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$112 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Sacramento (SMF)

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Sacramento (SFO-SMF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $112 for one-way flights and $235 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines
United
Delta
American Airlines

Alternative airports near Sacramento

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Sacramento (SMF)

May is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $169 - $440 per traveler.

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

San Francisco (SFO) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Travel between San Francisco (SFO) and Sacramento (SMF) with a range of airlines serving this quick domestic route. Discover options for cheap flights from San Francisco as you evaluate various full-service carriers to find the journey that suits your budget and schedule. Experience the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Sacramento, all while considering the weekly flights available from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 55 minutes non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 100 miles (160 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the leading airlines for flights from San Francisco to Sacramento, favored for both non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layovers typically occur at San Diego International Airport (SAN), with an average layover time of about 35 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the best fit for your journey.

  • United: This full-service airline provides non-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $110 and $455. United is responsible for around 95% of the departures on this route, featuring a total flight duration of 55 minutes.
  • Alaska Airlines: Offering one-stop services, this full-service carrier's one-way fares usually range from $100 to $165. Alaska Airlines accounts for about 4% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.

Travelers flying from San Francisco to Sacramento can enhance their journey by upgrading to first class service offered by United on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Francisco 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 within 2 weeks, although most travelers book 2-8 weeks in advance. Morning departures, between 5 am and 12 pm, often offer lower prices, while evening flights from 6 pm to 12 am are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday typically provides cheaper options, although Friday is the most sought-after 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 Francisco International Airport

Sacramento welcomes travelers from San Francisco 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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $112 and cheap return flights from $235 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $164 and $1701, and return flights often range between $274 and $1109. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SFO 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
United offers around 28 weekly direct flights from SFO to SMF.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Sacramento (SMF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $357. 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from San Francisco to Sacramento, 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
On average, there are around 4 nonstop flights per day from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Sacramento Intl. (SMF). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) usually departs at around 12:15 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in January, giving you a head start on your day in California's capital. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
When traveling from San Francisco (SFO) to Sacramento (SMF), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers choose this time window. Many major carriers, including Alaska Airlines, Delta and United, operate flights during this period. This timing is popular because it allows travelers to start their day early and make the most of their time in Sacramento.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from SFO to SMF takes around 1 hour, with the route covering approximately 86 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 5 hours 20 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
You can fly first class between SFO and SMF. First class cabins are available on:

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

How much is a business class flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
A non-stop, one-way business class flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Sacramento, CA (SMF) is usually around $480 - $730. 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
If you're planning to travel to Sacramento from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly into Sacramento Intl. (SMF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), San Diego Intl. (SAN), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco 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 Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
Sacramento Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$230
Distance
86 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 1 min

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