These 13 Cheap Flights from RDU Will Blow Your Mind

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Let me tell you, finding flight deals from RDU has become my strange obsession lately. After spending way too many hours comparing routes (and definitely too much coffee), I’ve discovered some seriously amazing destinations that won’t destroy your savings. Last month, I grabbed a ticket to New Orleans that cost less than a weekend in Durham and spent my mornings people watching in the French Quarter with a beignet in hand.

I’ve tracked down some of the best places to fly from Raleigh that’ll actually leave you with money to spend when you land. From Nashville, where I lost track of time exploring the food scene around East Nashville between live music shows, to quick flights down to Miami, these 13 destinations prove you don’t need to drive to Charlotte or DC for incredible travel deals. Let’s dive in.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from RDU

Looking for cheap places to fly from RDU? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. RDU) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $325 roundtrip fare from Raleigh to Zurich. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from RDU

Looking for destinations with cheap flights from RDU? Enjoy the magic of Orlando, home to world-famous theme parks and entertainment. Relax on the sunny beaches of Fort Lauderdale, known for its vibrant waterfront and lively nightlife. Explore the iconic skyline and deep-dish pizza scene in Chicago, a city full of culture and history. Experience the excitement of New York, where Broadway, shopping, and world-class dining await. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or city exploration, these destinations offer affordable escapes from RDU.

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Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

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1. RDU to Orlando ($45–$395 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Frontier, Spirit, Delta, Southwest (15+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: January to April 🌞 and September to November 🍂 for fewer crowds 
• 🏆Perfect for: Theme park enthusiasts 🎢, family vacationers 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, sun seekers ☀️

Orlando is basically theme park heaven where you can ride rollercoasters, meet princesses, and pretend you’re a wizard all in one insanely fun but exhausting day. Beyond the parks, the city surprises visitors with crystal-clear springs, amazing golf courses, and way better food options than you’d expect from a tourist destination.

Walt Disney World spans four massive parks where you can experience everything from space mountain to drinking “around the world” at Epcot, while Universal Studios offers incredible thrill rides and the immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter where butterbeer actually lives up to the hype. For a completely different vibe, escape to Winter Park with its gorgeous boat tours and upscale shopping, or drive just an hour to Kennedy Space Center where you might even catch a rocket launch if your timing is perfect.

For RDU travelers, Frontier and Spirit battle for rock-bottom prices with fares sometimes dipping below $50 one-way if you can travel light, while Southwest includes two free checked bags for families bringing half their house along. January and February offer warm refuge from Carolina winter at surprisingly affordable rates, while October delivers perfect weather without the crushing summer crowds and two-hour lines. 

• Read Next: Best Airports in and Around Orlando

2. RDU to Fort Lauderdale ($51–$340 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Spirit, JetBlue, Delta, Southwest (12+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: November to April ☀️ for perfect beach weather without humidity
• 🏆Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, cruise departures 🚢, budget sun seekers 💰

Fort Lauderdale is Miami’s more chill cousin where you get gorgeous beaches and perfect weather without the South Beach prices or attitude. The city has transformed from spring break central to a legit vacation spot with 23 miles of golden sand, a buzzing restaurant scene, and canals everywhere that earned it the nickname “Venice of America.”

Las Olas Boulevard is lined with cool boutiques and outdoor cafes perfect for people-watching, while the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District packs museums, galleries, and performance venues into a super walkable area. The beaches here are absolute perfection with Fort Lauderdale Beach offering a clean, family-friendly vibe and the massive Fort Lauderdale Boat Show taking over the city each fall with billions of dollars worth of yachts that you can pretend you’re shopping for.

Spirit dominates this route with multiple daily flights and rock-bottom fares often below $100 roundtrip if you travel light, while JetBlue offers a more comfortable experience for not much more money. January and February deliver perfect 75-80°F beach days while everyone back in Carolina is bundled up. 

3. RDU to Chicago ($89–$310 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: United, American, Spirit, Frontier (10+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for comfortable temps 
• 🏆Perfect for: Architecture lovers 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🌭, culture seekers 🎭

Chicago is where amazing architecture, incredible food, and midwestern friendliness combine to create one of America’s most legit city experiences. The skyline is absolutely jaw-dropping from every angle, and the city packs way more culture, green space, and culinary innovation than most visitors expect.

Millennium Park is home to the famous reflective “Bean” sculpture that everyone poses with, while the Art Institute houses an incredible collection that will impress even people who usually get bored in museums. When the weather’s nice, the Lakefront Trail offers 18 miles of paths with killer skyline views, and Navy Pier delivers tourist-friendly fun with its massive Ferris wheel.

United and American battle for business with multiple daily direct flights, though budget airlines like Spirit frequently offer one-way deals under $50 if you’re traveling light. May and September hit the sweet spot of pleasant temperatures perfect for walking tours and rooftop bars. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Chicago

4. RDU to New York ($37–$280 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 35 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: JetBlue, Delta, United, American (20+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to November 🍂 for milder weather 
• 🏆Perfect for: Culture vultures 🎭, foodies 🍕, first-time visitors 🗽

New York City is sensory overload in the absolute best way, with iconic skyscrapers, world-famous attractions, and neighborhoods that feel like completely different planets just a subway stop apart. The city hits you with non-stop energy that somehow makes even ordinary things like grabbing coffee feel exciting.

Times Square is touristy but still mind-blowing at night with its massive screens, while Central Park offers a surprisingly peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the surrounding concrete jungle. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is ridiculously huge with literally everything from Egyptian temples to modern masterpieces, and the views from the Top of the Rock observation deck are way better than Empire State (and with shorter lines). 

JetBlue and Delta offer the most frequent direct flights, and insane deals pop up regularly with fares sometimes dipping below $50 one-way if you’re flexible with dates. May and September offer perfect walking weather without the summer humidity and crowds.

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Destinations to Fly from NYC

5. RDU to Boston ($81–$320 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: JetBlue, Delta, American, United (15+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: May to October 🍂 for comfortable weather and outdoor activities
• 🏆Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, sports fans ⚾, college hopefuls 🎓

Boston is wicked awesome with historic sites literally everywhere you turn and a super walkable layout that lets you cover tons of ground in a single day. The city perfectly blends old-school New England charm with a young, energetic vibe thanks to its 50+ colleges and universities packed into the area.

The Freedom Trail is actually worth following with its red brick line guiding you to 16 historic sites including Paul Revere’s House and the iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace where you can grab amazing clam chowder in a bread bowl. Sports are basically religion here, and catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park (America’s oldest baseball stadium) is a bucket-list experience even if you don’t care about baseball. The Harvard campus in Cambridge is just a short T ride away where you can pretend you’re a student or at least grab a Harvard sweatshirt to impress people back home.

When it comes to flights, JetBlue typically offers the best combination of price and comfort with free WiFi and more legroom, plus frequent sales with roundtrip fares under $150. Fall brings spectacular New England foliage and perfect walking weather without summer tourist crowds. 

• Read Next: Affordable Places to Fly From Boston

6. RDU to San Juan ($158–$460 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: JetBlue, Frontier, United, American (8+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: December to April 🌴 for perfect beach weather without rain 
• 🏆Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, history explorers 🏰, food enthusiasts 🍹

San Juan is the perfect Caribbean getaway that doesn’t even require a passport for US travelers. The city delivers Instagram-worthy colorful buildings, incredible beaches, and amazing food all wrapped up in a super walkable historical package that feels worlds away from the mainland.

Old San Juan is absolutely stunning with cobblestone streets and pastel colonial buildings dating back 500 years, while Castillo San Felipe del Morro fortress offers incredible ocean views and history lessons without being boring. The beaches here are seriously perfect with Condado offering resort vibes and crystal-clear water right near major hotels, and Piñones area serving up the best authentic street food including must-try alcapurrias and pinchos from beachside kiosks. For nightlife, the city comes alive with salsa clubs where locals will help (or laugh at) your dance attempts.

For RDU travelers, JetBlue runs the most direct flights with pretty competitive pricing, though Frontier occasionally drops fares under $200 roundtrip if you can pack light. January through March offers perfect 80°F days with minimal rain and refreshing ocean breezes. 

• Read Next: Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico

7. RDU to Las Vegas ($100–$420 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 5 hours 
• 🛫Airlines: Frontier, Spirit, American, Delta (6+ daily flights)
• 📅Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌵 and September to November 🍂 for bearable temps 
• 🏆Perfect for: Nightlife lovers 🎰, pool party enthusiasts 🍹, entertainment seekers 🎭

Las Vegas is a 24/7 neon-lit playground where everything is bigger, louder, and more over-the-top than you can possibly imagine. The city is basically an adult Disneyland in the middle of the desert where you can experience the whole world without leaving the Strip.

The Las Vegas Strip packs world-famous hotels like Bellagio with its dancing fountains and Caesars Palace with its massive casino floor, while free attractions like the Fremont Street Experience downtown offer insane light shows and cheaper gambling. Entertainment options are endless with residencies from top music stars, mind-blowing Cirque du Soleil shows, and comedy clubs where big names test new material. 

For RDU travelers, Frontier and Spirit battle for budget travelers with fares sometimes dipping below $150 roundtrip if you can travel with just a personal item, though more comfortable options on American and United are worth considering for the long flight. March and October offer ideal temperatures without the brutal 110°F summer heat that makes walking outside feel like a hair dryer to the face. 

• Read Next: Best Airports in Las Vegas

8. RDU to Los Angeles ($210–$470 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 5 hours 30 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: American, Delta, United, Spirit (8+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for perfect weather 
• 🏆Perfect for: Celebrity spotters 🌟, beach lovers 🏄‍♀️, food explorers 🌮

Los Angeles is this massive sprawling city where perfect weather, palm trees, and film industry magic create a vibe that’s equal parts glamorous and completely bizarre. The city feels like dozens of different towns smashed together, each with their own personality from laid-back beach communities to ultra-trendy urban hotspots.

Hollywood attracts tourists looking for the Walk of Fame and handprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, but locals know the real LA magic happens in neighborhoods like Silver Lake with its hipster coffee shops and Venice Beach where bodybuilders, skateboarders, and street performers create a wild beachside circus. For incredible city views, hike to the Griffith Observatory where you’ll get perfect Instagram shots of the famous Hollywood Sign and twinkling city lights below.

For RDU travelers, American and Delta offer the most direct flights, with red-eyes being cheaper if you can handle sleeping upright. April and October hit the sweet spot with perfect 75°F sunny days without summer tourist crowds. 

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Destinations to Fly from LAX

9. RDU to Cancún ($178–$520 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 3 hours 10 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: American, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier (5+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: November to early December 🌴 and April to May 🌞 for perfect weather 
• 🏆Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, party animals 🎉, all-inclusive fans 🍹

Cancún is basically paradise with some of the most ridiculously turquoise water and white sand beaches you’ll ever see. The city offers a perfect mix of relaxing resorts and wild nightlife, with ancient Mayan ruins just a day trip away for when you need a break from your beach chair.

The Hotel Zone is a long strip of massive resorts where you can do everything from jet skiing to swimming with dolphins, while Downtown Cancún offers a more authentic Mexican experience with amazing street food and local markets. Beach-wise, you can’t go wrong with Playa Delfines for stunning views without the resort crowds, and the nightlife at spots like Coco Bongo gets absolutely wild with acrobats, light shows, and flowing drinks until sunrise. For culture, the nearby Mayan ruins of Tulum sit on dramatic seaside cliffs, and the massive pyramid at Chichen Itza is one of the world’s most impressive ancient structures.

American offers the most direct flight options, though budget carriers like Spirit frequently drop fares below $200 roundtrip during sale periods if you pack light. Hit up November or early May for perfect sunny days with low humidity and fewer tourists, falling just outside hurricane season and spring break madness. 

10. RDU to Atlanta ($71–$270 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Delta, Southwest, Frontier (20+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant temps 
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food lovers 🍗, sports fans 🏈

Atlanta is where Southern hospitality meets big-city energy, with neighborhoods that range from super trendy to historically significant. The city throws incredible festivals year-round and has a food scene that goes way beyond just fried chicken and peach cobbler (though those are definitely worth trying too).

The Atlanta BeltLine is this awesome urban trail that connects cool neighborhoods and street art installations, while the massive Georgia Aquarium houses whale sharks in the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. History buffs should definitely visit the powerful Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, and sports fans can catch the Falcons, Hawks, or Braves in state-of-the-art stadiums. 

Delta dominates this short hop from their Atlanta hub with tons of daily flights, though Southwest offers good competition with free checked bags. Spring brings perfect weather and dogwood blooms, while fall delivers football season and comfortable temps for exploring outdoor attractions. 

11. RDU to Denver ($117–$400 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 3 hours 45 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Frontier, United, Southwest, American (10+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
• 🏆Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, craft beer lovers 🍺, cannabis tourists 🌿

Denver is this perfect mix of urban cool and outdoor adventure where you can hit world-class museums and mountain trails in the same day. The city sits exactly one mile above sea level with the stunning Rocky Mountains creating a dramatic backdrop that makes even regular city streets look like postcards.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is possibly the most incredible concert venue on the planet, carved into massive red rock formations just outside the city, while downtown’s 16th Street Mall offers shopping and dining in the shadow of mountain views. The craft beer scene here is absolutely next-level with over 100 breweries in the metro area including pioneers like Great Divide serving up high-altitude IPAs in industrial-chic taprooms. For culture, the Denver Art Museum’s striking architecture houses impressive collections, and the trendy RiNo (River North) district buzzes with street art, food halls, and converted warehouses housing local artisans.

Frontier offers rock-bottom prices (sometimes below $150 roundtrip) for bare-bones service from their Denver hub, while United and Southwest provide more comfort and flexibility. May and September deliver perfect sunny days for exploring without winter snow or summer thunderstorms. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Denver

12. RDU to Newark ($88–$310 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: United, Spirit, Delta, American (15+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for pleasant temps
• 🏆Perfect for: NYC visitors 🗽, budget travelers 💰, business trips 💼

Newark is the perfect gateway to New York City without the insane airport hassles and prices. The city itself has seriously upgraded in recent years with a revitalized downtown, great Portuguese food scene, and super convenient transportation that gets you to Manhattan faster than from some parts of Brooklyn.

Newark Liberty International Airport connects directly to NYC via the NJ Transit train, getting you to Penn Station in about 30 minutes flat. While you’re actually in Newark, check out the impressive Newark Museum of Art with its excellent American collections, catch a hockey game at the Prudential Center where the NJ Devils play, or explore the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart that rivals European churches. Food-wise, the Ironbound District serves up amazing Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine that locals from all over the region make special trips to enjoy.

United dominates this route from their Newark hub with the most daily flight options, though Spirit often offers bare-bones service for under $100 roundtrip. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring both Newark and NYC without summer crowds and humidity. 

13. RDU to Cincinnati ($102–$290 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Delta, Frontier, American, United (6+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for comfortable weather 
• 🏆Perfect for: Food explorers 🍽️, sports fans ⚾, brewery hoppers 🍺

Cincinnati is this surprisingly cool river city that most people totally sleep on. Perched on the Ohio River with a stunning skyline, the city blends German heritage, incredible architecture, and Midwest friendliness into a package that feels much bigger than its actual size.

Over-the-Rhine neighborhood has transformed from sketchy to super trendy with historic buildings now housing craft breweries, indie shops, and amazing restaurants around Findlay Market, one of the oldest public markets in America. Sports are a religion here with the Bengals (NFL) and Reds (MLB) drawing passionate crowds, and the Cincinnati Art Museum houses an impressive collection that’s completely free to visit. For incredible city views, head to the observation deck at Carew Tower or snap perfect skyline shots from across the river in Covington, Kentucky (yes, you can easily walk to another state here).

Flight-wise, Delta offers the most reliable service through their Cincinnati hub, though Frontier occasionally drops fares below $150 roundtrip during sales. Time your visit when spring brings flower blooms to the city’s many parks, or while fall offers perfect weather for outdoor dining and brewery patios.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from RDU (Raleigh-Durham International Airport)

Looking to dive into more content on the cheapest places to fly from Raleigh? Here are some popular questions and answers that will help you save some serious cash.

What are some of the cheapest places to fly from RDU?

Some of the most affordable destinations from RDU include cities like New York, Boston, San Juan, Los Angeles, Newark, Denver, Cincinnati, and more.

Is it cheaper to fly out of RDU or CLT?

Comparing the cost of flying out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina can be complex, as airfare prices fluctuate based on various factors. However, according to Bureau of Transportation Data, RDU has the cheapest flights overall when compared to other major airports in North Carolina. Here’s what you might consider when determining which airport might be cheaper for your specific needs:

1. Destination: The cost can vary depending on the destination. CLT serves as a major hub for American Airlines. As such, there might be more direct flights to certain destinations, potentially affecting prices.
2. Airlines: Different airlines operate out of each airport. So the pricing strategies, availability of low-cost carriers, and competition can influence fares.
3. Time of Booking: Prices can vary based on the time of year, day of the week, how far in advance you book, and current promotions or sales.
4. Connection vs. Direct Flights: CLT might offer more direct flights to certain destinations, while RDU might have more connecting options. This can influence both price and travel time.
5. Additional Costs: Consider transportation costs to and from the airport, parking fees, and other related expenses. They might affect the overall cost of your trip.
6. Flight Search Tools: Utilizing online flight search engines that compare prices across multiple airlines and travel dates can help you find the cheapest options from both RDU and CLT.
7. Personal Preferences: Consider factors like convenience, airport amenities, flight schedules, and personal preferences, as they might influence your decision beyond just the ticket price.

Which airlines offer the best cheap flights from RDU?

Airlines such as Delta, Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue, and American Airlines frequently offer competitive rates for flights departing from RDU.

How can I find the cheapest flights from RDU?

To find the best deals, consider booking during off-peak seasons, setting fare alerts, comparing prices on multiple booking platforms, and being flexible with your travel dates.

Is it cheaper to book flights from RDU well in advance?

Generally, booking several weeks or even months in advance can yield better prices. However, last-minute deals can also pop up, so it’s essential to keep an eye out and be flexible.

When is the best time to visit popular destinations for cheap trips from RDU (Raleigh-Durham International Airport)?

The best time often depends on the destination. For tropical places, the shoulder season can offer both good weather and affordable prices. For urban destinations, avoiding major holidays and events can lead to savings.

Do budget airlines operate from RDU?

Yes, several budget airlines, including Frontier and Allegiant, operate from RDU, offering cheap flights to various destinations.

Are there non-stop cheap flights from RDU to international destinations?

Absolutely! There are non-stop options to several international destinations, including Cancún, Toronto, and London, among others.

How does RDU compare to other airports in terms of flight prices?

RDU offers competitive rates, especially given its status as a growing hub. Prices can often be more affordable than larger, busier airports in the region.

Can I find cheap flights from RDU to anywhere, without a specific destination in mind?

Yes, several search engines and booking platforms allow you to search for the cheapest destinations from RDU for a given time frame, perfect for spontaneous travelers!

Are flight prices from RDU affected by seasons or holidays?

Yes, flight prices can vary based on demand, which often increases during major holidays, events, or peak travel seasons.