Travelling from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport (SMF): What you need to know
San Diego's main airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN). Explore your departure options from this base when searching for your flights from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
The average time for a direct San Diego to Sacramento International Airport flight is 1 hour 45 minutes.
Sacramento International Airport is located in Sacramento. The city's timezone is UTC-8, which is the same as San Diego.
The most popular route is from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF), with 90 direct weekly services. If you're looking to take off without delay, the earliest flight from SAN to SMF is the 6:30am Southwest Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 9:59pm with Alaska Airlines.
To ensure you catch your flight from San Diego to SMF, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
With more people on the move during busy months like July, get to the terminal earlier than usual. Two hours for domestic flights and as much as four for international journeys will allow for extra wait times. Remember things also get busy during major holidays like Fourth of July.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is a convenient option for travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) operate out of this terminal.
When leaving from SAN, you can take a direct flight from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport with Southwest Airlines.
The majority of passengers prefer to book seats with Southwest Airlines from SAN to SMF.
The most punctual carrier on this route is Southwest Airlines. Its services arrive as planned 72.85% of the time.
The journey from central San Diego to SAN takes around 25 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 5 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a few extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near San Diego International Airport:
74% of flights that take off from San Diego International Airport land at their destination on time.
SAN's address is N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
The distance from San Diego's city centre to CLD is around 48 kilometres. Consider the available transport options and possible delays when working out the quickest way to get to the airport.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your San Diego to SMF flight? Check in to a hotel near McClellan-Palomar Airport before your break officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
Flights from McClellan-Palomar Airport have a track record for punctuality, with 88% of them arriving right on cue.
About Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
After your flight from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport has touched down, relax at a nearby hotel. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas by IHG is a convenient option just a short drive from SMF.
Booking your ride around two weeks ahead of your San Diego to Sacramento International Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
SMF is located at 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Getting from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to central Sacramento
From Sacramento International Airport, central Sacramento is around 19 kilometres away. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the city centre by car.
Travelling by public transport will take you around 50 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Right now, R 744 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 1,541. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from San Diego to SMF, book ahead. Airlines usually offer the most competitive fares when tickets first go on sale.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price in every month when searching for your San Diego to Sacramento International Airport ticket.
Finding a cheap plane ticket from San Diego to SMF is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a better deal is available.
Filters make it easier to land a deal on your flight from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport. Pick the airlines, flight times and number of stops that make sense for you. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Picture the kind of break you want when deciding when to fly. December is the quietest month to go to Sacramento. July is when most people book flights from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which may be perfect if you enjoy travelling when it's busier.
When booking your San Diego to SMF plane ticket, consider what kind of weather works for you. July is the warmest month in Sacramento, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC (55ºF) to 39ºC (102ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 17ºC (63ºF).
More about Sacramento
Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Sacramento International Airport, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Sacramento:
There are plenty of awesome things to do in Sacramento when you're ready to see the sights. Kick off your itinerary at California State Railroad Museum followed by Old Sacramento State Historic Park and Crocker Art Museum.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Sacramento, now it's time to explore more of the United States. Journey about 153 kilometres south to San Jose to check off its top sights. From Winchester Mystery House to The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
San Francisco is another essential stop in the United States and is around 129 kilometres southwest of Sacramento. No journey is complete without a visit to Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies - Alamo Square and Alcatraz Island.




