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$121 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $121 flight on Sat, Sep 26, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Sacramento (DCA-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $121 for one-way flights and $230 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 13
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$230 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$230
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $230 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Wed, Sep 16
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$236 Roundtrip, found 17 hours ago
$236
Roundtrip
found 17 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $236 found 17 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Nov 6 - Fri, Nov 13
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$242 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$242
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 6 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Fri, Nov 13, priced at $242 found 5 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Fri, Oct 2
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$260 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$260
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 28 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 2, priced at $260 found 4 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Aug 30 - Sat, Sep 12
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$265 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$265
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Aug 30 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $265 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Wed, Nov 11
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$275 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$275
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Nov 4 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Wed, Nov 11, priced at $275 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 13
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$279 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$279
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Oct 5 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $279 found 1 hour ago
American Airlines
Tue, Sep 15 - Sat, Sep 19
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$285 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$285
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Sat, Sep 19, priced at $285 found 5 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Sep 15 - Tue, Sep 22
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$285 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$285
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $285 found 7 hours ago
United
Sat, Feb 13 - Wed, Feb 17
DCA
Washington
SMF
Sacramento
$329 Roundtrip, just found
$329
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Sat, Feb 13 from Washington to Sacramento, returning Wed, Feb 17, priced at $329 just found

Alternative airports near Sacramento

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Sacramento Intl. SMF. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 15 minutes. Flights from $453
SMF
Sacramento Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center15 min
Flights from $453

What you need to know for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National to Sacramento Intl.

Washington (DCA) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Travel from Washington, D.C. (DCA) to Sacramento (SMF) with a variety of airlines offering weekly flights on this domestic long-haul route. Explore options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover daily fares that fit your budget and schedule. Use a flight finder to compare the latest deals on flights and plan your trip to enjoy Sacramento's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you journey from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Sacramento International Airport.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 7h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,400 miles (3,860 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$410, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored by passengers flying from Washington to Sacramento, typically for both one-stop and non-stop flights. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Midway International Airport (MDW), with a similar layover duration. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta provides both one-stop and multi-stop options. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $140 and $375, making up about 30% of flights on this route. Expect an in-flight duration of around 7 hours and a total travel time nearing 8 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly fares, Southwest Airlines offers non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop services. One-way prices typically range from $140 to $395, representing around 27% of the departures on this route. Travelers can anticipate about 7 hours of flight time and an overall journey duration of roughly 8 hours and 15 minutes.
  • American Airlines: A reputable full-service carrier, American Airlines provides one-stop flights with one-way fares usually between $120 and $515. This airline accounts for around 23% of the route's departures, featuring a flight time of 7 hours and a total travel time of about 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • United: United, another full-service airline, offers one-stop travel options with one-way fares typically ranging from $155 to $540. This airline captures about 11% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 7 hours and a total travel time of approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • Alaska Airlines: Operating as a full-service carrier, Alaska Airlines features one-stop service with one-way fares generally between $135 and $385. It represents about 5% of the departures along this route, with an in-flight time of 7 hours and an overall journey time of around 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Washington to Sacramento with upgraded flight choices. American Airlines offers first-class service, while Delta provides both first class and premium economy, and United also features first class for a more comfortable experience.

Best time to fly from Washington (DCA) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Sacramento are January, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 77.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.6°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $202. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 26 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March has the fewest flights, with approximately 15 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $202, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July and June typically offer average one-way fares of around $214.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Washington to Sacramento, with approximately 26 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)Slightly High18$224
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Average17$248
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Average15$273
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Slightly High19$245
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Slightly Low19$228
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Average20$217
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Slightly High26$211
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Average21$202
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Slightly Low19$231
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Average23$255
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Slightly Low20$289
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average21$274

*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 route from Washington (DCA) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • Washington to Sacramento (IAD-SMF): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy tickets for this journey generally range from $135 to $440, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include United and Delta, with first-class service also available for those seeking a more premium experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (DCA) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington 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 typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures (5 am-12 pm) not only tend to offer lower prices but are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday usually provides cheaper rates, although Friday remains the most sought-after travel day.
  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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from central Washington. 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 located about 9 miles away, while 7th & Richards/Township 9 Station, a metro station, is about 8.6 miles from the airport, providing convenient options for travel in the region.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $121 and cheap return flights from $230 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $248 and $1256, and roundtrip flights usually range from $431 to $1689. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
August is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA) to Sacramento, CA (SMF), with average return fares around $405. This price is about 16% lower than the average fare for the year, as travel tends to slow down after the summer peak. Other economical months include January and February.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Enter DCA to SMF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) with a layover in Nashville Intl. (BNA), starting from around $809. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
When flying from Washington, DC (DCA) to Sacramento, CA (SMF), the best months are August and January. August offers a good balance of price and demand, while January is typically cheaper, with return flights averaging around $405. These months provide a mix of affordability and convenience for your travel plans.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This flight is part of a seasonal service active in April, May, and June, and an early departure can help you maximize your time in California. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 39% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Sacramento with plenty of time to spare.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Flights from DCA to SMF with one stop typically take around 8 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 2,375 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the DCA to SMF route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
From Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) to reach Sacramento. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Nashville Intl. (BNA), Love Field (DAL) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$230
Distance
2375 mi
Average flight time
7 hours 35 mins

Book with confidence

Washington to Sacramento Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington 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 Washington to Sacramento are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Sacramento with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Sacramento

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington to Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $121 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 Washington 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 Washington 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.

 

Washington to Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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