Flying from Sacramento to Chicago: what you need to know
Begin your journey at one of Sacramento's main airports, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Stockton Airport (SCK). Explore your options for booking a flight from Sacramento to Chicago departing from either of these.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the primary hubs in Chicago.
The average time for a direct flight from Sacramento to Chicago is 4 hours. Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, making Chicago 2 hours ahead of Sacramento.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 42 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Sacramento to Chicago is with American Airlines at 23:59. Go for the first SMF to ORD departure operated by American Airlines at 06:38 to maximize your time in Chicago.
Leave enough time to catch your flight from Sacramento to Chicago. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're travelling during a major holiday or other peak period, allow for even more time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
You don't need a visa or passport to fly within United States. You will need a valid proof of identity though, like a driver's licence or an ID card. Make sure they're on your packing list after booking your cheap flights from Sacramento to Chicago.
Flying from Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Depart from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) on a nonstop flight from Sacramento to Chicago. From SMF, you can travel directly to O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
United Airlines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Sacramento to Chicago jetting out of SMF.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for flights from Sacramento to Chicago leaving from Sacramento International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
SMF is around 19 kilometres from central Sacramento. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 17 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 24 minutes.
Booking a hotel room for the night can take the stress out of reaching the airport on time. If you're searching for somewhere to stay before your flight from Sacramento to Chicago, check out Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas. It's a short ride from Sacramento International Airport.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from central Chicago. With your own car rental or in a cab, the drive is around 35 minutes.
It'll take around 54 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Sacramento to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is about 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Sacramento to Chicago has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 21 minutes.
You can also travel by public transport, which will take roughly 46 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable stays to drop your things at near MDW. Kick back after your flight from Sacramento to Chicago at one of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Chicago
C$113 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Sacramento to Chicago. A return flight starts at C$229. These fares may change based on demand.
Book 9 months before you want to travel. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find cheap flights from Sacramento to Chicago.
The cheapest month for tickets from Sacramento to Chicago is May. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the lowest fare.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from Sacramento to Chicago couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has fallen.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Sacramento to Chicago.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to figure out your dates for your flight from Sacramento to Chicago. August is the busiest month for a trip to Chicago. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your flights from Sacramento to Chicago in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January has average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Search for cheap flights from Sacramento to Chicago sometime then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Sacramento to Chicago, explore our range of hotels including:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are a couple of major attractions to put on your Chicago itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Sacramento to Chicago isn't the only trick up our sleeve. Check out our car rentals in Chicago and have more freedom to explore. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare rates and then book with no fees.
