Flying from San Diego to Sacramento: what you need to know
Start planning your holiday by checking out the departure points for your flight from San Diego to Sacramento. Explore the options for leaving from San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), two of the city's main airports.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Stockton Airport (SCK) are the major arrival points in Sacramento.
Hop on a direct San Diego to Sacramento flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 40 minutes.
San Diego and Sacramento share the same timezone, UTC-7.
The busiest route for flights from San Diego to Sacramento is from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Choose from 70 services every week between these two airports. If you want to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from SAN to SMF is the 06:30 Southwest Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last departure is at 21:59 with Alaska Airlines.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your San Diego to Sacramento flight.
Flying during a peak time like July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Sacramento
Currently, R 739 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Sacramento. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 1,465. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap San Diego to Sacramento flights, reserve your journey two months before your departure date.
May is the best month for picking up a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from San Diego to Sacramento. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from San Diego to Sacramento by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' San Diego to Sacramento flights.
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Set off from San Diego International Airport (SAN) on a nonstop flight from San Diego to Sacramento. From SAN, you can fly straight to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
Be on the lookout for deals with Southwest Airlines. This airline offers direct San Diego to Sacramento plane tickets from SAN.
SAN is around 3 kilometres from central San Diego. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 20 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near San Diego International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from San Diego to Sacramento or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
When it comes to San Diego International Airport's on-time performance, 71.38% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is approximately 14 kilometres from central Sacramento. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 15 minutes.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of about 25 minutes.
Begin your adventure by picking up a Sacramento International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and experience the lesser-explored corners of Sacramento and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Sacramento International Airport around two weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
The address for SMF is 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Stockton Airport (SCK)
The centre of Sacramento is about 80 kilometres from Stockton Airport (SCK). As soon as your flight from San Diego to Sacramento has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 55 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, the journey will take you 3 hours 20 minutes or so.
The address for Stockton Airport is 5000 South Airport Way, Room 202.
Best time to go to Sacramento
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from San Diego to Sacramento. August is the most popular month for a trip to Sacramento. If you like a more relaxed atmosphere, go in May.
The warmest month in Sacramento is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 37ºC (99ºF). Lock in your San Diego to Sacramento ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from San Diego to Sacramento in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 17ºC (63ºF).
More about Sacramento
Start your Sacramento trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from San Diego to Sacramento, check out our range of accommodation options including:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Old Sacramento State Historic Park, Crocker Art Museum and Discovery Park are essential stops on your Sacramento itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've done Sacramento, now it's time to discover more of United States. Journey about 145 kilometres south to San Jose to check off its leading sights. From Winchester Mystery House to Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art, there's plenty to keep you busy.
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.