Travelling from Raleigh / Durham Airport (RDU) to San Diego International Airport (SAN): what you need to know
Jump on a direct flight from Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport and you'll be in the air for an average of 5 hours 20 minutes.
San Diego is three hours behind Durham and is in the UTC-8 timezone.
Each week, there are seven Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport flights.
Your RDU to SAN flight won't wait if you're running late, so be at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're travelling internationally.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
Flying into San Diego (and then seeing more of the United States!) is a cinch with Alaska Airlines. This popular airline has direct flights from Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport.
Alaska Airlines has the highest passenger demand on this route.
Consider adding a stopover when booking your ticket from Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' to break up your journey, or perhaps explore a new destination along the way. Here's where you can stop between RDU and SAN:
Denver International Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport
Nashville Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh / Durham Airport (RDU) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport flight is R 1,268. A return plane ticket is currently R 2,953. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap tickets from RDU to SAN if you book early. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird deals.
May is the cheapest month for flights from Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport. If you'd like to fly at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from RDU to SAN by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals on flights from Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport.
Handy information about Raleigh / Durham Airport (RDU)
Of the departures from Raleigh / Durham Airport, 78% land on time at their destination.
Raleigh / Durham Airport is around 18 kilometres from central Durham. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
Planning to catch public transport? Expect a journey time of around 45 minutes.
Need a handy hotel near RDU? If you're catching an early flight from Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:
Arriving at San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Consider booking a hotel near SAN if you're on a late Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport flight. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer after landing:
Travel at your own speed with a San Diego International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and experience more of San Diego and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from San Diego International Airport about two weeks before your trip.
When to fly to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The quietest month for a flight from Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport is March, while August is the most popular. Choose the best time to go to San Diego based on whether you prefer a faster pace or a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in San Diego is August, with the temperature ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF). Book your flights from Raleigh / Durham Airport to San Diego International Airport in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
February has average temperatures of between 8ºC (46ºF) and 22ºC (72ºF). Look for cheap tickets from RDU to SAN around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited San Diego, now it's time to explore other parts of the United States. Travel about 177 kilometres north-west to Los Angeles to tick off its top sights. From Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 483 kilometres east of San Diego, Phoenix is another favourite stop in the United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Camelback Mountain, Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room and Heard Museum.
