Travelling from Seattle to Sacramento: what you need to know
Get your travels underway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the main airport in Seattle. Look for flights from Seattle to Sacramento that take off from this terminal.
The major gateways to Sacramento are Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Stockton Airport (SCK).
A direct flight from Seattle to Sacramento takes an average of 1 hour 53 minutes. Sacramento's timezone is UTC-7 — the same as Seattle.
With 93 weekly flights between the two airports, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the busiest route. Hop on the first flight from Seattle to Sacramento with Alaska Airlines at 06:30. If you're keen to make the most of your day before you fly, the latest flight from SEA to SMF is with Alaska Airlines at 22:10.
Leave enough time to get on your flight from Seattle to Sacramento. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're flying during a major holiday or other peak period, allow extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
You won't need your passport or a visa to travel within United States. You will need a valid form of identification though, such as a driver's licence or ID card. Add them to your packing list after booking your cheap flights from Seattle to Sacramento.
Flying from Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Jet off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on a nonstop flight from Seattle to Sacramento. From SEA, you can fly straight to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
Delta Air Lines is a leading airline that offers direct flights from Seattle to Sacramento departing from SEA.
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper flight from Seattle to Sacramento. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Spokane International Airport (GEG)
Mahlon Sweet Field Airport (EUG)
Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) Airport (BOI)
Located around 23 kilometres from central Seattle, SEA can be reached in approximately 18 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey on public transport takes roughly 54 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your break? Stay near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Seattle to Sacramento or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Get the most out of your vacation with a stopover on your flight from Seattle to Sacramento. Visit friends or family or tick a new city off your bucket list. Whatever your plans, check out these stops between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Sacramento:
Spokane International Airport (GEG)
Mahlon Sweet Field Airport (EUG)
Boise Air Terminal (Gowen Field) Airport (BOI)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Seattle to LKE in about 23 minutes. The airport is roughly 3 kilometres away, and making the journey by car takes approximately 11 minutes.
Get a head start on your vacation with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Seattle to Sacramento, take things easy in one of these hotels close to Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport:
Arriving in Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to central Sacramento is roughly 19 kilometres. It'll take you around 17 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 24 minutes.
Consider checking in to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas after touching down from your flight from Seattle to Sacramento. It's a quick drive from SMF and a good option if you're eager to unwind not long after landing.
Stockton Airport (SCK)
Central Sacramento is about 88 kilometres from Stockton Airport (SCK). As soon as your flight from Seattle to Sacramento has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 55 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes.
After stepping off your flight from Seattle to Sacramento, find your comfort zone at a hotel near SCK. Consider booking a room at Holiday Inn Express Stockton Southeast. Hampton Inn by Hilton Stockton is another place to relax and plan your next steps.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Sacramento
C$81 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Seattle to Sacramento. Return flights start at C$161. These fares can change depending on availability and demand.
Book 9 months before you want to fly. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find cheap flights from Seattle to Sacramento.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Seattle to Sacramento. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap flights from Seattle to Sacramento. You don't need to check every day to see if prices have dropped. We'll notify you when there's a change in price.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Seattle to Sacramento.
Best time to go to Sacramento
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Seattle to Sacramento. August is the most popular month to visit Sacramento. If you prefer a more low-key vibe, go in May.
The warmest month in Sacramento is July, with the temperature ranging between 15ºC and 37ºC. Lock in your flights from Seattle to Sacramento in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, book a cheap ticket from Seattle to Sacramento in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 17ºC.
More about Sacramento
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Sacramento right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Seattle to Sacramento:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Old Sacramento State Historic Park, Crocker Art Museum and Discovery Park are leading attractions which should feature on any good Sacramento itinerary.
Complete your Sacramento trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Seattle to Sacramento to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Sacramento, from the most popular car rental to the average daily price.