Need a weekend getaway from Raleigh? After analyzing flight pricing and availability from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), we found the top 8 cheapest nonstop roundtrip weekend destinations. These routes deliver genuine value for exploring beyond North Carolina.
Here's what we found. The top 8 cheapest weekend destinations from Raleigh:
- Warwick, RI (PVD)
- Denver, CO (DEN)
- Orlando, FL (MCO)
- Tampa, FL (TPA)
- Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
- Washington, DC (DCA)
- Newark, NJ (EWR)
- San Francisco, CA (SFO)
1) Warwick, RI (PVD) for $150
Warwick, RI (PVD) is an occasional option from Raleigh. Our research found only Fri–Mon flights available for this route. The 8:18 pm Friday departure is the most common time we tracked. This route offers solid value and good availability.
Top things to do: Warwick, RI
Warwick provides waterfront charm and Rhode Island access—Warwick Bay and local parks offer water access and coastal scenery. Walking downtown is pleasant; public transit connects to Newport and nearby Providence provides urban culture.
2) Denver, CO (DEN) for $200
Denver, CO (DEN) is a decent option from Raleigh. Our research found only Thu–Sun flights available for this route. The 6:43 pm Thursday departure is the most common time we tracked. This route offers solid value and good availability.
Top things to do: Denver, CO
Denver delivers high-altitude adventure and urban culture—Red Rocks offers hiking and concert experiences, while the RiNo District showcases street art and breweries. Light rail and rideshares work; neighborhoods are walkable. Check out our Weekend Guide to Denver for even more travel ideas.
3) Orlando, FL (MCO) for $200
Orlando, FL (MCO) is a decent option from Raleigh. Based on our data, Fri–Mon tends to be the cheaper option compared to Thu–Sun. The 8:45 pm Friday departure is the most common time we tracked. This route offers solid value and good availability.
Top things to do: Orlando, FL
Orlando offers theme park culture and growing downtown—the downtown has evolved beyond theme parks with dining, arts, and cultural venues, while nearby natural springs provide water access. Rideshares essential; downtown increasingly walkable.
4) Tampa, FL (TPA) for $200
Tampa, FL (TPA) is an occasional option from Raleigh. Our research found only Thu–Sun flights available for this route. The 8:26 pm Thursday departure is the most common time we tracked. This route offers solid value and good availability.
Top things to do: Tampa, FL
Tampa delivers beach culture and waterfront energy—Busch Gardens and Ybor City historic district offer entertainment and character, while the Florida Gulf beaches provide coastal access. Rideshares work; neighborhoods are increasingly walkable.
5) Fort Worth, TX (DFW) for $250
Fort Worth, TX (DFW) is an occasional option from Raleigh. Based on our data, Fri–Mon tends to be the cheaper option compared to Thu–Sun. The 6:59 pm Friday departure is the most common time we tracked. This route offers solid value and good availability.
Top things to do: Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth delivers authentic Texas culture—the Stockyards and Western heritage museums showcase cowboy history, while vibrant cultural districts offer dining and nightlife. Rideshares and walking work downtown; the city blends heritage with modern energy. Check out our Weekend Guide to Fort Worth for even more travel ideas.
6) Washington, DC (DCA) for $300
Washington, DC (DCA) is an occasional option from Raleigh. Based on our data, Fri–Mon tends to be the cheaper option compared to Thu–Sun. The 8:07 pm Friday departure is the most common time we tracked. This route offers solid value and good availability.
Top things to do: Washington, DC
Washington, DC delivers world-class museums and monuments at no cost—the Smithsonian museums and Lincoln Memorial create educational depth, while neighborhoods like Georgetown offer dining and shopping. Metro system dominates; walking works for central DC. Check out our Weekend Guide to Washington, DC for even more travel ideas.
7) Newark, NJ (EWR) for $350
Newark, NJ (EWR) is a decent option from Raleigh. Based on our data, Fri–Mon tends to be the cheaper option compared to Thu–Sun. The 6:56 pm Friday departure is the most common time we tracked. This route offers solid value and good availability.
Top things to do: Newark, NJ
Newark provides gateway access to New York City—the Newark Museum offers exceptional art collections, while the revitalized downtown features galleries and restaurants. Public transit connects directly to Manhattan; downtown neighborhoods increasingly walkable.
8) San Francisco, CA (SFO) for $500
San Francisco, CA (SFO) is a decent option from Raleigh. According to our research, Thu–Sun tends to be the cheaper option compared to Fri–Mon. The 6:27 pm Thursday departure is the most common time we tracked. This route offers solid value and good availability.
Top things to do: San Francisco, CA
San Francisco delivers iconic neighborhoods and world-class food culture—the Ferry Building Marketplace, North Beach Italian heritage, and Hayes Valley boutique scene create wandering appeal, while the bay views and Golden Gate Bridge deliver postcard moments. Public transit and bicycles dominate; the city is walkable by neighborhood. Check out our Weekend Guide to San Francisco for even more travel ideas.
Ready to escape Raleigh for a weekend?
On Skyweekend, you could find cheap, last-minute weekend flights from Raleigh to anywhere across the US. Our flights are roundtrip and perfectly-timed for a weekend getaway. Explore flights.
