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$171 Cheap Flights from Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $171 flight on Mon, Oct 12, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport (CMH) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from Columbus to Sacramento (CMH-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $171 for one-way flights and $340 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Sun, Oct 25
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$340 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$340
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Sun, Oct 25, priced at $340 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 12 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$377 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$377
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $377 found 10 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 19 - Thu, Oct 22
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$379 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$379
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Thu, Oct 22, priced at $379 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Wed, Oct 14
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$385 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$385
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $385 found 6 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 12 - Mon, Oct 19
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$395 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$395
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $395 found 1 hour ago
United
Tue, Sep 29 - Wed, Sep 30
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$402 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$402
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $402 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 13 - Mon, Oct 19
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$406 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$406
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 13 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $406 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Feb 13 - Tue, Feb 16
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$407 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$407
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Feb 13 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Tue, Feb 16, priced at $407 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Wed, Nov 18 - Wed, Nov 25
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$413 Roundtrip, just found
$413
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Wed, Nov 25, priced at $413 just found
Delta
Wed, Nov 18 - Wed, Nov 25
CMH
Columbus
SMF
Sacramento
$423 Roundtrip, just found
$423
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Nov 18 from Columbus to Sacramento, returning Wed, Nov 25, priced at $423 just found

What you need to know for your flight from John Glenn Columbus Intl. to Sacramento Intl.

Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Explore a range of options for flights from Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service airlines or budget-friendly carriers, you can compare choices that suit your budget, schedule, and travel plans while discovering Sacramento's iconic attractions and neighborhoods. Get all the essential details for your journey from John Glenn Columbus International Airport to Sacramento International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,100 miles (3,380 km)
  • Flights per week: around 13 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$465, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored by passengers flying from Columbus to Sacramento, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop options. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX, around 1 hour), and Denver International Airport (DEN, about 1 hour 30 minutes). These choices allow you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a comprehensive carrier, American Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally falling between $130 and $440. It represents nearly 30% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline offers non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop options, with one-way prices usually ranging from $130 to $535. Southwest accounts for around 28% of departures on this route, with an average in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes.
  • United: A well-established full-service airline, United offers one-stop journeys with one-way fares typically between $135 and $545. It covers about 24% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey duration of roughly 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: Known for its full-service options, Delta provides one-stop flights with one-way fares generally ranging from $150 to $470. It represents about 15% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in an overall travel time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Alaska Airlines: A full-service carrier offering one-stop service, Alaska Airlines has one-way fares usually between $155 and $425. It accounts for roughly 3% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey time of around 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers flying from Columbus to Sacramento have the option to upgrade to first class, with both United and American Airlines offering premium seating for this route.

Best time to fly from Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbus to Sacramento are March, April, and October, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 66.4°F in October. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 50.5°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $216. Flight availability peaks in September and October, with approximately 16 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $216, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: February typically offers an average one-way fare of around $233.
  • Most flight options: September and October have the highest number of flights from Columbus to Sacramento, with approximately 16 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January48.6°F (9.2°C)Average10$256
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Moderately Low10$233
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Moderately High12$281
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Moderately High12$259
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Average15$240
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Moderately Low12$254
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Average13$267
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Average13$216
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Average16$273
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Moderately High16$243
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Moderately Low13$296
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average15$276

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • Columbus to Sacramento (OSU-SMF): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) is located approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), providing convenient access for travelers.
  • Columbus to Sacramento (CMH-SAC): Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is about 13 miles distant from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), ensuring smooth transit for passengers flying this route.
  • Columbus to Sacramento (LCK-SAC): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) lies roughly 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), while Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is similarly situated around 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbus to Sacramento is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking at least two months in advance, though most travelers tend to book 2 to 8 weeks ahead. Afternoon flights (12 PM to 6 PM) often provide lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) remain the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday offers both better prices and high popularity among travelers.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Sacramento International Airport from John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from Columbus with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Sacramento efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Sacramento, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Sacramento International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sacramento International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento Valley Station, a train station, is about 9 miles away, while 7th & Richards/Township 9 Station, a metro station, is approximately 8.6 miles from the airport, providing convenient access to various transportation options.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $171 and cheap return flights from $340 Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $193 and $829, and return flights often range between $365 and $1123. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH) to Sacramento, CA (SMF), with average round-trip fares around $333. This price is about 18% lower than the average throughout the year, as demand tends to be lower in winter. Other affordable months to consider are February and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Enter CMH to SMF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF), starting from around $462. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best time to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
When flying from Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF), January and August are the best months to consider. You can find return flights for approximately $333 during these months. January is often quieter post-holidays, while August allows you to enjoy summer activities in California.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in February, March, and April, giving you an early start to your day in Sacramento. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Flights from Columbus (CMH) to Sacramento (SMF) are most popular between 6am and 9am. This time frame captures about 35% of total traffic. Major carriers like Southwest, Delta, and United operate during this window. Many travelers choose this time to maximize their day upon arrival in Sacramento.
How long does it take to fly from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A flight from CMH to SMF with a layover takes around 9 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 2,054 miles. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
You can fly first class between CMH and SMF. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Sacramento from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH)?
If you're planning to travel to Sacramento from John Glenn Columbus Intl. (CMH), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN), Midway Intl. (MDW) before reaching Sacramento. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) Sacramento Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$340
Distance
2053 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 40 mins

Book with confidence

Columbus to Sacramento Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Columbus to Sacramento

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Columbus to Sacramento are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Columbus to Sacramento with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Columbus to Sacramento

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Columbus to Sacramento: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Columbus to Sacramento

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Columbus to Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $171 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Columbus to Sacramento flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Columbus to Sacramento airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Columbus to Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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