Travelling from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from San Diego International Airport to Sacramento and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 35 minutes.
San Diego (the location of San Diego International Airport) and Sacramento share the same timezone — UTC-7.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the most popular route, with 70 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from SAN to SMF is with Alaska Airlines at 21:59. Choose the first departure operated by Southwest Airlines at 06:30 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Leave enough time to catch your SAN to Sacramento flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're travelling during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Direct San Diego International Airport to Sacramento tickets are available for booking. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is where you'll be landing.
Book your seat with Southwest Airlines. This airline offers direct flights from San Diego International Airport to Sacramento.
Travelling from central San Diego to SAN takes around 20 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 3 kilometres in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Booked an early flight from San Diego International Airport to Sacramento? Avoid rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near SAN:
Of the departures from San Diego International Airport, 71.38% land on schedule at their destination.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento
$85 is currently the lowest price for a one-way San Diego International Airport to Sacramento flight. Return plane tickets start from $167. These fares may change based on availability and demand.
Get cheap flights from SAN to Sacramento by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for picking up a bargain.
May is the best month for landing an amazing deal on San Diego International Airport to Sacramento tickets. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from SAN to Sacramento by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Select your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from San Diego International Airport to Sacramento.
Airports in Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to central Sacramento takes about 15 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport typically takes 25 minutes.
Get off your flight from San Diego International Airport to Sacramento and be tucked up in your hotel bed shortly after. If you're searching for a comfortable option just a short drive from SMF, stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas.
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Sacramento International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Sacramento's main sights.
To get the lowest price, reserve your ride from Sacramento International Airport around two weeks in advance of your flight from SAN to Sacramento.
The street address for SMF is 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Stockton Airport (SCK)
The centre of Sacramento is around 88 kilometres from Stockton Airport (SCK). Once your flight from San Diego International Airport to Sacramento has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 3 hours 20 minutes or so.
Pass through arrivals and check in to a hotel near SCK. Wind down after your SAN to Sacramento flight at Holiday Inn Express Stockton Southeast. Or put up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest up at Hampton Inn by Hilton Stockton.
You can find Stockton Airport at 5000 South Airport Way, Room 202.
Best time to go to Sacramento
Before locking in your flights from San Diego International Airport to Sacramento, consider which time of year works best for you. High season in Sacramento offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while low season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Lock in a San Diego International Airport to Sacramento plane ticket with a departure in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 37ºC (99ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from SAN to Sacramento in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 2ºC (36ºF) and 17ºC (63ºF) on average.
More about Sacramento
Start your Sacramento trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from San Diego International Airport to Sacramento, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Crocker Art Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park are a couple of top attractions to add to your Sacramento to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Discovery Park.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Sacramento, now it's time to discover more of United States. Travel about 145 kilometres south to San Jose to tick off its top attractions. From Winchester Mystery House to Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Around 121 kilometres south-west of Sacramento, San Francisco is another favourite stop in United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Lombard Street.