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$85 Cheap Flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $85 flight on Mon, Aug 31, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from Philadelphia to Sacramento (PHL-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $85 for one-way flights and $205 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Fri, Aug 28 - Mon, Aug 31
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$205 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$205
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Aug 28 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Mon, Aug 31, priced at $205 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Aug 28 - Fri, Sep 4
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$226 Roundtrip, just found
$226
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Aug 28 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Fri, Sep 4, priced at $226 just found
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Tue, Oct 20
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$238 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$238
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $238 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Tue, Oct 20
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$243 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$243
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Tue, Oct 20, priced at $243 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$246 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$246
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $246 found 12 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Aug 31 - Sun, Sep 6
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$247 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$247
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $247 found 4 days ago
Frontier Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 26
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$250 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$250
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 16 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $250 found 12 hours ago
United
Mon, Aug 31 - Tue, Sep 1
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$252 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$252
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Tue, Sep 1, priced at $252 found 10 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Tue, Sep 15
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$257 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$257
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $257 found 3 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Sep 5 - Thu, Oct 29
PHL
Philadelphia
SMF
Sacramento
$257 Roundtrip, just found
$257
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from Philadelphia to Sacramento, returning Thu, Oct 29, priced at $257 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 $313
SMF
Sacramento Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center15 min
Flights from $313

What you need to know for your flight from Philadelphia Intl. to Sacramento Intl.

Philadelphia (PHL) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines providing service on the long-haul route from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF). You can compare full-service airlines and budget-friendly options to discover the best flights from Philadelphia to Sacramento that align with your travel plans and budget. With various weekly flights available, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods of Sacramento.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 8h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,500 miles (4,020 km)
  • Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$475, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Based on recent traveler bookings, the most popular airlines flying from Philadelphia to Sacramento typically offer one-stop and multi-stop options. Many travelers prefer layovers at Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with a 45-minute stop, Denver International Airport (DEN) with a 1-hour 30-minute layover, and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with a 1-hour 15-minute stop. These choices provide the flexibility to combine various price points, total travel durations, and cabin classes to discover the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $140 and $475. It operates about 46% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 7 hours and a total trip time of approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop service with one-way fares that typically range from $145 to $535. It accounts for around 22% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 7 hours and an overall journey time of about 8 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest provides both one-stop and multi-stop services, with one-way fares usually between $120 and $535. It represents roughly 15% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 7 hours and a total travel time of around 8 hours and 15 minutes.
  • United: United is a full-service airline offering both non-stop and one-stop travel, with one-way fares typically ranging from $145 to $520. This carrier makes up about 13% of flights on this route, with a standard in-flight time of 7 hours and a total journey length of approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: A low-cost option, Frontier provides one-stop services with one-way fares usually ranging from $120 to $300. It accounts for about 4% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 7 hours and an overall travel duration of roughly 8 hours and 15 minutes, including any layovers.

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

Best time to fly from Philadelphia (PHL) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Philadelphia to Sacramento are March, April, and June, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 74.5°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider July, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 77.5°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $217. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 31 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 16 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $217, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $222.
  • Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Philadelphia to Sacramento, with approximately 31 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)Average16$263
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Slightly Low17$275
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Slightly High19$275
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Slightly High20$248
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Average31$266
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Slightly High29$256
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Slightly Low27$246
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Average28$217
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Average25$222
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Slightly Low23$281
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Average29$268
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average29$302

*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 Philadelphia (PHL) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • Philadelphia to Sacramento (PHL-SAC): Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is located approximately 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
  • Philadelphia to Sacramento (PNE-SMF): Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE) lies around 18 miles distant from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
  • Trenton to Sacramento (TTN-SAC): Mercer Airport (TTN) is roughly 36 miles away from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), while Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is situated about 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

How to find the best prices for flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Philadelphia 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 and eight weeks ahead. Morning departures from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. often offer lower prices and are quite popular, while flying on Tuesday generally results in cheaper tickets, even though 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 Philadelphia International Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from Philadelphia 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 located about 9 miles away, while 7th & Richards/Township 9 Station, a metro station, is approximately 8.6 miles from the airport, making both easily accessible for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $85 and cheap return flights from $205 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $205 to $988, and return flights typically cost between $378 and $1321. 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
August is typically the cheapest month to fly from Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Sacramento, CA (SMF), with average round-trip fares around $355. This is about 17% lower than the average price throughout the year, as August often sees a dip in travel demand. Other affordable months to consider are January and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Enter PHL to SMF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $263. 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 time to fly from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best months to fly from Philadelphia to Sacramento are August and September. These months typically feature average return flight prices around $355, providing a nice balance between affordability and travel options. August offers warm summer weather, while September sees fewer crowds, making it a pleasant time to visit California.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Sacramento (SMF) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in January and February, helping you get an early start on your trip to 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Philadelphia (PHL) to Sacramento (SMF) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 35% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows you to arrive in Sacramento with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A flight from PHL to SMF with a layover takes around 8 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 2,452 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
You can fly first class between PHL and SMF. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Intl. (PHL)?
If you're planning to travel to Sacramento from Philadelphia Intl. (PHL), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Midway Intl. (MDW), Denver Intl. (DEN), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your Philadelphia, PA (PHL-Philadelphia 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
Philadelphia Intl.
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$205
Distance
2451 mi

Book with confidence

Philadelphia to Sacramento Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Philadelphia to Sacramento

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $85 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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.

 

Philadelphia to Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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