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$164 Cheap Flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $164 flight on Sun, Sep 13, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. Airport (MSP) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from Minneapolis to Sacramento (MSP-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $164 for one-way flights and $250 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Thu, Oct 1
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$250 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$250
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 26 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Thu, Oct 1, priced at $250 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Tue, Sep 22 - Sat, Sep 26
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$260 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$260
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 22 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Sat, Sep 26, priced at $260 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Thu, Oct 1
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$270 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$270
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 26 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Thu, Oct 1, priced at $270 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Sat, Sep 26
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$280 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$280
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Sat, Sep 26, priced at $280 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Thu, Oct 1
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$290 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$290
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 26 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Thu, Oct 1, priced at $290 found 1 day ago
Alaska Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Tue, Sep 15
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$292 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$292
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $292 found 3 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Sun, Sep 27 - Tue, Sep 29
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$299 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sun, Sep 27 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $299 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Sun, Sep 6 - Wed, Sep 9
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$308 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$308
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sun, Sep 6 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $308 found 2 days ago
United
Wed, Nov 25 - Thu, Nov 26
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$524 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$524
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Nov 25 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Thu, Nov 26, priced at $524 found 6 days ago
Delta
Thu, Sep 10 - Sun, Sep 13
MSP
Minneapolis
SMF
Sacramento
$527 Roundtrip, just found
$527
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Minneapolis to Sacramento, returning Sun, Sep 13, priced at $527 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 $607
SMF
Sacramento Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center15 min
Flights from $607

Find the cheapest month to fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $234 - $397 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. to Sacramento Intl.

Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF) on this short domestic route. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or full-service carriers, you can compare various itineraries to find the best fit for your schedule and budget. Get ready to discover the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Sacramento as you plan your journey from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $90–$490, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Recent traveler bookings highlight the top airlines flying from Minneapolis to Sacramento, featuring both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Common layover points include Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 1 hour and 30 minute stop, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) at roughly 2 hours, and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with an approximately 1 hour layover. This variety allows you to customize your journey by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary.

  • Delta: As a premier full-service airline, Delta provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $180 and $680. This carrier operates around 28% of flights on this route, with a non-stop travel duration of approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly options, Southwest Airlines offers one-stop and multi-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $140 to $460. It also comprises about 28% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of around 5 hours and a total journey time of roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes.
  • United: United Airlines, a full-service provider, specializes in one-stop services, with typical one-way fares spanning from $130 to $460. This airline accounts for about 14% of the departures on this route, with 5 hours of flight time and a total travel duration of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $90 and $280. Frontier Airlines represents around 13% of the departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5 hours and an overall journey time of about 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Alaska Airlines: A full-service carrier, Alaska Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally ranging from $130 to $430. This airline contributes approximately 11% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and a total travel time of roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Minneapolis to Sacramento by upgrading their flight. Delta provides first class and premium economy class service on this route for added comfort.

Best time to fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Minneapolis 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 November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 54.9°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $227. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 25 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 17 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $227, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: May typically offers an average one-way fare of around $246.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Minneapolis to Sacramento, with approximately 25 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)Moderately High17$250
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Average18$227
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Moderately High21$283
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Moderately High21$271
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Average24$246
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Average25$258
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Average22$285
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Moderately Low19$263
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Average23$264
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Moderately Low22$293
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Moderately Low18$262
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average18$299

*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 Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • St. Paul to Sacramento (STP-SMF): Located approximately 8 miles from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP), St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) offers convenient access to the region.
  • Minneapolis to Sacramento (MSP-SAC): Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) lies roughly 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), providing an efficient gateway for travelers heading to the area.
  • St. Paul to Sacramento (STP-SAC): St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP) is around 8 miles from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP), while Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is about 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

How to find the best prices for flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Minneapolis 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the morning (5 am-12 pm) not only tend to be cheaper but are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Monday often results in lower prices, whereas Friday 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 Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from Minneapolis 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $164 and cheap return flights from $250 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $246 and $947, and roundtrip flights usually range from $422 to $1204. 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from MSP to SMF is September when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Delta operates around 10 direct flights from MSP to SMF every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Minneapolis - St. Paul (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF), starting from around $539. 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) 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. WN offers the most daily flights from MSP 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in June and July, and an early departure helps you make the most of 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Major carriers like Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to make the most of your day upon arrival.
How long does it take to fly from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from MSP to SMF typically takes around 4 hours, covering approximately 1,515 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 5 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the MSP to SMF route. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF) typically costs between $1,532 - $1,726. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $928 - $1,138. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP)?
If you're planning to travel to Sacramento from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Midway Intl. (MDW), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA) 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul 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
Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$250
Distance
1514 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 47 mins

Book with confidence

Minneapolis to Sacramento Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Minneapolis to Sacramento

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $164 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.

 

Minneapolis to Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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