Flying from Phoenix to Sacramento: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Phoenix to Sacramento. Explore the options for taking off from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), two of the city's main airports.
When it comes to touching down in Sacramento, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a major gateway. Stockton Airport (SCK) is another.
A direct flight from Phoenix to Sacramento takes an average of 2 hours 3 minutes. Sacramento's timezone is UTC-7 — the same as Phoenix.
With 75 weekly flights between the two airports, Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Phoenix to Sacramento with American Airlines at 07:10. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last departure from PHX to SMF is with American Airlines at 23:17.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you can comfortably board your flight from Phoenix to Sacramento.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or other peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
You don't need a visa or passport to travel within United States. You will need a valid identity document though, such as an ID card or driver's licence. Make sure they're on your packing list once you've booked your cheap flights from Phoenix to Sacramento.
Flying from Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
If you're after a direct flight from Phoenix to Sacramento, you can catch one from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX). Fly from PHX to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) without making any stops.
When departing from PHX, you can take a direct flight from Phoenix to Sacramento with American Airlines.
Think about adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper flight from Phoenix to Sacramento. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Located around 8 kilometres from central Phoenix, PHX can be reached in approximately 11 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 34 minutes.
In search of a handy hotel near Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Phoenix to Sacramento, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Arriving in Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is around 19 kilometres from central Sacramento. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is about 17 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey of about 24 minutes.
After your flight from Phoenix to Sacramento has landed, kick back at a nearby hotel. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas is a great option that's an easy drive from SMF.
Stockton Airport (SCK)
Stockton Airport (SCK) is about 88 kilometres from central Sacramento. Following your flight from Phoenix to Sacramento, expect a drive time of approximately 55 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
You can expect the trip to take roughly 3 hours and 18 minutes on public transport.
Walk out of arrivals and head for a hotel close to SCK. Relax after your flight from Phoenix to Sacramento at Holiday Inn Express Stockton Southeast. Or put up the 'Do not disturb' sign and catch up on some sleep at Hampton Inn by Hilton Stockton.
How to find the cheapest flights from Phoenix to Sacramento
Right now, C$69 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Phoenix to Sacramento. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$143. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Get cheap flights from Phoenix to Sacramento by booking at least 10 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for June. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Phoenix to Sacramento. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from Phoenix to Sacramento couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has fallen.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Phoenix to Sacramento.
Best time to go to Sacramento
May is the quietest month for flights from Phoenix to Sacramento, while August is the most popular. Find the ideal time to go to Sacramento based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Sacramento is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 37ºC. Lock in your flights from Phoenix to Sacramento in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
January has average temperatures of between 2ºC and 17ºC. Search for cheap flights from Phoenix to Sacramento sometime around then if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Sacramento
Once you've booked your flight from Phoenix to Sacramento, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Sacramento:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Old Sacramento State Historic Park, Crocker Art Museum and Discovery Park are must-do's during your Sacramento adventure.
Complete your Sacramento trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Phoenix to Sacramento to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Sacramento, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.