Direct (nonstop) flights from Raleigh/Durham to San Francisco

1 airline flys nonstop from Raleigh–Durham Airport (RDU) to San Francisco International (SFO). It's 2,400 miles (3,863 km), about 6h 3m in the air. Operated by United Airlines.

RDU
Raleigh–Durham Airport
🇺🇸 Raleigh/Durham, USA
SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
Flight Time
6h 3m
Distance
2,400 mi
3,863 km
CO₂/pax
406 kg
−50 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
United Airlines
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
RDU → SFO
Flight Time
6h 3m
Distance
2,400 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Raleigh/Durham to San Francisco with one stop · direct emits 406 kg CO₂ per passenger

RDU MDW (Chicago) SFO
Leg 1: 2h (631 mi) Leg 2: 4h 35m (1,855 mi) Total: ~6h 35m 🍃 456 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → MDW
2h · 631 mi
View RDU to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → SFO
4h 35m · 1,855 mi
View MDW to SFO flights →
RDU STL (Saint Louis) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 5m (667 mi) Leg 2: 4h 30m (1,735 mi) Total: ~6h 35m 🍃 442 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → STL
2h 5m · 667 mi
View RDU to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → SFO
4h 30m · 1,735 mi
View STL to SFO flights →
RDU DAL (Dallas) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 50m (1,051 mi) Leg 2: 3h 45m (1,476 mi) Total: ~6h 35m 🍃 452 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → DAL
2h 50m · 1,051 mi
View RDU to DAL flights →
Leg 2
DAL → SFO
3h 45m · 1,476 mi
View DAL to SFO flights →
RDU CMH (Columbus) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 28m (362 mi) Leg 2: 5h 7m (2,121 mi) Total: ~6h 35m 🍃 450 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → CMH
1h 28m · 362 mi
View RDU to CMH flights →
Leg 2
CMH → SFO
5h 7m · 2,121 mi
View CMH to SFO flights →
RDU DEN (Denver) SFO
Leg 1: 3h 55m (1,436 mi) Leg 2: 2h 46m (967 mi) Total: ~6h 41m 🍃 431 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → DEN
3h 55m · 1,436 mi
View RDU to DEN flights →
Leg 2
DEN → SFO
2h 46m · 967 mi
View DEN to SFO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 6 hours and 3 minutes. The distance is 2,400 miles (3,863 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Raleigh/Durham to San Francisco?

Just United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Raleigh/Durham to San Francisco?

Yes. 1 airline: United Airlines.

How far is Raleigh/Durham from San Francisco?

The flight distance from Raleigh/Durham to San Francisco is 2,400 miles (3,863 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What type of aircraft flies from Raleigh/Durham to San Francisco?

At 6h 3m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Raleigh/Durham to San Francisco?

Roughly 406 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 2,030 km.

Is the return flight from San Francisco to Raleigh/Durham also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Raleigh/Durham to San Francisco?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Raleigh–Durham Airport for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.