Kansas City (MCI) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Discover a range of airlines offering flights from Kansas City (MCI) to Sacramento (SMF) on this domestic short-haul route. You can explore both full-service and budget carriers, allowing you to select the best Kansas City to Sacramento airfare that suits your needs and preferences. As you plan your visit, take advantage of the chance to see Sacramento's iconic attractions and neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential details about your journey from Kansas City International Airport to Sacramento International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
• Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$320, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Kansas City to Sacramento, featuring both one-stop and non-stop options. Notable layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 1-hour layover, Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) also around 1 hour, and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with approximately a 1.5-hour layover. This variety allows you to mix and match factors like price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

• Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly fares, this low-cost airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options. One-way prices generally fall between $100 and $370, making up about 37% of flights on this route. Expect an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, with total travel time around 6 hours.
• United: This full-service airline offers one-stop journeys, with one-way fares typically ranging from $115 to $320. It represents about 27% of departures on this route. Travelers can anticipate an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 6 hours, including layover.
• American Airlines: As a full-service carrier, American Airlines provides one-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $100 and $305. It accounts for roughly 18% of flights on this route. In-flight time is about 4 hours and 45 minutes, with total travel time nearing 6 hours, factoring in the layover.
• Delta: This full-service airline features one-stop options, with one-way fares typically between $120 and $310. Delta makes up around 14% of departures on this route. Expect an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes, with the entire journey taking about 6 hours, including layover.
• Alaska Airlines: Offering one-stop service, Alaska Airlines is a full-service carrier with one-way fares typically ranging from $115 to $390. It constitutes about 4% of departures on this route. The in-flight time is around 4 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total journey duration of roughly 6 hours, including layover.

Travelers flying from Kansas City to Sacramento have the option to upgrade their flights. Leading airlines offering first-class service include Delta, American Airlines, and United.

Best time to fly from Kansas City (MCI) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Kansas City to Sacramento are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 59.7°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 74.5°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $184. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 26 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 18 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $184, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: September, July, and June typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $189 to $200.
• Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Kansas City to Sacramento, with approximately 26 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Moderately High	19	$184
February	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Average	18	$203
March	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Moderately High	20	$213
April	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Moderately High	22	$203
May	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Average	24	$214
June	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Average	26	$200
July	77.5°F (25.3°C)	Average	24	$191
August	76.8°F (24.9°C)	Average	22	$205
September	74.5°F (23.6°C)	Moderately Low	19	$189
October	66.4°F (19.1°C)	Moderately Low	21	$235
November	54.9°F (12.7°C)	Moderately Low	20	$225
December	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Average	25	$201

*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 Kansas City (MCI) to Sacramento (SMF)

• Kansas City to Sacramento (MCI-SAC): Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is located approximately 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), providing convenient access to the city.
• Kansas City to Sacramento (MKC-SAC): Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) is around 14 miles from Kansas City International Airport (MCI), while Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) lies about 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
• Topeka to Sacramento (FOE-SMF): Forbes Field Airport (FOE) is situated nearly 57 miles from Kansas City International Airport (MCI), making it a viable departure point for travelers heading to Sacramento.

How to find the best prices for flights from Kansas City (MCI) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Kansas City 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 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 often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are more popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday can be cheaper, but Thursday remains the most favored 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 Kansas City International Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from Kansas City 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 regional transit options.