Sacramento to Raleigh. These services include boarding assistance where airline personnel will help board and disembark the plane and help in stowing their carry-on bags, and assist with other tasks as needed.
  • Frontier Airlines offers a wide range of services for families traveling with kids on flights from Sacramento to Raleigh. The airline offers family seating to ensure that families are seated together on the flight, stroller assistance for families traveling with infants and in-flight entertainment that includes movies, and games suitable for kids.
  • Flights from Sacramento to Raleigh often have layovers in different cities based on the airline you choose. Some of these layovers include New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), Denver (DEN), and Chicago (MDW).
  • American Airlines operates flights from Sacramento to Raleigh and aims to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 45% and is investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part of a strategy to reduce its carbon footprint.

More options for your flight from Sacramento to Raleigh

Complete your trip to Raleigh with a hotel stay or car rental