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$169 Cheap Flights from Louisville (SDF) to Sacramento (SMF)

View $169 flight on Wed, Dec 2, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Louisville Intl. Airport (SDF) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from Louisville to Sacramento (SDF-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $169 for one-way flights and $332 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Sat, Dec 5 - Mon, Dec 7
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$332 Roundtrip, found 11 hours ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 11 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Dec 5 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Mon, Dec 7, priced at $332 found 11 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Tue, Oct 13
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$337 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $337 found 13 hours ago
Delta
Sat, Nov 7 - Mon, Nov 16
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$337 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $337 found 14 hours ago
United
Sat, Nov 7 - Mon, Nov 16
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$337 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Sat, Nov 7 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $337 found 14 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Wed, Dec 9
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$342 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$342
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Dec 3 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Wed, Dec 9, priced at $342 found 7 hours ago
United
Thu, Nov 12 - Mon, Nov 16
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$347 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$347
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $347 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 25
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$347 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$347
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Jan 21 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Mon, Jan 25, priced at $347 found 8 hours ago
United
Thu, Dec 24 - Tue, Dec 29
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$349 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$349
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Dec 24 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Tue, Dec 29, priced at $349 found 7 hours ago
United
Thu, Nov 12 - Mon, Nov 16
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$352 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$352
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $352 found 1 day ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Jun 8 - Tue, Jun 15
SDF
Louisville
SMF
Sacramento
$633 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$633
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jun 8 from Louisville to Sacramento, returning Tue, Jun 15, priced at $633 found 1 hour ago

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 $502
SMF
Sacramento Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center15 min
Flights from $502

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

Louisville (SDF) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Explore a range of airlines offering routes from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) on this domestic short-haul journey. Compare options for your travel needs, whether you're looking for the cheapest flights to Sacramento or the best flights from Louisville. With weekly flights available, you can easily find an itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule as you set out to discover Sacramento's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 6 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,900 miles (3,060 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $160–$535, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Louisville International Airport (SDF) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Louisville to Sacramento, particularly those offering one-stop services. Common layover spots include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with approximately a 1h 15m layover, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) also around 1h 15m, and Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 1h 45m 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 options, this low-cost carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares generally falling between $170 and $535. It handles around 33% of departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: As a full-service airline, American Airlines offers one-stop flights with one-way prices usually ranging from $160 to $575. This carrier comprises approximately 32% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours, leading to a total journey length of roughly 7 hours and 30 minutes, which includes layover time.
  • United: This full-service airline provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $170 and $835. United accounts for about 21% of the departures for this route, boasting a flight time of 6 hours and a total travel duration of around 7 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in any layovers.
  • Delta: Delta operates as a full-service carrier, offering one-stop flights with one-way fares commonly ranging from $160 to $645. It makes up roughly 14% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a complete journey time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover periods.

Travelers flying from Louisville to Sacramento have the option to upgrade their experience, with both American Airlines and United providing first-class service for this route.

Best time to fly from Louisville (SDF) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Louisville to Sacramento are March, April, and September, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 74.5°F in September. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 76.8°F. For better deals, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $240. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $240, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: July typically offers an average one-way fare of around $246.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Louisville to Sacramento, with approximately 14 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)Average9$317
February50.5°F (10.3°C)Average10$325
March53.6°F (12.0°C)Moderately High11$310
April59.7°F (15.4°C)Moderately High11$271
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Average11$293
June74.5°F (23.6°C)Average14$240
July77.5°F (25.3°C)Average10$246
August76.8°F (24.9°C)Moderately Low9$301
September74.5°F (23.6°C)Moderately High13$284
October66.4°F (19.1°C)Average11$296
November54.9°F (12.7°C)Moderately Low10$333
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Moderately Low11$316

*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 Louisville (SDF) to Sacramento (SMF)

  • Louisville to Sacramento (SDF-SAC): Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) lies approximately 13 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
  • Bardstown to Sacramento (BRY-SMF): Samuels Field Airport (BRY) is located about 29 miles from Louisville International Airport (SDF).

How to find the best prices for flights from Louisville (SDF) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Louisville 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 typically found when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., often offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday usually results in cheaper tickets, while Monday remains the most popular 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 Louisville International Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from Louisville 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, making both accessible for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $169 and cheap return flights from $332 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $216 and $813, and return flights often range between $420 and $1285. 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SDF to SMF is December 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Enter SDF to SMF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Louisville (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento (SMF-Sacramento Intl.), starting from around $307 for a round-trip ticket. 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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.
What is the earliest flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Louisville Intl. (SDF) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in February, allowing you to start your day early and make the most of your time 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
For flights from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 42% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, operate flights during this period. This timing works well because it lets you maximize your day upon arrival in Sacramento.
How long does it take to fly from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Flying from SDF to SMF with a connection usually takes about 8 hours, traveling roughly 1,928 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SDF to SMF route. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville Intl. (SDF)?
From Louisville Intl. (SDF), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) to reach Sacramento. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Midway Intl. (MDW), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Denver Intl. (DEN) 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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 Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your Louisville, KY (SDF-Louisville 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
Louisville Intl.
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$332
Distance
1927 mi

Book with confidence

Louisville to Sacramento Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Louisville to Sacramento

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Louisville 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 Louisville 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 Louisville to Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $169 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 Louisville 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 Louisville 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.

 

Louisville to Sacramento Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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