Travelling from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport (SMF): What you need to know
Your next great adventure starts 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 International Airport (SMF) setting off from either of these bases.
Around 1 hour 30 minutes is how long you'll be in the air on a direct Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport flight.
Los Angeles and Sacramento (where Sacramento International Airport is located) share the UTC-7 timezone. That means you won't need to adjust your watch when you arrive.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the most popular route. There are 94 direct weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, take the last flight with United Airlines at 10:35pm. Go for the first LAX to SMF departure operated by Southwest Airlines at 5:30am if you want to get going earlier.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your flight from Los Angeles to SMF.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're heading away during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. The recommendation for peak times? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Enjoy an uninterrupted journey from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) operate from here.
Direct flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport are offered by a good number of airlines at LAX. Book your journey with one of these:
The majority of travellers prefer to fly with Delta Air Lines from LAX to SMF.
Delta Air Lines ranks as the leading on-time carrier on this route, with 89.74% of its services arriving as scheduled.
The journey from central Los Angeles to LAX takes around 55 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want an easy start to your break? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Los Angeles International Airport earns top marks for its on-time performance. 81.05% of flights that take off from LAX arrive at their destination without delay.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
You can reach VNY from the centre of Los Angeles in about 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to travel the 32 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your Los Angeles to SMF flight? Relax in a hotel near Van Nuys Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays have a room with your name on it:
About Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Arriving on a late flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport? Don't let it rob you of real rest. Stay within easy reach of SMF at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas.
Pick up a Sacramento International Airport rental car and explore Sacramento and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are well-known companies to choose from here.
To secure the lowest price, book your ride around two weeks in advance of your Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport flight.
The street address for SMF is 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Getting from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to central Sacramento
Central Sacramento is around 14 kilometres from Sacramento International Airport. Travel times by cab or car hire will vary depending on traffic conditions, so do some research before your trip.
Travelling on public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
R 323 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport. Return flights start at R 680. These fares can change depending on availability.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from Los Angeles to SMF. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport tickets across each month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel plans are flexible.
Locking in a cheap plane ticket from Los Angeles to SMF is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Filters make it easier to land a deal on your flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport. Choose the departure times, carriers and stops that look good to you. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
August is the most popular month for flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Visit Sacramento in May if you prefer a quieter experience.
Book a Los Angeles to SMF plane ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Sacramento to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 37ºC (99ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport in January when temperatures are between 2ºC (36ºF) and 17ºC (63ºF).
More about Sacramento
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento International Airport, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Sacramento:
Old Sacramento Waterfront and Fright Planet - America's Haunted Theme Park are just a couple of the popular attractions to put on your Sacramento travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at California State Railroad Museum.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Sacramento, now it's time to discover more of the United States. Travel around 153 kilometres south to San Jose to check off its must-visit sights. From Japantown (San Jose) to Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Museum of Innovation, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 129 kilometres south-west of Sacramento, San Francisco is another favourite stop in the United States. No visit is complete without checking out Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies - Alamo Square and Alcatraz Island.