RDU to SFO Route Guide
Raleigh, United States → San Francisco, United States
Quick answer
KRDU (Raleigh, United States) to KSFO (San Francisco, United States) is a 2,081 NM (3,854 km / 2,395 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 286° (WNW). Typical cruise altitude FL350, expected flight time 5h 2m, common aircraft: Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo.
Distance
2,081 NM
3,854 km / 2,395 mi
Initial Bearing
286° (WNW)
True heading at departure
Typical Cruise
FL350
35,000 ft
Block Time
5h 2m
Typical jet, no wind correction
Fuel Estimate
7,743 kg
Single-aisle equivalent + reserve
Departure Elevation
435 ft
KRDU
Arrival Elevation
13 ft
KSFO
What aircraft fly this route?
For a 2,081 NM mission, operators typically deploy:
- Boeing 737-800
- Airbus A320neo
- Airbus A321neo
- Boeing 737 MAX 8
Weather considerations
Pilots flying RDU-SFO should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs. On this long-range mission, plan for an alternate within fuel reserves and review oceanic / NAT track procedures if applicable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between RDU and SFO?
2,081 nautical miles (3,854 km / 2,395 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from Raleigh to San Francisco?
Approximately 5h 2m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly RDU-SFO?
Common types include Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo, Boeing 737 MAX 8 depending on operator and demand.
What altitude do flights cruise at?
Most flights at this distance cruise around FL350 (35,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.
What initial heading is the route?
286° true (WNW). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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