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

1 airline flys nonstop from San Francisco International (SFO) to Raleigh–Durham Airport (RDU). It's 2,400 miles (3,863 km), about 5h 18m in the air. Operated by United Airlines.

SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
RDU
Raleigh–Durham Airport
🇺🇸 Raleigh/Durham, USA
Flight Time
5h 18m
Distance
2,400 mi
3,863 km
CO₂/pax
406 kg
−36 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
United Airlines
Time Diff
+3h
Operated by United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SFO → RDU
Flight Time
5h 18m
Distance
2,400 mi

Alternative Routes

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

SFO STL (Saint Louis) RDU
Leg 1: 3h 55m (1,735 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (667 mi) Total: ~5h 45m 🍃 442 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → STL
3h 55m · 1,735 mi
View SFO to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → RDU
1h 50m · 667 mi
View STL to RDU flights →
SFO CVG (Cincinnati) RDU
Leg 1: 4h 31m (2,037 mi) Leg 2: 1h 27m (390 mi) Total: ~5h 58m 🍃 441 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → CVG
4h 31m · 2,037 mi
View SFO to CVG flights →
Leg 2
CVG → RDU
1h 27m · 390 mi
View CVG to RDU flights →
SFO SLC (Salt Lake City) RDU
Leg 1: 1h 59m (599 mi) Leg 2: 4h (1,823 mi) Total: ~5h 59m 🍃 444 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SLC
1h 59m · 599 mi
View SFO to SLC flights →
Leg 2
SLC → RDU
4h · 1,823 mi
View SLC to RDU flights →
SFO SDF (Louisville) RDU
Leg 1: 4h 30m (1,990 mi) Leg 2: 1h 29m (415 mi) Total: ~5h 59m 🍃 438 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → SDF
4h 30m · 1,990 mi
View SFO to SDF flights →
Leg 2
SDF → RDU
1h 29m · 415 mi
View SDF to RDU flights →
SFO MDW (Chicago) RDU
Leg 1: 4h 10m (1,855 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (631 mi) Total: ~6h 🍃 456 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SFO → MDW
4h 10m · 1,855 mi
View SFO to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → RDU
1h 50m · 631 mi
View MDW to RDU flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU) takes approximately 5 hours and 18 minutes. The distance is 2,400 miles (3,863 km).

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

Just United Airlines.

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

Yes. 1 airline: United Airlines.

How far is San Francisco from Raleigh/Durham?

The flight distance from San Francisco to Raleigh/Durham 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 San Francisco to Raleigh/Durham?

At 5h 18m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

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

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

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

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 San Francisco International for this flight?

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