Flying from Los Angeles to Sacramento: what you need to know
Many great adventures start at one of Los Angeles's main airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Explore the options for booking a flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento taking off from either of these bases.
The major gateways to Sacramento are Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Stockton Airport (SCK).
Around 1 hour 30 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Los Angeles to Sacramento flight.
Los Angeles and Sacramento share the UTC-7 timezone. That means there's no time difference to adjust for.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 94 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento is with United Airlines at 22:35. Go for the first LAX to SMF departure operated by Southwest Airlines at 05:30 to fit in more activities on your first day in Sacramento.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your Los Angeles to Sacramento flight.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento
Lock in cheap Los Angeles to Sacramento flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for landing an incredible deal on plane tickets from Los Angeles to Sacramento. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you when a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Los Angeles to Sacramento flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento, you can depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Travel from LAX to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) without making any stops.
Direct Los Angeles to Sacramento plane tickets are available from numerous airlines at LAX. Book your seat with any of these:
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles, LAX can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
Want a convenient hotel close to Los Angeles International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento, these accommodation options will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
Los Angeles International Airport maintains a solid on-time record, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from LAX land on schedule 81.05% of the time.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Arriving in Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is approximately 14 kilometres from the centre of Sacramento. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 15 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
Grab a Sacramento International Airport rental car and discover Sacramento and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are top providers you can book with here.
Reserving your vehicle from Sacramento International Airport around two weeks ahead boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
The address for SMF is 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Stockton Airport (SCK)
After your flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento has landed, you can reach the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Sacramento is roughly 80 kilometres from Stockton Airport (SCK).
You can expect the journey to take roughly 3 hours 20 minutes on public transport.
The address for Stockton Airport is 5000 South Airport Way, Room 202.
Best time to go to Sacramento
August is the most popular month for flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Sacramento in May.
Before locking in your Los Angeles to Sacramento tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Sacramento, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 37ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC and 17ºC on average.
More about Sacramento
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Sacramento:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Old Sacramento State Historic Park, Crocker Art Museum and Discovery Park are must-visits when exploring Sacramento.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Sacramento, now it's time to explore more of United States. Journey around 145 kilometres south to San Jose to tick off its leading sights. From Winchester Mystery House to Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 121 kilometres south-west of Sacramento, San Francisco is another essential stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Lombard Street.