Flying from Chicago to Sacramento: what you need to know
Begin your journey at one of Chicago's main airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Explore your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Sacramento departing from either of these.
The primary gateways to Sacramento are Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Sacramento Stockton Airport (SCK).
Book a direct Chicago to Sacramento flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 4 hours 30 minutes.
Sacramento is two hours behind Chicago and follows the UTC-8 timezone.
With 25 weekly flights between the two airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Chicago to Sacramento with United Airlines at 07:20. If you prefer to get more out of your day before you fly, the last flight from ORD to SMF is with United Airlines at 20:35.
Give yourself enough time to get on your Chicago to Sacramento flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak time like July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Sacramento
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Chicago to Sacramento flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some great early bird discounts.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in every month when searching for your plane ticket from Chicago to Sacramento.
There's no need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Chicago to Sacramento.
Find an affordable Chicago to Sacramento flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Sacramento departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Start your journey at ORD and touch down at Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
United Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Chicago to Sacramento plane tickets from ORD.
Located around 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Chicago to Sacramento? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
Of all flights departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 70% arrive on time at their destination.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
You can take a direct flight from Chicago to Sacramento departing from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Start your journey at MDW and step off the plane at Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
Book a direct Chicago to Sacramento plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the leading airlines operating this route out of MDW.
You can get to MDW from central Chicago in about 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport takes roughly 30 minutes to travel the 14 kilometres or so.
You're going on holiday, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Think about checking in to one of these hotels near Chicago Midway Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Sacramento:
Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time performance of 76%. This figure provides insight into how often flights that leave from this airport arrive on time.
The address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to central Sacramento takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 16 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 50 minutes.
Follow your own route with a Sacramento International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and experience more of Sacramento and beyond.
Reserving your ride from Sacramento International Airport around two weeks ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
SMF is located at 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Sacramento Stockton Airport (SCK)
Sacramento Stockton Airport (SCK) is roughly 80 kilometres from the centre of Sacramento. Following your flight from Chicago to Sacramento, it'll take you approximately 55 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Exit the arrivals area and stay in a hotel near SCK. Unwind shortly after your flight from Chicago to Sacramento at Holiday Inn Express Stockton Southeast by IHG. Or hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and get some rest at Hampton Inn Stockton, Ca.
The address for Sacramento Stockton Airport is 5000 South Airport Way, Room 202.
Best time to go to Sacramento
July is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Sacramento. To avoid the crowds, visit Sacramento in March.
Before locking in your Chicago to Sacramento tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Sacramento, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC to 39ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Sacramento in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 17ºC on average.
More about Sacramento
After booking your flight from Chicago to Sacramento, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Sacramento:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. California State Railroad Museum, Old Sacramento State Historic Park and Crocker Art Museum are attractions you won't want to skip in Sacramento.
Explore more of the United States
San Jose is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered after you've seen Sacramento. Around 145 kilometres to the south, popular attractions include Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley.
San Francisco is another well-known destination in the United States and is around 121 kilometres southwest of Sacramento. No journey is complete without visiting Golden Gate Bridge, The Painted Ladies and Alcatraz Island.
