Flying from Sacramento to Chicago: what you need to know
Your next great adventure starts at one of Sacramento's main airports, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Sacramento Stockton Airport (SCK). Explore the options for booking a flight from Sacramento to Chicago leaving from either of these.
When it comes to touching down in Chicago, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a primary hub. Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is another.
The average time for a direct Sacramento to Chicago flight is 4 hours.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-6, which is two hours ahead of Sacramento.
The busiest route for flights from Sacramento to Chicago is from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Take your pick of 25 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from SMF to ORD is the 07:00 United Airlines service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last scheduled departure is at 23:59 with American Airlines.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your Sacramento to Chicago flight.
Flying during a peak time such as July? School holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Chicago
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Sacramento to Chicago flights if you book early. Airlines often have some excellent early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Sacramento to Chicago throughout the month. It's a great way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates are flexible.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Sacramento to Chicago by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Sacramento to Chicago flights.
Flying from Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
You can find a direct flight from Sacramento to Chicago jetting out of Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Begin your trip at SMF and then land at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
You'll have your choice of airlines that offer direct Sacramento to Chicago plane tickets out of SMF. Get on board with any of these:
SMF is around 16 kilometres from central Sacramento. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 50 minutes.
Looking for a place to stay before your flight from Sacramento to Chicago? Check out Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas by IHG. Enjoy a good night's rest here before making your way to Sacramento International Airport.
Sacramento International Airport scores high marks for on-time performance. 81% of flights that depart SMF reach their destination without delay.
SMF is located at 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
It usually takes 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Sacramento to Chicago. Book one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget to explore Chicago and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by booking your vehicle from Chicago O'Hare International Airport around four weeks before your trip.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Once your flight from Sacramento to Chicago has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 25 minutes by car. Central Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 30 minutes.
There are some great places to lay your head close to MDW. Tuck yourself in after your Sacramento to Chicago flight at any of these well-located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting in a long taxi line. Grab a Chicago Midway Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Check out the rates and availability from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW will help you stay within budget.
You can find Chicago Midway Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) is roughly 129 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 40 minutes to get to the city centre by ride-share or taxi after your flight from Sacramento to Chicago.
Public transport will take you there in roughly 2 hours.
Stay in control of the next chapter of your journey with a Chicago Rockford Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National make getting on the road smooth sailing.
If you'd like a certain type of vehicle, booking early increases your chances of snagging what you want. Book your ride from RFD at least a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Sacramento to Chicago.
The street address for Chicago Rockford Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
March is the quietest month for flights from Sacramento to Chicago, while July is the busiest. Choose the best time to go to Chicago based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Sacramento to Chicago ticket departing in July if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 16ºC to 28ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Look for cheap flights from Sacramento to Chicago around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Sacramento to Chicago, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Chicago:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower are top attractions which should be on every Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've done Chicago, now it's time to discover other parts of the United States. Journey around 451 kilometres southeast to Columbus to check off its top attractions. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in the United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
