Flights to Sacramento, California

Explore Sacramento, United States, where local culture meets regional scenery.

CaliforniaPacific Daylight TimeSMF
Departure
Return
Best round-trip fare
$171.00
Nonstop from
48
Best time to visit
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Updated
2026-10-27

Sacramento travel overview

Sacramento is California's capital, with the State Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento waterfront, the Railroad Museum and Midtown neighborhoods to explore. Population uses the Census Bureau's 2025 estimate for Sacramento city limits, excluding the wider county and metropolitan area.

State
California
Population
524,943 (2025)
Time zone
Pacific Daylight Time
Average stay
2–3 days
Nearest airport
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Straight-line distance
15.2 km

Popular flights to Sacramento

Find the most popular routes to Sacramento, with flight times, airlines and typical prices.

Popular flight routes to Sacramento
FromFlight timeAirlines(main)Weekly flightsFrom priceRoute
Los Angeles (LAX)85 minAmerican Airlines|Delta Air Lines|United Airlines|Southwest Airlines|Frontier Airlines126$176.00View route
San Diego (SAN)95 minAlaska Airlines|Southwest Airlines115$244.00View route
Seattle (SEA)105 minAlaska Airlines|Delta Air Lines|Southwest Airlines83$264.00View route
Denver (DEN)150 minUnited Airlines|Southwest Airlines|Frontier Airlines77$233.00View route
Phoenix (PHX)115 minAmerican Airlines|Southwest Airlines70$283.00View route
Las Vegas (LAS)90 minSouthwest Airlines|Frontier Airlines74$171.00View route

Airports serving Sacramento

Candidate airport code(s) associated with Sacramento include SMF; verify your ticket's IATA code and ground transport links to central Sacramento.

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) serves Sacramento. Choose buses, taxis, ride apps or rental cars for your terminal, destination and current service, following airport pickup signs.

Distance to downtown
15.2 km
Typical drive time
Approx. 11 min
Terminals
2
Airlines by route coverage
Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
Ground transport
SacRT Route 142 provides express service between the airport and downtown Sacramento. Yolobus 42A/42B loops also connect Davis, Woodland and West Sacramento, serving both terminals; check operators for direction and departures.

Best time to visit Sacramento

No data

Average temperature and rainfall

High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (in)
100°8″75°6″50°4″25°2″0°0″1: high 56.7°F, low 38.8°F, rainfall 27.1 mmJan2: high 59.5°F, low 43.3°F, rainfall 187.7 mmFeb3: high 61.9°F, low 45.0°F, rainfall 70.9 mmMar4: high 74.7°F, low 50.4°F, rainfall 22.4 mmApr5: high 87.1°F, low 57.6°F, rainfall 3.2 mmMay6: high 93.2°F, low 58.5°F, rainfall 0 mmJun7: high 93.6°F, low 59.4°F, rainfall 4 mmJul8: high 97.9°F, low 63.0°F, rainfall 0 mmAug9: high 90.3°F, low 64.0°F, rainfall 3 mmSep10: high 73.6°F, low 54.0°F, rainfall 84.9 mmOct11: high 63.3°F, low 49.3°F, rainfall 109 mmNov12: high 52.9°F, low 43.0°F, rainfall 153 mmDec

Recommended months

April – MaySeptember – October

No data

Seasons

WinterNo data

No data

SpringNo data

No data

SummerNo data

No data

AutumnNo data

No data

Top things to do in Sacramento

Landmarks, outdoor escapes and local culture for your Sacramento itinerary.

California State Capitol Museum and Park

Explore California government history and exhibits, with walks in Capitol Park. The museum currently has limited access and closes on weekends and most holidays; check building and park access separately.

Old Sacramento State Historic Park

Explore preserved buildings and streets in the historic waterfront district and combine it with nearby museums. Check each building, exhibition and event for access and ticket requirements.

California State Railroad Museum

See restored railway vehicles and exhibits about railroads' role in California. Museum admission and excursion trains are separate arrangements; check current seasonal operations and tickets with the operator.

Crocker Art Museum

Explore art from different places and periods at the downtown museum. Confirm opening dates, exhibitions and admission requirements with the museum; not all visits are assumed free.

Sacramento city transport

Compare practical ways to travel from the airport and around the city.

Sacramento transport options
TransportBest forTime to downtownTypical cost
SMF Airport connectionNo data--
SMF Airport to Central Sacramento Ground TransferTravelers arriving or departing Sacramento via SMF15–50 minUSD 2–35 · estimated one-way airport-to-town; see cost notes · as of 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): 15–50 minutes one-way between SMF and central Sacramento; from USD 2.0 per person by public transit up to USD 35.0 per vehicle by taxi. Original charging basis: one-way SMF to central Sacramento: public bus per person vs taxi per car in USD.
Yolobus regional busNo data--
SacRT rail and bus connectionsNo data--

Where to stay in Sacramento

When staying in Sacramento, consider central town districts or areas near main transport corridors and SMF airport connections.

Downtown and Old Sacramento area

Editorial area suggestion for the Capitol, museums and historic waterfront. Check walks, public transport and parking for the exact address; hotel prices and all-day convenience are not assumed.

Midtown Sacramento area

Editorial area suggestion for dining, galleries and neighborhood walks, with possible visits to Sutter's Fort. Choose transport for the exact location and current access, and check parking terms.

Sacramento trip planning

Spend your first day exploring central Sacramento, local museums, and markets, and dedicate a second day to nearby nature trails or regional landmarks.

Daily budget
USD 110–260 · estimated per person/day in USD; local stay, meals & transit · 2026-10-20 · Reference estimate (as of 2026-10-20): expect about USD 110–260 per person/day for budget-to-midrange lodging, meals, and local transit in Sacramento (quoted in USD, excluding flights).
Local time
No data
Tipping
In United States, tipping 15–20% of the pre-tax bill is customary at sit-down restaurants and for taxis; check whether a service charge is already included.
Power outlets
United States uses 120 V, 60 Hz power with standard Type A and Type B outlets.
Accessibility
Main terminal facilities at SMF and modern buildings in Sacramento generally provide basic accessible access, while older streets or rural trails may have uneven surfaces.
Suggested stay
2–3 days

Explore more destinations

Pair your visit to Sacramento with regional destination Arcata/Eureka. Arcata/Eureka: Arcata/Eureka shares regional transport links and cultural themes with Sacramento in United States, making a natural multi-city pairing. Bakersfield: Bakersfield shares regional transport links and cultural themes with Sacramento in United States, making a natural multi-city pairing.

Popular routes from Sacramento

Allow ample buffer time for ground transfers to SMF airport or intercity rail/bus terminals when departing Sacramento.

Frequently asked questions about Sacramento

Does the population include all of Sacramento County?

No. The 536,449 figure is the Census Bureau's July 1, 2025 estimate for Sacramento city limits, not the county or metropolitan area.

How many days should a first Sacramento visit allow?

Editorial suggestion: allow 2–3 days for the Capitol, historic waterfront, railway and art museums, with extra time for regional trips.

Which months are worth considering for a visit?

Editorial suggestion: consider March–May or September–October with indoor museum options. Summers can be hot and conditions vary; check forecasts and access notices before travel.

Can visitors assume the Capitol Museum is open on weekends?

No. The museum currently has limited access and closes on weekends and most holidays. Capitol Park has different access arrangements; check the museum's current notices before travel.

How can visitors use public transit from SMF to downtown?

Check SacRT Route 142 and Yolobus 42A/42B, with services for Terminals A and B. Confirm direction, pickup points and current departures for your destination; travel time is not fixed.

Can visitors still follow old advice to use ZipPass?

SacRT announced ZipPass's retirement on July 1, 2026 and now uses Transit Connect for mobile fares. Check the operator for other payment methods, fares and applicable rules.