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RDU SFO · 2,395 mi · 5h 10m

Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco Flights

Everything you need to know about the RDU → SFO domestic route — flight time, airlines, fares, and booking tips. Track your flight in real time with TripTrack.

$130-$670 round trip · 6+ daily flights · Updated March 2026


✈️ Route Overview

Key facts for the Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco route

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Distance
2,395 miles (3,854 km)
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Avg Flight Time
5h 10m
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Timezone Change
-3 hours
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Daily Flights
6+
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Typical Fare
$130-$670 round trip
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Red-Eye Available
Yes — overnight flights available

🛫 Airlines on This Route

Carriers operating RDU → SFO flights

Airline Notes
Delta SkyMiles frequent flyer program
American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flyer program
United MileagePlus frequent flyer program
Southwest Rapid Rewards — bags fly free
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan — generous earning rates
JetBlue TrueBlue — free snacks, above-average legroom

💡 Booking Tips

How to get the best deal on Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco flights

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Best Days to Fly

Tuesday and Thursday tend to have lower demand and better fares

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Fare Range

$130-$670 round trip. Book 3–6 weeks in advance for domestic routes, 2–3 months for international.

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Red-Eye Flights

✓ Available

Overnight flights on this route can save on hotel costs and maximize your time at the destination.

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Track Your Flight

Once booked, TripTrack automatically imports your flight from your confirmation email. Real-time gate changes and delay alerts — no manual entry needed.


🧳 Travel Tips for This Route

Practical advice from frequent travelers on the RDU → SFO route

  • 1 Bring noise-cancelling headphones for long-haul domestic flights.
  • 2 Book 6–8 weeks out for transcontinental routes to get the best fares.


📱 Real-Time Flight Tracking

Track Your RDU → SFO Flight — Automatically

TripTrack monitors your flight in real time — gate changes, delays, and departure updates sent to your phone the moment they happen. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically. No manual entry.


Frequently Asked Questions — Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco Flights

How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco?

The average flight time from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to San Francisco (SFO) is 5h 10m. This is an estimate including taxi, climb, and descent time — actual flight time may vary based on winds and routing.

Which airlines fly from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco?

Airlines operating the RDU to SFO route include Delta, American Airlines, United and 3 more. Check each airline's website for current schedules and availability.

How far is Raleigh-Durham from San Francisco?

The great-circle distance from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco is 2,395 miles (3,854 km). This is the straight-line distance — actual flight paths may be slightly longer.

What are the cheapest days to fly from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco?

Tuesday and Thursday tend to have lower demand and better fares. Fares on this route typically range $130-$670 round trip.

Is there a time zone change flying from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco?

Yes — there is a -3 hours when flying from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco. TripTrack automatically shows local times for both your departure and arrival airports.

Are there red-eye flights from Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco?

Yes, overnight (red-eye) flights are available on the RDU to SFO route. These can be a great way to save on hotel costs and maximize time at your destination.

How can I track my Raleigh-Durham to San Francisco flight in real time?

TripTrack automatically tracks your RDU to SFO flight — showing real-time gate changes, delays, and departure updates. Connect your Gmail once and your booking confirmation is imported automatically. Available free on iOS and Android.