SFO - RDU

$155 Find Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Raleigh

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Francisco to Raleigh departing on 2/11. 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.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Raleigh

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Francisco to Raleigh.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Francisco to Raleigh.
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$289
Overall average: $465
United Airlines
Tue 3/3Tue 3/10
SFO - RDU • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$154
Typical prices: $179-$372
Frontier
Wed 2/11
SFO - RDU • 2 stops
Our travelers' advice
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
RDU offers convenient transport options like GoTriangle.
For a smooth departure, use SFO's curbside check-in.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Video guide: How to find cheap flights to Raleigh
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Top airlines
United Airlines
Cheapest • from $289 (round-trip)
Southwest
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
When to book
3 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 3 weeks in advance save around 25% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
January
Cheapest • 10% price drop
June
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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We hope you love your trip to Raleigh!
Flight Deals
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Raleigh (SFO-RDU)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Raleigh 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 San Francisco to Raleigh

Tue, Mar 3 - Tue, Mar 10
United Airlines Logo
1:20 pm - 9:24 pm
SFO
-
RDU
5h 04mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
8:45 am - 12:02 pm
RDU
-
SFO
6h 17mnonstop
$289United Airlines
Fri, Apr 17 - Mon, Apr 20
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 9:04 pm
SFO
-
RDU
12h 04m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 4:54 pm
RDU
-
SFO
13h 54m
1 stop
$290Frontier
Wed, Mar 25 - Sun, Mar 29
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 5:48 pm
SFO
-
RDU
8h 48m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:07 pm - 7:19 pm
RDU
-
SFO
30h 12m
1 stop
$291Frontier
Thu, Feb 19 - Sun, Feb 22
Frontier Logo
8:05 am - 12:10 am
SFO
-
RDU
13h 05m
2 stops
Frontier Logo
4:30 pm - 9:39 pm
RDU
-
SFO
32h 09m
1 stop
$292Frontier
Tue, Mar 31 - Thu, Apr 9
Frontier Logo
10:38 pm - 3:02 pm
SFO
-
RDU
13h 24m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 9:08 pm
RDU
-
SFO
18h 08m
2 stops
$293Frontier
Tue, Apr 21 - Mon, Apr 27
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 5:05 pm
SFO
-
RDU
8h 05m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
3:34 pm - 2:26 pm
RDU
-
SFO
25h 52m
2 stops
$294Frontier
Fri, Feb 20 - Sun, Feb 22
Frontier Logo
8:48 am - 4:16 pm
SFO
-
RDU
28h 28m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
7:38 pm - 8:03 am
RDU
-
SFO
15h 25m
1 stop
$295Frontier
Fri, Apr 24 - Wed, Apr 29
Frontier Logo
10:23 pm - 9:04 pm
SFO
-
RDU
19h 41m
2 stops
Frontier Logo
5:55 pm - 11:25 pm
RDU
-
SFO
8h 30m
1 stop
$296Frontier
Mon, Mar 2 - Wed, Mar 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 4:16 pm
SFO
-
RDU
7h 01m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:51 pm - 9:08 am
RDU
-
SFO
17h 17m
2 stops
$297Multiple Airlines
Fri, Feb 27 - Sun, Mar 1
Frontier Logo
8:48 am - 4:16 pm
SFO
-
RDU
28h 28m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:10 am - 9:39 pm
RDU
-
SFO
18h 29m
1 stop
$298Frontier
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Francisco to Raleigh flights

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

Find cheap flights to Raleigh
Find cheap flights to Raleigh

Planning a trip from San Francisco to Raleigh? KAYAK’s data-powered insights will help you find cheap flights. Learn the best time to fly, how early to book your ticket, and other tips to secure great prices.

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

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

If you are looking for a flight deal from San Francisco to Raleigh, look for departures on Wednesdays and avoid leaving on a Sunday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from Raleigh, Thursday is the cheapest day to fly and Sunday is the most expensive.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Raleigh?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Raleigh, 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 San Francisco to Raleigh is January, where tickets cost $389 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and November, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $499 and $477 respectively.

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

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.

Yes, flying with a layover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop layover the cheapest option at $431 on average.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Raleigh, 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 San Francisco to Raleigh, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 25% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 8 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Francisco to Raleigh

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Jessica Macdonald

Jessica Macdonald

Expert on RDU

Currently based in Scotland after living in South Africa and the United States, Jessica has been writing travel and aviation content for more than 10 years. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure and TripSavvy, and has had work published by Condé Nast Traveller and The Independent. She has traveled to more than 50 countries across six continents.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$154
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 4% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 10% lower on average.
Flight from San Francisco to Raleigh

When to book flights from San Francisco to Raleigh

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Raleigh based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from San Francisco to Raleigh

  • Where can I withdraw cash at SFO?

    If you want to withdraw cash at SFO, there are various ATMs you can use. In Boarding Area A, there are ATMs near gate A10 and on its Departure level. On the other hand, in Boarding Area G, ATMs are found near gate G91 and the area’s food court.

  • Are there any special services offered at RDU?

    At RDU, you can enjoy elite spa services by XpresSpa near gate C3 in Terminal 2 or Na’Sah’s Nail & Spa near gate A7 in Terminal 1. At either of these spas, you can rest assured of getting rejuvenating services.

  • Where can I charge my phone at RDU?

    If you want to charge your phone at RDU before leaving the airport, you should head to the seats in the gates and baggage claim area of Terminal 1 or at seating clusters with tables in Terminal 2. This is because these areas feature power outlets.

  • Does RDU have any dining options?

    At RDU, you can get quality food, given that the airport offers several dining options. In Terminal 1, you can dine in restaurants such as ACC American Café, Char-Grill, La Tapenade, and Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina. In Terminal 2, you can dine at 42nd St. Oyster Bar, Bruegger’s Bagels, BurgerFi, and La Farm Bakery Café.

  • What is the cheapest flight from San Francisco to Raleigh?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from San Francisco to Raleigh was $155 for a one-way ticket and $289 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between San Francisco and Raleigh?

    Even though you are not required to have a passport, keep in mind that an official ID is needed to board the airplane.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from San Francisco to Raleigh?

    On your way to Raleigh, you’ll fly out from San Francisco. You’ll be landing at Raleigh-Durham.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from San Francisco to Raleigh?

    JetBlue, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the San Francisco to Raleigh flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from San Francisco to Raleigh?

    The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the San Francisco to Raleigh flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from San Francisco to Raleigh?

    oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between San Francisco and Raleigh, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from San Francisco to Raleigh?

    There are nonstop flights from San Francisco to Raleigh on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from San Francisco to Raleigh, Southwest or Delta?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from San Francisco to Raleigh are Southwest and Delta. With an average price for the route of $426 and an overall rating of 8.0, Southwest is the most popular choice. Delta is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $343 and an overall rating of 7.9.

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

    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 San Francisco to Raleigh.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Raleigh from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Raleigh?

    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 to Raleigh with an airline and back to San Francisco with another airline. Booking your flights between San Francisco and RDU can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

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

    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 to Raleigh from San Francisco up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from San Francisco to Raleigh

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $168 or less one-way and $333 or less round-trip.
  • In case you’re traveling with an infant while at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you can privately breastfeed him/her, given that the airport has several nursing rooms. In Terminals 1 and 3, they are on the Airside, while in Terminal 2, they are available on both the Airside and Landside.
  • If you’re traveling with older children to Raleigh, you should consider visiting the children’s play areas at SFO. Located in Boarding Area B in Terminal 1, Boarding Areas D and F in Terminal 2, and Boarding Area E in Terminal 3, these kid-play areas feature interactive exploration areas and a variety of toys.
  • SFO is home to various lounges you can relax in while waiting for your flight to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). If you’re an American Express Card holder, you can chill at the airport’s Centurion Lounge, near gate 74 in Terminal 3. If you book a Delta Airlines flight to RDU, you can relax at the airline’s Delta Sky Club in Terminal 1’s Concourse C. On the other hand, if you’re set to travel aboard a United Airlines flight, you can comfortably wait for your flight at the airline’s United Club located in the Domestic Terminal.
  • If you would like to pray or meditate once you land at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, you will be able to do so. This is because the airport features a prayer room as well as a meditation room. The prayer room is near the Baggage Claim Area in Terminal 1, whereas the meditation room is a short distance from the ticketing lobby in Terminal 2. Both accept guests of all faiths.
  • To journey from RDU to Raleigh’s city center, you can board a bus, shuttle, or taxi. If you want to travel affordably, you should board a bus or a shuttle. On the contrary, if you want to travel from the airport to the city’s center swiftly, you should board a taxi.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Raleigh?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from San Francisco to Raleigh-Durham.
Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to Raleigh-Durham Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Raleigh-Durham

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from San Francisco to Raleigh

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from San Francisco to Raleigh. 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 San Francisco to Raleigh? 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.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4273 reviews
8.1Boarding
8.0Comfort
7.0Food
8.6Crew
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

The wifi on the plane is great. The only issue that I have is that I prefer an aisle seat and on my trips this week, I was either in the middle or window. If we can work to secure aisle seating, I will be thrilled. Nice trip.

8.0 ExcellentJoseph, Jan 2026
LGB - PHX
Read more Southwest reviews

The wifi on the plane is great. The only issue that I have is that I prefer an aisle seat and on my trips this week, I was either in the middle or window. If we can work to secure aisle seating, I will be thrilled. Nice trip.

Great flight but super high price. Glad it was a business trip and not personal

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

The staff was very friendly, professional, and courteous. The overall flight was a great experience.

We got exit row seats both flights. Everything was running on time

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

San Diego airport is brand new, spacious, airy and very smooth checkin at SW baggage drop.

Crew could have been friendlier, maybe I'm spoiled by SW crews. In flight wifi was good. Would be nice to have more food offerings on a 4 plus hour flight

Ever since Southwest starting charging for bags, passengers don't want to pay to check their bags, so the gate agents have to beg people to check their roller bags now because there's "not enough space". This was a terrible business move by Southwest.

Delta One is extraordinary. I fly business when somebody hires me. I just wonder why there is such a chasm between business class and the insanely inhumane and nonsensical coach. The seats are not large enough to fit even my tiny wife. We fly 10% of what we did because we don’t want to pay 5-10 k but for $400 it’s unbearable. It seems like the accountants took over and made stupid decisions. Screw in 20 extra seats and make it so unbearable that people fly 90% less. Just put the damn price up and put some proper chairs in. But business, yay.

Delta’s staff is unmatched. From the gate agents, to the pilots, to the flight attendants… all top of the industry.

The flight was delayed for about 2 hrs. Other than it, it was good.

I am extremely disappointed that delta internal pilot manuals now refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “gulf of America”. You can bow down to the Orange turd on your own. I will never fly delta again

Very smooth, on-time, and pleasantly uneventful flight. The team at the gate and on board were professional and genuinely courteous. The pilot kept us well updated throughout, and both takeoff and landing were steady and enjoyable without any drama. Just a good, solid flight. Thank you! 💗

No lunch on a x-country flight scheduled for 10:50 am departure, arrived 5+ hrs later. That requires a black box label before you pay for the tickets. Worst, when I checked in online, it's specifically said that lunch was served on his flight for economy Plus passengers.

Our flight from SFO to MSP was right on time on 11/15/2025. No delays. As we approached MSP at about 8 pm, we circled in the air until 8:40 pm so I don't call that efficient for MSP. I think the captain should announce the delay and why. (as if we all don't know that we are just circling around the area, slowing down, speeding up, slowing down.) Thank you. Marilyn Fischer

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

The flight used a B767 with a very old interior from before 2014. The entertainment system did not work at all during the flight despite attempts to reset the system. It was like they flew this route just to be competitive.

Delayed flight (1hour) plus a long layover after an overnight flight with no backup plane available.

The flight crew where really good. Better then the crew from BNE to SFO

left on time, reasonable boarding process arrived early luggage came out quickly

Pushed back only to get deplaned due to a tire damaged by ground crew. They did at least go pretty fast. The bathrooms should be banned under the Geneva convention. No room to even sit straight on the toilet. The under-seat entertainment units block what little leg room there is.

United airlines has the best customer experience from booking to arrival. I always fly United airlines. The mileage program is excellent

Older aircraft, no meal, only food was for purchase. Not impressed United.

Not pleasant trip cross country when the entertainment and WiFi system not working. No entertainment for entirety of route. Staff was rather nonchalant in that they dismissed the problem due to age of plane. It would have been nice to know this up front so I could have come prepared to read or download movies before boarding Coincidentally or not, there was a similar issue with the entertainment system on my previous flight I took on my fist leg of the trip. There are no seat TVs, so you must rely on the app when it works. United can do better. Also, what use it it to pay for boarding group 2 when half of the passengers are in the same line as you?

Premium Plus is a really good idea for longer flights

The LH flight was great except for the delay at boarding. It should be announced well in tme.

Stuck on tarmac for two hours plus a 5.5 hour flight. Rude flight attendant. And no meals, not even for purchase!

I learned that seating towards the end of plane that a line forms for the restroom and people use your chair as a hand railing, bumping your seat consistently. I was seated in the aisle. I think that next time if I am towards the back row I would want to sit in the middle or window seat.

I would like the crew to talk LESS over the PA and specifically about credit card offers. I am trying to work, sleep, watch a movie and the PA was booming about a credit card offer. Could we go back to the days when the customer was more important than selling a credit card?

It was a good trip. Flight Attendants were friendly and responsive.

Crew in Columbia was not prepared for landing. It was a bit of a disaster and getting bags took forever.

Tell the crew (when boarding) to yell at the imbeciles blocking us from walking up to scan. I promise everyone crowds around and half of us (most the time I’m group 4) have to push our way through. Your staff is awesome, the public - not so much-

It was fine. My connection in Charlotte to go to WPB was too late and I had to spend the night in the Charlotte Airport in the mini suites.

Nothing to write home about, average flight experience. Seats were spacious enough, crew friendly enough. Loved the AA entertainment/wifi service.

Great flight - friendly and attentive team! Seats in coach were comfy, but a little cramped - but that is the case with all airlines ;)

Experience was good, however I had a delay due to weather happening and had to re purchase a seat on a new plane for a higher price (could be my own issue and misunderstanding) but other than that situation. First time flyer (by myself) was terrific!! The last from ORD to ALO didn't have wifi, but it was only 45 minutes so I'm sure that was part of the reason. Overall my experience was great! Next time I will remember to buy tickets with longer layovers. The delays really saved my overall anxiety. :)

Did not understand a single word the attendant said on the pa system. I was glad it was not an emergency.

My flight was delayed about three hours. I got home at 3:30 in the morning very bad experience.

It was ok. It was expensive to check 2 bags ($75.00 per bag), and then it took a long time to wait for shuttle to take us from one terminal to the terminal where the plane was taking off at LAX. And all of this for a flight where we had to pay for any food or drink that was not water.

When I wanted to check in 3 hours prior to boarding time, the employees mentioned “a little over an hour delay” so I waited for an hour then I went to go look for food in the terminal and most people from that flight were in the same area looking for food. Finally I decided after food to check to see if it’s anytime closer and now it’s 2 mins until boarding closes?! What are you kidding me? I didn’t receive anything via sms about boarding now nor via email or on the intercom. I luckily made it through, barely, and then there’s no room for my carry on mind you I’m in the very first row so I had to place my purse in one further row back and my carry on sections down. Not sure who pays for better seats to get your stuff placed all over the plane but that was the worst experience I’ve ever had flying with anyone.

Everyone seemed to be in zone 1 for boarding. Maybe break it up a little. Otherwise, smooth flight.

This airline sucks. They offer low rates then charge you for everything, the app does not work well, the seats are the most uncomfortable. Maintenance issues on the flight, and you still have to sit through their credit card commercials. People are nice enough but does not make up for overall poor experience.

Finally a Frontier on time and efficient. I've had problems before with your airline, but this time everything went fine.

Frontier is terrible. Paid for exit row, not given exit row, refused to refund fee.

Cancelled flight after I arrived at airport after 75 min drive and parking. Next flight was 4 days in the future. Had to scramble and buy a much more expensive flight on another carrier.

I liked the turn-style feature at gate 209B at LAX. Very efficient process. The gate staff also made several, clearly directed announcements so I felt very informed.

The seats were awful, hard plastic covered in sheet vinyl. The airline tries to scam you into paying extra to get seat together when the flight wasn’t full. They were going to separate a family with young children but my wife who had a row to herself gave up her seat so the young mom could be with her young boys. I’m never giving this airline my money again.

It was a short flight so no food or entertainment….

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Francisco to Raleigh

Information on your arrival and departure airports