Flying from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): What you need to know
Sacramento's main airport is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Explore your options for departing from this terminal when searching for flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
1 hour 35 minutes is the average travel time for a direct Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport flight.
Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles. The city's timezone is UTC-8, which is the same as Sacramento.
The most popular route is from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with 101 direct services every week. If you'd rather get moving right away, the earliest flight from SMF to LAX is the 5:20am Southwest Airlines service. If a later flight fits your day better, the last departure is at 9:30pm with Southwest Airlines.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from Sacramento to LAX. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid any last-minute rush.
Hopping on a plane during a peak time like July? High seasons (like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year) can easily add another hour at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) can be booked from this terminal.
Direct flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport are offered by numerous airlines at SMF. Travel with one of these:
Delta is the airline most travellers choose for flights from SMF to LAX.
Among carriers operating on this route, Delta is the most consistent for on-time landings.
Located around 19 kilometres from central Sacramento, SMF can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 50 minutes.
Searching for a convenient place to stay before your flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport? Consider Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas by IHG. Catch some z's here before making your way to Sacramento International Airport.
Sacramento International Airport has a solid on-time record, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from SMF arrive at their destination as scheduled 81% of the time.
You'll find SMF at 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK)
SCK is around 72 kilometres from central Sacramento. It'll take 55 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Like to add an extra day to your trip? Consider staying at a hotel near Stockton Metropolitan Airport the night before your Sacramento to LAX flight. Holiday Inn Express Stockton Southeast by IHG and Hampton Inn by Hilton Stockton have your room at the ready.
Stockton Metropolitan Airport has an on-time performance of 59%. This figure highlights how often flights that leave from this airport reach their destination on schedule.
You'll find SCK at 5000 South Airport Way, Room 202.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Consider staying in a hotel near LAX if you're catching a late flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport. Check in to one of these accommodation options and say goodnight sooner:
To get the lowest price, reserve your ride around one week ahead of your Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport flight.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport is around 29 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. It takes around 35 minutes or so to drive to the city.
It typically takes 1 hour if you're travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
$36 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport. A return flight starts at $84. These fares may change depending on demand.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Sacramento to LAX if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird rates.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the lowest price across the month when searching for your Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport ticket.
There's no need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment a better deal is available on plane tickets from Sacramento to LAX.
Filters make it easier to find a bargain for your flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport. Pick the airlines, flight times and stops that match your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to find the most affordable option fast.
The best time to fly from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
December is the quietest month for flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), while July is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to visit Los Angeles based on whether you like a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Book your Sacramento to LAX plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
February has temperatures of between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
Once you've booked your flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles International Airport, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl are must-visits when exploring Los Angeles.
Explore more of the United States
You've done Los Angeles, now it's time to discover more of the United States. Journey about 177 kilometres southeast to San Diego to check off its must-visit sights. From San Diego Zoo to San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're looking to explore another major destination in the United States, head for Bakersfield, about 161 kilometres north of Los Angeles. Kern County Museum, Rabobank Arena, Theatre & Convention Centre and Bakersfield Museum of Art are the start of reasons to visit.