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$56 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $56 flight on Sat, Sep 5, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from San Diego to Sacramento (SAN-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $56 for one-way flights and $113 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 21
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$113 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$113
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Mon, Sep 21, priced at $113 found 5 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Fri, Sep 11
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$114 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$114
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $114 found 12 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Fri, Sep 11
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$115 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$115
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $115 found 12 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Sep 29 - Thu, Oct 8
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$117 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$117
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Thu, Oct 8, priced at $117 found 7 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 6
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$117 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$117
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $117 found 3 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Fri, Sep 11
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$118 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$118
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $118 found 12 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Fri, Oct 30
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$121 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$121
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Fri, Oct 30, priced at $121 found 3 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Sep 3 - Sun, Sep 6
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$138 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$138
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 3 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $138 found 4 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 1 - Mon, Oct 5
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$138 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$138
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 1 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Mon, Oct 5, priced at $138 found 3 hours ago
Delta
Tue, Sep 1 - Wed, Sep 2
SAN
San Diego
SMF
Sacramento
$157 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$157
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from San Diego to Sacramento, returning Wed, Sep 2, priced at $157 found 1 hour ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $97 - $117 per traveler.

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

San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) with a range of airlines offering this domestic short-haul route. Explore your options among both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. Whether you’re on the hunt for the cheapest flights to Sacramento or simply planning your next adventure, get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Sacramento.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 500 miles (805 km)
  • Flights per week: around 70+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $45–$265, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Diego to Sacramento, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers opt for layovers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, approximately 1 hour), Harry Reid International Airport (LAS, around 1 hour 30 minutes), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO, also about 1 hour 30 minutes). This variety allows you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to tailor the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $50 and $275. It accounts for about 59% of departures on this route, with a typical non-stop flight duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Alaska Airlines: As a full-service airline, Alaska Airlines offers non-stop flights with one-way fares typically priced between $50 and $260. It represents roughly 33% of the departures on this route, featuring a total travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Delta: Delta is a full-service airline that provides one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $90 to $230. It makes up around 2% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and an overall travel time of about 4 hours, including layover.
  • American Airlines: Known as a full-service carrier, American Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $80 and $310. It comprises approximately 2% of departures on this route, with a standard non-stop journey time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline provides non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares generally ranging from $45 to $145. It accounts for around 1% of departures on this route, offering a typical non-stop travel time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Travelers flying from San Diego to Sacramento have the option to upgrade their flights. Notable airlines include Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, both providing first class and business class service, while Delta offers first class and premium economy seating for a more comfortable journey.

Best time to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego 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 $131. Flight availability peaks in November, with approximately 88 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 47 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $131, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: February, December, and August typically offer average one-way fares of around $135.
  • Most flight options: November has the highest number of flights from San Diego to Sacramento, with approximately 88 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 High47$131
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Average52$132
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Slightly High72$152
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Slightly High73$152
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Slightly Low74$155
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Slightly Low76$161
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Average78$153
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Average80$138
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Slightly Low74$145
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Average73$138
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Average88$149
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Average80$138

*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 San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • San Diego to Sacramento (SAN-SAC): Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is located approximately 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), providing convenient access to the region.
  • Carlsbad to Sacramento (CLD-SMF): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) lies around 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN), making it a viable option for travelers.
  • Carlsbad to Sacramento (CLD-SAC): McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is about 28 miles from San Diego International Airport (SAN), while Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) is roughly 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

How to find the best prices for flights from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. often provide lower prices and are the most popular times to fly, while traveling on Tuesday generally results in cheaper fares, despite Friday being 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 San Diego International Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from San Diego 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 located approximately 8.6 miles from the airport, providing convenient access to regional transportation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $56 and cheap return flights from $113 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $80 to $598, and return flights typically cost between $187 and $1037. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
February is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF), with average return fares around $202. This is about 13% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand tends to be lower during this time. Other economical months for this route include August and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Hawaiian Airlines operates around 29 direct flights from SAN to SMF every week.
How do I find cheap flights from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from SAN 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best times to fly from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF) are February and August. February is particularly attractive with return flights averaging around $202, making it the cheapest month. August also offers good options, allowing you to enjoy the summer weather while keeping costs down.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
On average, there are around 12 nonstop flights per day from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF) usually leaves at around 6:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in February and March. An early flight allows you to 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 23% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it lets you start your day early and maximize your time in Sacramento.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from SAN to SMF typically takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, covering approximately 480 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the SAN to SMF route with American Airlines.First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines

How much is a business class flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from San Diego (SAN) to Sacramento (SMF) typically costs between $495 - $828 per adult. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $253 - $393 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
From San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) to reach Sacramento. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS) 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$111
Distance
479 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 37 mins

Book with confidence

San Diego to Sacramento Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from San Diego to Sacramento

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $56 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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.

 

San Diego to Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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