CHI - SMF

$172 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Sacramento - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$309
Typical prices: $394-$584
Frontier
Wed 10/17Wed 10/24
ORD - SMF • 2 stops
Cheapest non-stop
$377
Typical prices: $435-$605
American Airlines
Mon 10/22Fri 10/26
ORD - SMF • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, Southwest and American Airlines. Average duration is 4h 42m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 7% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 11 weeks in advance save around 36% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 14% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $277 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 28m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Sacramento!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Sacramento (CHI-SMF)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Sacramento

Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
Frontier Logo
4:41 pm - 8:02 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
17h 21m2 stops Philadelphia Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
11:52 am - 12:24 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
10h 32m1 stop Denver Intl
$309Frontier
Mon, Oct 19 - Mon, Oct 26
Frontier Logo
3:30 pm - 5:33 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
28h 03m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
11:52 am - 12:24 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
10h 32m1 stop Denver Intl
$310Frontier
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:20 am - 2:15 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
8h 55m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:13 pm - 1:17 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
15h 04m1 stop San Diego
$337Alaska Airlines
Sat, Feb 13 - Tue, Feb 16
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:55 pm - 10:02 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
18h 07m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
Alaska Airlines Logo
2:56 pm - 11:59 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 03m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$337Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Wed, Oct 21
American Airlines Logo
9:14 pm - 11:59 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
4h 45mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
10:57 pm - 5:00 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 03mnonstop
$375American Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
United Airlines Logo
8:08 pm - 10:46 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
4h 38mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 1:13 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 13mnonstop
$377United Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Sat, Oct 24
United Airlines Logo
4:10 pm - 6:48 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
4h 38mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:41 am - 3:55 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 14mnonstop
$377United Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Sat, Oct 24
American Airlines Logo
9:14 pm - 11:59 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
4h 45mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
10:57 pm - 5:00 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 03mnonstop
$377American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Thu, Oct 29
Southwest Logo
10:30 pm - 1:05 amMDW  Chicago Midway-SMF Sacramento Intl
4h 35mnonstop
Southwest Logo
11:55 pm - 5:50 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
3h 55mnonstop
$377Southwest
Mon, Dec 14 - Wed, Dec 16
Southwest Logo
8:45 pm - 11:25 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-SMF Sacramento Intl
4h 40mnonstop
Southwest Logo
6:15 am - 12:10 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-MDW Chicago Midway
3h 55mnonstop
$377Southwest
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago to Sacramento flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Chicago to Sacramento?

Round-trip flights from Chicago to Sacramento typically range from $394 to $584. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $309, on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Sacramento flight route?

Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) to Sacramento (SMF) is the cheapest Chicago to Sacramento route, averaging $445 round-trip. Other Chicago to Sacramento routes average $495, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Sacramento?

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Sacramento. It’s 3% cheaper than the average day, while Monday is the most expensive, with prices 16% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Sacramento?

•October is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Sacramento at $421 round-trip.
•June ($519) and July ($517) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 23% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Chicago to Sacramento the cheapest?

Flights from Chicago to Sacramento are cheapest 11 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 36% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Sacramento

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, ORD and MDW

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Bill Fink

Bill Fink

Expert on SMF

Bill is an award-winning travel writer with extensive credits covering airlines and the aviation industry for publications including AARP, AFAR, The Points Guy and Yahoo. Based in Portland, Oregon, Bill has traveled to more than 75 countries - and been late for his flight in most of them. He once achieved top-level frequent flier status for all of American, Delta and United Airlines during a single year.

Key details for Chicago to Sacramento flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$172
Beat the crowds with an average 52% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 43% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Sacramento

When to book flights from Chicago to Sacramento

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Sacramento based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Chicago to Sacramento flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Chicago to Sacramento?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Chicago to Sacramento:

    • Earliest: departs at 9:00 am and lands at 1:42 pm
    • Latest: departs at 11:05 pm and lands at 3:47 am.

    The flight takes about 4h 42m.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Chicago to Sacramento?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago to Sacramento:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Sacramento?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago to Sacramento takes 4h 42m, covering 1,791 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to Sacramento?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Chicago to Sacramento flight?

    Round-trip flights from Chicago to Sacramento range from $394 to $584, with an average of $490 over the past 12 months. Anything below $394 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Chicago to Sacramento flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 22% above the $490 route average. Book 11 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Chicago to Sacramento?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $277 round-trip via Los Angeles (LAX), compared to $515 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Chicago to Sacramento?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • How are flight departures from Chicago to Sacramento spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Chicago to Sacramento flights, with 51% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 17%, evening flights for 16%, and night flights for 16%.

  • Have flight prices from Chicago to Sacramento changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $309 to $1,758. That means the highest observed fare was about 6x higher than the lowest one.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Chicago to Sacramento flights?

    American Airlines is the only airline on the Chicago to Sacramento route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

  • How are flight prices from Chicago to Sacramento looking right now?

    One-way fares from Chicago to Sacramento are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $185, which is 32% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Sacramento Intl Airport (SMF)?

    Sacramento Intl Airport (SMF) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $24 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Thrifty
    • Dollar
    • Budget
    • Hertz
    • Payless

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Chicago to Sacramento?

    Flights from Chicago to Sacramento may depart from several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD). Flights usually arrive at Sacramento Intl (SMF).

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Chicago to Sacramento pass through?

    One-stop flights from Chicago to Sacramento most commonly connect through:

    • San Diego (SAN) - 40% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 26% of one-stop connections
    • Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA) - 13% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 10% of one-stop connections

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Chicago to Sacramento?

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 17% on flights from Chicago to Sacramento. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $476 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $571, a difference of $95.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from Chicago to Sacramento?

    3 airlines operate flights between Chicago and Sacramento. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • United Airlines
    • Southwest
    • American Airlines

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Chicago to Sacramento?

    Flying via Salt Lake City (SLC) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 28m, compared with 7h 07m via Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) and 7h 09m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

  • What is the time difference between Chicago and Sacramento?

    Sacramento is 2 hours behind Chicago (Pacific Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What popular places can I visit in Sacramento?

    Some of the most popular sights in Sacramento are Golden 1 Center, UC Davis Medical Center and Sacramento Capitol Park. These are among the most viewed places in Sacramento on KAYAK.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Chicago to Sacramento flights?

    Among airlines operating Chicago to Sacramento flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Chicago to Sacramento flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Southwest: a cabin bag in Economy Class class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so always check the fare details before booking.

  • What are the transport options from Sacramento International Airport?

    Yolobus has two routes operating between SMF and downtown Sacramento. Yolobus 42A and 42B work clockwise and counterclockwise respectively, providing services between SMF and downtown Sacramento. You can also take the shared-ride shuttles, including SuperShuttle, which offers door-to-door services from SMF to destinations around the airport. Taxis are also available at the ground transportation area in each terminal and reservations are not required. Car rentals are available at the car rental terminal, connected to the airport via a free shuttle that runs every 10 minutes.

  • Does Sacramento International Airport offer accessibility services?

    SMF offers passengers with limited mobility wheelchair services which can be organized through their airline. These passengers will also have access to fast-track services, accessible restrooms, reserved parking spots, dedicated seating, and more at the airport. Low-vision passengers traveling through SMF will have Aira services, braille signage, and tactile guide paths to guide them through the airport. SMF provides hard-of-hearing passengers with TDD telephones, video phones, and visual paging services.

  • Which airlines have lounges at Chicago O’Hare International Airport?

    American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Swiss Air, and Air France all have lounges at ORD. Delta is the only airline with a members-only lounge, while the rest are accessible to passengers by paying at the door. The Delta Sky Club is in terminal 2 on concourse E across from gate E6. American Airlines lounges are located on concourses G, H/K, and L. The Air France lounge is in terminal 5 across from gate M7. The Swiss Air lounge is also in terminal 5 between gates M7 and M8. United Club has several locations on concourses B, C, and F.

  • Does Chicago Midway International Airport offer family services?

    MDW has a baby care room that offers a private space where you can care for and feed your baby. The baby care rooms feature comfy seating, a table, and a sink. The baby care room is on concourse C. Baby changing facilities are available in all family bathrooms at the airport. If you’re traveling with kids, look for specially designated family lanes for a quicker transition. The airport’s restaurants also offer kids’ menus and high chairs.

Your guide to booking Chicago to Sacramento flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure and avoid flying on Monday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $476, about $95 less than Monday fares (17% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 11 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 36% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to Sacramento trip for October. Fares historically average $421 round-trip in that month - typically $98 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Los Angeles Airport (LAX) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $277 round-trip on this route - about $238 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has four terminals and nine concourses. ORD has an automated train running every 5-10 minutes for easy movement around the airport complex.
  • You’re welcome to travel with your pet through ORD. The airport has provided both indoor and outdoor relief areas. The outdoor areas are on the lower levels of terminals 1, 2, and 5 and the multimodal facility. The indoor area is in terminal 3’s rotunda.
  • Around 830 kg of carbon is emitted on flights from Chicago to Sacramento. If you'd like to lower your carbon footprint, consider flying with Southwest Airlines which offers a flight emitting 44% less carbon per passenger.
  • Unwind with a full-body massage at the Massage Bar at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) after your flight. They offer 10, 15, and 30 minute massages at their location in terminal B.
  • Seaway National Bank has two full-service branches at ORD. The banks are open from around 7 am to 9 pm and offer currency exchange services. The first location is in terminal 2’s main hall and the other in terminal 5’s lower level.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Sacramento?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Chicago to Sacramento Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Chicago to Sacramento Intl

Monday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Sacramento Intl to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines

American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Chicago to Sacramento

Complete your trip to Sacramento with a hotel stay or car rental