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$129 Cheap Flights from Detroit (DTW) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $129 flight on Sat, Oct 3, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from Detroit to Sacramento (DTW-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $129 for one-way flights and $238 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 21 - Wed, Sep 23
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$238 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$238
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 21 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Wed, Sep 23, priced at $238 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Oct 3 - Sat, Oct 10
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$258 Roundtrip, just found
$258
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Sat, Oct 10, priced at $258 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Oct 24 - Sat, Nov 7
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$268 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$268
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 24 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Sat, Nov 7, priced at $268 found 2 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 4 - Sat, Sep 5
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$274 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$274
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 4 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $274 found 9 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Tue, Sep 29
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$284 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$284
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $284 found 11 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Sep 3 - Tue, Sep 22
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$288 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$288
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Sep 3 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $288 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Fri, Oct 9
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$290 Roundtrip, just found
$290
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 9, priced at $290 just found
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Fri, Oct 23
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$304 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 23, priced at $304 found 1 day ago
Alaska Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Tue, Oct 20
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$316 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$316
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $316 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Mon, Dec 7
DTW
Detroit
SMF
Sacramento
$337 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Detroit to Sacramento, returning Mon, Dec 7, priced at $337 found 1 day ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Sacramento (SMF)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $217 - $445 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County to Sacramento Intl.

Detroit (DTW) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) on this convenient domestic route. You can compare options between full-service and budget carriers to find affordable flights from Detroit that align with your travel budget and schedule. As you plan your journey, take the opportunity to discover the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Sacramento.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5 hours non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,000 miles (3,220 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$485, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Looking at the latest traveler bookings, we've identified the most favored airlines flying from Detroit to Sacramento, which are popular for both one-stop and non-stop flights. Common layover cities include Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 1 hour and 30-minute stop, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. These options allow you to mix and match factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the ideal itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices usually between $180 and $490. It represents about 27% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: A premium airline that offers both non-stop and one-stop services, Delta's one-way fares generally range from $200 to $660. It accounts for around 25% of the flights on this route, with a standard non-stop travel time of 5 hours.
  • United: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel options, with one-way fares typically falling between $145 and $485. United makes up about 20% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of around 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • American Airlines: As a full-service carrier, American Airlines offers one-stop service, with one-way fares generally ranging from $145 to $495. It represents roughly 15% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $145 to $380. Alaska Airlines accounts for about 9% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, with a total journey time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Detroit to Sacramento can opt for an upgrade. Delta provides both first class and premium economy service, while American Airlines offers first class seating.

Best time to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Detroit to Sacramento are March, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 77.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 48.6°F. For better deals, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $273. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $273, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $286.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Detroit to Sacramento, with approximately 20 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 Low10$327
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Slightly Low15$337
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Slightly High13$314
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Average12$314
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Average17$314
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Average20$273
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Slightly High19$304
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Slightly High19$286
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Average19$304
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Average19$315
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Slightly Low13$343
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average19$360

*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 Detroit (DTW) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • Flint to Sacramento (FNT-SMF): Bishop International Airport (FNT) is located approximately 56 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). On this route, one-way economy fares generally vary from $145 to $495, influenced by factors such as the time of year and how early you book. Travelers can find both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with the majority of connections occurring at O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Major airlines operating this route include United and American Airlines.

How to find the best prices for flights from Detroit (DTW) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Detroit 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures, from 5 AM to 12 PM, usually offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Monday generally provides cheaper prices, while Friday remains the most popular 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 Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from Detroit 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, making both convenient options for travelers heading into the city.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $129 and cheap return flights from $238 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $247 to $1055, and return flights typically cost between $464 and $1403. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
September is the most affordable month to fly from Detroit (DTW) to Sacramento (SMF), with average return fares around $422. This price is about 16% lower than the average throughout the year, as travel demand typically drops after the summer. Other budget-friendly months include April and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Delta offers around 7 weekly direct flights from DTW to SMF.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $400. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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 airline to fly with from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Detroit, MI (DTW) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Delta offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Delta typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from DTW to SMF, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best months to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) are September and August. You can expect return flights to be around $422 during these months, which strikes a nice balance between cost and availability. September offers pleasant weather in Sacramento, making it a great time to explore the area.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in February, making it a great option for early travelers. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
For flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for around 37% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including Southwest and Delta, offer flights during this period. This timing works well for travelers looking to maximize their day in Sacramento.
How long does it take to fly from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from DTW to SMF typically takes around 5 hours, covering approximately 2,008 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 2 hours 30 minutes to your travel time. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from DTW to SMF. First class cabins are available on:

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

How much is a business class flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Detroit (DTW) to Sacramento (SMF) typically costs between $1,382 - $1,802. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $898 - $1,118. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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 Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW)?
From Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) to reach Sacramento. 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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 Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your Detroit, MI (DTW-Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County) 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
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$238
Distance
2008 mi

Book with confidence

Detroit to Sacramento Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Detroit to Sacramento

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Detroit 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 Detroit 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 Detroit to Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $129 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 Detroit 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 Detroit 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.

 

Detroit to Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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