Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to San Diego: what you need to know
Approximately 5 hours 20 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego.
The timezone in San Diego is UTC-8. The city is three hours behind Durham, where Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the most popular route. When looking for your flight, you can select from five services each week between RDU and SAN.
To avoid rushing for your RDU to San Diego flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months such as June. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
Direct Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego tickets are available for booking. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is where you'll be touching down.
Keep an eye out for promotions from Alaska Airlines. This carrier operates direct flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego.
Located around 16 kilometres from the centre of Durham, RDU can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
Looking for a hotel near RDU? If you've booked an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego, these accommodation options will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
78% of flights that take off from Raleigh-Durham International Airport touch down at their destination on time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to San Diego
R 1,227 is currently the best price for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego flight. A return plane ticket starts from R 2,440. These fares can change based on demand.
To find cheap flights from RDU to San Diego, book as early as possible. Airlines typically offer lower prices when tickets first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego across each month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Locking in a cheap flight from RDU to San Diego is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch when a deal gets even better.
Find a cheap flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is around 5 kilometres from the centre of San Diego. If you're grabbing a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 15 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 25 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to SAN if you have a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego. Choose one of these options and make your first night all about rest:
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from San Diego International Airport about two weeks in advance of your flight from RDU to San Diego.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is around 48 kilometres from central San Diego. Explore your options for making your way into town after your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego has touched down.
After stepping off your RDU to San Diego flight, rest your head at a hotel close to CLD. These are some great options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
In general, the sooner you book, the more you save and the better your options. Reserve your ride from CLD once your travel dates are set.
Best time to go to San Diego
December is the quietest month for flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego, while July is the most popular. Find the ideal time to visit San Diego based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in San Diego is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 27ºC (81ºF). Book your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego plane ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
February sees average temperatures of between 8ºC (46ºF) and 22ºC (72ºF). Search for a cheap ticket from RDU to San Diego around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about San Diego
Start your San Diego trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to San Diego, browse our selection of hotels including:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. San Diego Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and USS Midway Museum are must-visits when exploring San Diego.
Explore more of the United States
You've done San Diego, now it's time to discover more of the United States. Journey about 177 kilometres northwest to Los Angeles to tick off its top attractions. From Hollywood Sign to Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Phoenix is another sought-after destination in the United States and is around 483 kilometres east of San Diego. No journey is complete without seeing Camelback Mountain, Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room and Heard Museum.