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$129 Cheap Flights from New York (JFK) to Sacramento (SMF)

Popular airlines from John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport (JFK) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from New York to Sacramento (JFK-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $129 for one-way flights and $257 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Delta
American Airlines
Delta
Delta
American Airlines
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Alaska Airlines
JetBlue Airways

Alternative airports near Sacramento

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

What you need to know for your flight from John F. Kennedy Intl. to Sacramento Intl.

New York (JFK) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Travel between New York (JFK) and Sacramento (SMF) with a range of airlines on this domestic long-haul route. Check out weekly flights and compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best low fares and latest deals on flights that align with your budget and schedule. Whether you're looking to explore Sacramento's renowned attractions or quaint neighborhoods, you'll find the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 6h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,500 miles (4,020 km)
  • Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$380, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from New York to Sacramento, favored for their one-stop and non-stop options. Common layover spots include Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with about a 45-minute stop, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with approximately a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with a one-hour stop. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline offers both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $115 and $360. It represents roughly 44% of the departures along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of about 7 hours and 45 minutes, totaling nearly 8 hours and 45 minutes for the complete journey.
  • Delta: As another full-service airline providing one-stop flights, Delta's one-way fares usually range from $140 to $420. It makes up around 33% of the departures on this route. Passengers can expect about 7 hours and 45 minutes in the air, with total travel time being approximately 8 hours and 45 minutes, including layover time.
  • Alaska Airlines: Known for its one-stop service, Alaska Airlines is a full-service carrier with one-way fares commonly between $125 and $430. It accounts for about 11% of the departures on this route, offering an in-flight time of roughly 7 hours and 45 minutes, with a total journey time around 8 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • JetBlue Airways: This low-cost carrier provides non-stop flights, with one-way fares generally priced from $120 to $380. JetBlue makes up about 9% of the departures on this route, and travelers can look forward to a total travel duration of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes without any layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a budget-friendly airline offering one-stop services, Frontier Airlines has one-way fares that typically range from $115 to $330. It represents around 3% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 7 hours and 45 minutes, making the entire journey time close to 8 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from New York to Sacramento can opt for an upgrade. American Airlines offers first class, while Delta provides both first class and premium economy service, enhancing the overall flying experience.

Best time to fly from New York (JFK) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from New York to Sacramento are January, June, and July, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 77.5°F in July. 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, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $198. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 42 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. September has the fewest flights, with approximately 23 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $198, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: May, August, and January typically offer average one-way fares of around $208.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from New York to Sacramento, with approximately 42 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 High31$211
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Slightly Low28$219
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Average30$236
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Average28$232
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Average29$205
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Slightly High42$219
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Slightly High34$219
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Average26$208
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Average23$198
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Average29$214
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Slightly Low28$242
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Slightly Low29$304

*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 New York (JFK) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • New York to Sacramento (LGA-SMF): LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is located approximately 10 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). One-way economy fares for this journey generally fall between $115 and $390, influenced by the time of year and when you book. The route is commonly served by both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with popular layover points at Denver International Airport (DEN) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and the budget-friendly Southwest Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from New York (JFK) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from New York 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures (5 am-12 pm) often offer lower prices, even though evening flights (6 pm-12 am) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday tends to yield cheaper fares, while Thursday remains the busiest 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 John F. Kennedy International Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from New York with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, John F. Kennedy International Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central New York. 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 located roughly 8.6 miles from the airport, making both accessible options for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $129 and cheap return flights from $257 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $130 and $2077, and roundtrip flights usually range from $386 to $1654. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from New York to Sacramento, with average return fares around $377. This price is about 13% lower than the average throughout the year, as September often sees a dip in travel demand after the summer rush. Other affordable months include February and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
JetBlue Airways operates around 7 direct flights from JFK to SMF every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
JetBlue Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from New York (JFK) to Sacramento (SMF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $227. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 airline to fly with from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from New York, NY (JFK) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, JetBlue Airways offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, JetBlue Airways typically offers the lowest fares. Delta offers the most daily flights from JFK 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
For flights from New York (JFK) to Sacramento (SMF), September and February are the best months to consider. Return flights average around $377, providing a good balance of price and convenience. September is particularly appealing as it offers pleasant weather and a vibrant atmosphere in California.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) generally departs at around 5:45 AM, operated by American Airlines. Taking an early flight allows you to arrive in Sacramento with plenty of time to explore the city. This service is seasonal and typically operates in February. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF) are from 6am to 9am. This time slot is preferred by about 30% of travelers, allowing you to arrive in Sacramento with a full day ahead of you. Airlines such as Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines offer flights during this busy morning period.
How long does it take to fly from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from JFK to SMF takes around 6 hours 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 2,515 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 2 hours 20 minutes longer than direct options. 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the JFK to SMF route with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK)?
If you're planning to travel to Sacramento from John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Orlando Intl. (MCO), Logan Intl. (BOS) 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your New York, NY (JFK-John F. Kennedy 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 F. Kennedy Intl.
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways
Roundtrip price
$221
Distance
2514 mi
Average flight time
6 hours 29 mins

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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