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Sacramento (SMF)
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Flights to Sacramento (SMF) overview
Going searches for the best fares and sends members deals bookable 1-12 months in advance. Going members save approximately 37% compared to normal flight prices to Sacramento (SMF).
Cheapest Going deal
Average price roundtrip
Average Going deal price roundtrip
Best month to fly
Going found the most deals with travel dates in May.
Worst month to fly
Going found the least deals with travel dates in December.
Top tips for finding a cheap flight to Sacramento (SMF)
Book in the Goldilocks Window
Have you ever waited until the last minute to buy a plane ticket hoping the airline would drop prices to fill seats? Then you’ve probably already learned that airlines tend to raise, not lower, prices in the weeks before a departure. In fact, you can almost be certain that prices will go up 21, 14, and 7 days before the flight. Which means you’ll want to buy tickets a lot sooner than that.
We suggest booking within the Goldilocks Window, that period that’s just the right amount of time before a flight, giving you the best chance of getting a good deal. For domestic flights, that’s 1-3 months before takeoff, and for international flights 2-8. If you are planning a trip during busy travel times like the summer months or winter holidays, the Goldilocks Window falls more like a whole half year before departure. Think December or January for summer flights and June or July for winter ones.
Use the Greek Islands Trick
When you’re struggling to find cheap flights, this trick is your best friend. Rather than spending extra to fly directly to Sacramento, you may want to look into flights to San Jose, Oakland, or SFO and find your way to the city from there.
Make it your goal to find the cheapest possible flight to get you close to your final destination, then book with a budget airline or rent a car to get you the rest of the way. While this might take a little extra research, it’s worth it for the savings.
Search alternative departure airports
This strategy is a bit like using the Greek Islands trick in reverse. While looking for a specific trip from your home airport is most convenient, sometimes nearby airports offer better deals. Maybe you can find cheaper fares to Sacramento from Miami, Fort Myers, or Tampa airports than from Fort Lauderdale. If the savings are significant, think of it as getting paid to drive a little farther to catch your flight!
Fly when it’s cheaper
Since the summer months and time around the winter holidays are peak travel seasons, it follows that they’re also the most expensive times to travel. Airlines know they can charge more during these periods and most often do. If you can, avoid traveling during peak season and opt for quieter times of the year instead.
If you have to travel during peak season, there are still ways to find savings here and there. The weeks that bookend the summer—the first two weeks of June and the last two weeks of August—are often the cheapest times to fly, and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays offer lower fares than Fridays and Sundays.
Set alerts for specific trips
When on the hunt for cheap flights, email alerts are your best friend. If you have a specific route in mind, you can sign up for an email alert to get notifications when the price drops. Just try to do this before the Goldilocks Window so you have enough time for prices to fluctuate.
At the Sacramento airport, you can find flights from 12 airlines to more than 30 different destinations in the US, Canada, and Mexico. That means Sacramento can be your gateway to the rest of the continent and beyond.
Frequently asked questions about flying to Sacramento (SMF)
What is the airport code for Sacramento International Airport?
The airport code for Sacramento International Airport is SMF.
When is high season in Sacramento?
High season typically runs from May through July, with July being SMF’s busiest travel month of the year. This is partly due to the fact that the summer is peak travel season all over the US, and partly thanks to Sacramento’s California State Fair, which takes place during the middle of July each year.
When is the best time to visit Sacramento?
If you’re aiming to catch the best weather in Sacramento, head there from April to June or September through November. Average daily highs during the spring range from 71-88, then the scorching heat sets in during July and August before temperatures taper off again in September. Since these are also shoulder seasons for Sacramento travel, they are great times to visit, although the cheapest time of year to fly to California, in general, is typically January.
Does Sacramento International Airport (SMF) have its own on-site hotel?
While there are no on-site hotels at SMF, there are plenty of accommodations within a five-mile radius (about a 10-minute drive) from the airport. This includes:
- Hampton Inn and Suites Sacramento-Airport-Natomas: Amenities include an airport shuttle, outdoor pool, and fitness center. Rooms start at $127 a night.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Sacramento-Airport-Natomas: This hotel offers an airport shuttle, free breakfast, tennis, an outdoor pool, and more from $113 a night.
- Four Points by Sheraton Sacramento International Airport: The newly remodeled Four Points airport hotel offers a pool, fitness center, meeting event space, and airport shuttle from $116 a night.
What lounges are available at Sacramento International Airport?
Terminal A: Terminal A of the Sacramento International Airport has an Escape Lounge—The Centurion Studio Partner located near Gate 1. The lounge offers complimentary access to American Express Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve card members, but anyone can buy a day pass for $45 in person or $40 ahead of time online. Inside the Escape Lounge, you’ll find high-speed WiFi, free food and beverages, charging ports at each seat, and even copy, print, and scan services.
Terminal B: Terminal B is home to the same Escape Lounge—The Centurion Studio Partner as Terminal A, with identical amenities and access. You’ll find it after security on the left-hand side.
What are the rules for traveling with pets to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)?
Pets are allowed at Sacramento International Airport as long as they are kept on a leash and are under control at all times.
Pet relief areas:
- Terminal A (outside security) on the east side of the building outside.
- Terminal A (inside security) near gate A1.
- Terminal B (outside security) on the grass patio in the south part of the building near baggage claim.
- Terminal B (inside security) directly after security on the right before gate B11.
How far is Sacramento International Airport to Sacramento?
SMF is located 11 miles away from downtown Sacramento—about a 15-minute drive.
What are the transportation options for getting from Sacramento International Airport to Sacramento?
There are several options for getting from SMF to downtown Sacramento.
- By taxi or rideshare: The 11-mile ride costs anywhere from $20-$50 for a rideshare ride or taxi, depending on the time of day and week.
- By public transportation: The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) runs an express bus between the airport and downtown Sacramento. Route #142 runs every 60 minutes seven days a week between 5:15 am and 10:33 pm. Yolobus also offers routes #42A and 42B with stops at the airport as well as Downtown Sacramento, West Sacramento, Davis, and County Fair Mall in Woodland. There are shuttles available through MedStar and Paratransit for travelers with disabilities.
How long is the flight to Sacramento?
Since it’s a relatively minor airport in California, there may not be direct flights to SMF from all airports around the US. There are lots of nonstop flights from other airports in California, which take around an hour. You can also get a direct flight to Sacramento from New York that takes about 6.5 hours. Flights from the middle of the country take about 3-5 hours, while flights from southern states like Florida and Georgia take about 5-6 hours.
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* Prices are per person and include all taxes & fees in USD. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing, however, prices are not guaranteed, as airline pricing can change by the minute. Average Going fares are based on average prices of deals found by Going.