Flying from Sacramento to Phoenix: what you need to know
Countless great adventures start at one of Sacramento's main airports, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Stockton Airport (SCK). Check out your options for booking a flight from Sacramento to Phoenix taking off from either of these.
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) are the major arrival points in Phoenix.
On average, direct flights from Sacramento to Phoenix take 1 hour 51 minutes. Phoenix and Sacramento share the same timezone (UTC-7), so you won't have to adjust your watch once you arrive.
The most popular route for flights from Sacramento to Phoenix is from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX). You can select from 75 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from SMF to PHX is the 05:44 American Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the final departure is at 20:29 with American Airlines.
Give yourself enough time to get on your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself a bit more breathing room. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Once you've found cheap flights from Sacramento to Phoenix, get your travel documents in order. A passport or visa isn't needed since you're travelling within United States. As long as you have some other valid proof of identity, like an ID card or driver's licence, you're ready to go.
Flying from Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
You can catch a direct flight from Sacramento to Phoenix jetting off from Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Start your journey at SMF and touch down at Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX).
Book your direct flight from Sacramento to Phoenix with American Airlines. This well-known airline offers services from SMF.
Think about adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper flight from Sacramento to Phoenix. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Sacramento International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular airports:
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of Sacramento, SMF can be reached in approximately 17 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 24 minutes.
Searching for a convenient place to stay before your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix? Consider Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas. Catch some z's here before making your way to Sacramento International Airport.
Arriving in Phoenix
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF)
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF) to the centre of Phoenix takes around 33 minutes by car. It's approximately 32 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour and 54 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Sacramento to Phoenix, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near SCF:
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) is around 8 kilometres from the centre of Phoenix. Following your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix, expect a drive time of approximately 11 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
You can expect the journey to take approximately 34 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near PHX. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix:
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Phoenix
C$75 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Sacramento to Phoenix. Return flights start at C$135. These fares may change based on availability.
Score cheap flights from Sacramento to Phoenix by booking at least 9 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
The cheapest month for tickets from Sacramento to Phoenix is May. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest travel date.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you from checking for cheap flights from Sacramento to Phoenix every day.
Use filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Sacramento to Phoenix, use the 'Sort by' tool. You can also filter results by departure and arrival times, airline, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Phoenix
Travel to Phoenix during the high season if you want a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Or, schedule your flights from Sacramento to Phoenix during low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Before locking in your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix, consider the type of weather you like best. July is the warmest month in Phoenix, with the temperature ranging from 26ºC to 44ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 4ºC and 20ºC. Search for cheap flights from Sacramento to Phoenix sometime around then if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Phoenix
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Phoenix right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park are popular attractions which should be on any good Phoenix itinerary.
Complete your Phoenix trip with a car rental
Browse our lineup of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from Sacramento to Phoenix. Whether you want a compact ride, spacious sedan or something more luxurious, you can easily compare companies in one go to find the perfect deal.
