DTW - SMF

$79 Find Cheap Flights from Detroit to Sacramento

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Detroit to Sacramento departing on 2/21. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Sacramento

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Detroit to Sacramento.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Detroit to Sacramento.
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41.299.237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$181
Overall average: $293
Frontier
Mon 2/23Fri 2/27
DTW - SMF • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$519
Delta
Fri 3/20Fri 3/27
DTW - SMF • Non-stop
Our travelers' advice
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
Consider airport hotels for early flights from DTW.
SMF provides easy highway access for California trips.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
When to travel
February
Cheapest • 29% price drop
March
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
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Good to know
+1
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We hope you love your trip to Sacramento!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Detroit to Sacramento (DTW-SMF)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Detroit to Sacramento that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Detroit to Sacramento

Mon, Feb 23 - Fri, Feb 27
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 11:13 am
DTW
-
SMF
8h 13m1 stop
Frontier Logo
12:08 pm - 6:16 pm
SMF
-
DTW
27h 08m2 stops
$181Frontier
Thu, Jan 8 - Thu, Jan 15
Frontier Logo
4:43 pm - 1:13 pm
DTW
-
SMF
23h 30m1 stop
Frontier Logo
1:23 pm - 11:24 am
SMF
-
DTW
19h 01m1 stop
$183Frontier
Thu, Jan 8 - Thu, Jan 15
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 9:42 am
DTW
-
SMF
30h 42m2 stops
Frontier Logo
1:23 pm - 11:24 am
SMF
-
DTW
19h 01m1 stop
$208Frontier
Sun, Jan 18 - Sat, Jan 24
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:19 pm - 10:50 am
DTW
-
SMF
25h 31m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:27 pm - 4:30 am
SMF
-
DTW
11h 03m1 stop
$228Multiple Airlines
Wed, Feb 25 - Sun, Mar 1
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:15 pm - 7:43 am
DTW
-
SMF
15h 28m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:53 am - 6:07 pm
SMF
-
DTW
28h 14m1 stop
$234Multiple Airlines
Wed, Jan 7 - Sat, Jan 10
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 12:29 pm
DTW
-
SMF
31h 29m2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:49 pm - 4:30 am
SMF
-
DTW
9h 41m1 stop
$238Multiple Airlines
Mon, Jan 12 - Mon, Feb 23
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 2:31 pm
DTW
-
SMF
11h 31m2 stops
Frontier Logo
10:53 am - 11:55 pm
SMF
-
DTW
10h 02m1 stop
$239Frontier
Thu, Jan 29 - Mon, Feb 2
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:45 am - 10:13 am
DTW
-
SMF
30h 28m2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:48 pm - 4:30 am
SMF
-
DTW
11h 42m1 stop
$243Multiple Airlines
Wed, Jan 7 - Sat, Jan 10
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:34 am - 12:29 pm
DTW
-
SMF
30h 55m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:49 pm - 4:30 am
SMF
-
DTW
9h 41m1 stop
$247Multiple Airlines
Thu, Jan 15 - Sun, Jan 18
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:20 pm - 3:35 pm
DTW
-
SMF
23h 15m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:20 pm - 4:30 am
SMF
-
DTW
9h 10m1 stop
$252Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Detroit to Sacramento flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Detroit to Sacramento to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Detroit to Sacramento?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Sacramento on a Wednesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Saturday is the most expensive day to fly from Detroit to Sacramento. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Thursday and avoiding Sundays for the best deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento is February, where tickets cost $293 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and October, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $597 and $475 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $399, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento, you should book around 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 8 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Detroit to Sacramento

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Airports
DTW

For early departures, consider airport hotels offering overnight stays and shuttle services to DTW, saving time on morning commutes.

SMF

SMF offers easy highway access for exploring California, ideal for trips to Napa Valley or Lake Tahoe.

Our travel experts
Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on DTW

Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

Read more
Bill Fink

Bill Fink

Expert on SMF

Bill Fink

Bill Fink

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.

Read more

Good to know

Low seasonNovember
Cheapest flight$79
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 16% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 6% increase in price.
Flight from Detroit to Sacramento

When to book flights from Detroit to Sacramento

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Detroit to Sacramento based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking Detroit to Sacramento flights

  • What is the checked baggage policy for United Airlines?

    When flying with United Airlines, you can check two bags for free if you hold a Premium Plus, Business, or First Class ticket. If you hold a Basic, Plus, or Full Economy ticket, you will have to pay for every bag you check. Your bag must not exceed 62 linear inches, 50 lbs if traveling in Economy or Premium Plus, and 70 lbs if traveling in First or Business Class.

  • Can I rent a car at Sacramento International Airport?

    You can rent a car with much ease at SMF, given that this remarkable airport features a rental car center connected to the airport terminals via a free shuttle. The agencies with locations at the rental car center include Hertz, National, Enterprise, Payless, Zipcar, Budget, Dollar, Avis, Alamo, and Advantage.

  • What is the best public transit from Sacramento International Airport?

    Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Route 142 buses are the best public transportation from SMF to downtown Sacramento. Available hourly, these buses take roughly 20 to 30 minutes to travel from the airport to downtown, depending on traffic.

  • What are some of the cities I can easily get to from Sacramento International Airport?

    From SMF, you can easily reach plenty of destinations other than just Sacramento. They include Davis, West Sacramento, Woodland, Winters, Esparto, and Capay. If you’d like to travel to these destinations affordably, take a Yolobus bus that serves your destination. Alternatively, rent a car.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento was $79 for a one-way ticket and $181 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Detroit and Sacramento?

    A passport is not required to fly from Detroit to Sacramento.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Detroit to Sacramento?

    Detroit airport is called Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County and the only airport in Sacramento is Sacramento Intl.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Detroit to Sacramento?

    Only Delta offers inflight Wi-Fi service on the Detroit to Sacramento flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Detroit to Sacramento?

    The Boeing 737-900 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Detroit to Sacramento flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Detroit to Sacramento?

    Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam are the airline alliances operating flights between Detroit and Sacramento, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Detroit to Sacramento, Delta or Southwest?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Detroit to Sacramento are Delta and Southwest. With an average price for the route of $499 and an overall rating of 7.9, Delta is the most popular choice. Southwest is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $461 and an overall rating of 7.9.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Detroit to Sacramento?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Detroit to Sacramento.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Detroit to Sacramento?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Sacramento from Detroit is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Detroit to Sacramento?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Sacramento with an airline and back to Detroit with another airline. Booking your flights between Detroit and SMF can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Detroit to Sacramento?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Sacramento from Detroit up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Sacramento

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $519 or less round-trip.
  • Suppose you plan on traveling from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) onboard a one-stop flight. In that case, you will layover at Las Vegas (LAS) if you travel with Spirit Airlines, Salt Lake City (SLC) if you travel with Delta, and Chicago (ORD) if you make the trip with United Airlines.
  • When flying to SMF, you can carry-on liquids on your flight, regardless of the airline you’re traveling with. You must store the liquids in containers that don’t exceed 3.4 oz. These containers must be stored in resealable, see-through plastic bags with a maximum capacity of one liter.
  • Suppose you want to travel to DTW using public transport. In that case, take a Route 125 or Route 280 bus. Route 125 buses are boarded at the Fort Street-Eureka Road Station, while Route 280 buses are boarded at the Middle Belt South station. If you board a Route 125 bus, you may alight at Evans Terminal or McNamara Terminal. On the other hand, if you hop on a Route 280 bus, you’ll alight at the Evans Terminal.
  • When flying with American Airlines, you can bring one cabin bag and a personal accessory. Other than fitting beneath the seat in front of you, your accessory must be at most 8 x 14 x 18 inches. On the other hand, your cabin bag must fit in the overhead luggage compartment and measure no more than 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
  • If you have limited mobility, you can request wheelchair assistance at DTW. To do so, inform the airline you’re traveling with of your needs at least 48 hours before your flight. If you do so on your travel date, you will be accorded the assistance you need from when you arrive to when you get on your flight.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Detroit to Sacramento

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Detroit to Sacramento. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Detroit to Sacramento? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.9
SouthwestOverall score based on 4250 reviews
8.6Crew
8.0Comfort
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

8.0 ExcellentRussell, Dec 2025
SAN - OAK
Read more Southwest reviews

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

Still a fan of open seating. Flight was on schedule and arrived on time. The 737 MAX is very comfortable.

San Diego airport is brand new, spacious, airy and very smooth checkin at SW baggage drop.

Ever since Southwest starting charging for bags, passengers don't want to pay to check their bags, so the gate agents have to beg people to check their roller bags now because there's "not enough space". This was a terrible business move by Southwest.

Delays delays delays. Late taking off, late landing, wait for a gate, etc.

Connecting flight is on time and boarding was a breeze!

Southwest's seats are the least comfortable I have ever sat in.

Very smooth checking in our luggage with a super pleasant SW agent. I enjoyed a fun entertaining movie.

First time traveling on Southwest since bag fees were implemented. Usual good service. Just more expensive now.

Left on time, a bit delayed due to headwinds most of the trip.

Staff were friendly and happy. Delta could make sure passengers that don't have the app know of changes. Without Kayak I would not have known about the change of gate or the delay. Kayak was faster to notify me.

They changed planes and the new plane couldn’t carry enough fuel to fly across the country so we had to stop in Kansas City to refuel. Flight was delayed .

Flight was too crowded and seats are too small, especially since passengrs are getting larger. Having a middle seat is ALWAYS tough! Woman on my left was large & kept creeping in to my space. Flight personnel were great! Have more savory rather than sweet snacks please.

The crew took good care of us. The flight from ATL to SFO is a longer one, and there were multiple beverage offerings. I like the 757's that Delta uses. Good airplane that is comfortable. I do wish Delta would separate Priority boarding from the better seats. I would gladly take a smaller seat in an open row than be jammed into Comfort just to get priority boarding, just to make sure I don't have to check a bag.

Gate agent rushed to fill hot jetway with crowd so it took over 12 minutes to go from gate to plane. Just like a discount airline Pooly prepared cabin and third time that claim of rough air prevented any cabin service. Friends on a Southwest flight at similar time had service.

The airport was reasonably clean. The boarding process reasonably efficient. The cabin crew was efficient, polite but not that friendly. The food quality was unremarkable and the choices were awful . There was either a so so chicken dish or a “ vegetarian “ option which was really cheap carbohydrates drowned in cheese. Signing onto i flight wifi was not straightforward. Overall it was a very average experience

I was uncomfortably cold on the plane. Other than that it was uneventful and therefore as enjoyable as a plane ride can be.

Delayed and took off even later than the scheduled delay time

Food was surprisingly good but the WiFi was not great

We were told the flight was delayed 5 times, then it was moved to the next day.

The experience with American Airlines was good, although the Philippines Airlines flight was much better (better seats, better food, better entertainment options, overall better). Again, the MIA to LAX flight was fine, but nothing in comparison to the comfort and accommodations of the Philippines Airlines flight from LAX to MNL.

Loved the crew . Absolutely no complaints. Except for luggage lost

Wish some foods provided rather than just biscuit/cookie for flight more than 2 hours

We are too tired and frustrated to comment politely at this point

The flight crew was rude. We were in first class and no one even offered water until an hour after we were in the air. Horrible experience

Great. Quick and quiet and east. The breakfast choices were a welcome surprise!

The stewardess hit me with the food kart twice on the head and didn't say I'm sorry once. The same stewardess gave me a warm Apple Juice with No ice. The Flight was delayed for Departure 6 times, starting from 2:36pm, finally taking off 7:50pm. I was late picking up my child from the sitter by 3 hours.

Did not get the seat I selected and paid for.

My flight was delayed for several hours. Sitting at gate 16 for several hours, I got a text from Kayak the gate changed to 9 before it was announced. Very bad communication at each gate from American Airlines employees. I received 10 notifications of delay from Kayak. My vacation started off horrible! I will write to American Airlines corporate office also.

30 minute delay, Also there was a medical emergency on the flight. The flight crew was on top of the situation and assisted the medical professionals that happened to be on the flight.

The plane was freezing and everyone had on their winter coats. I pulled out my sweaters out of my carryon to cover myself and put on an extra pair of socks. They offered NO FREE drinks or snacks on a 6 hour flight. The seats don’t have plugs or charges or any form of entertainment- so I just played my one downloaded game on my phone because I couldn’t sleep because I was too cold. Miserable flight though we landed safely.

It was better than expected. But there were two delays in taking off.

The pilot would speak it was painfully load a d the crew had to know this! Maybe the were hesitant to tell him. It was just a mediocre experience and I was in Spirit first class!

My experience was terrible. They cancelled my flight twice. They kept delaying it and leading me on, acting like the flight was going to go when it never had a chance. I missed out on valuable family time because of spirit and I won’t be flying with them again.

Always comes in handy when I want a quick weekend getaway.

Was supposed to take off 8:00 last night. Got delayed till 8:00 this morning

My luggage didn’t arrive at LAX, so that wasn’t a good experience.

It was a no show, so we got put in hotels for a nite. The A320 plane was very modern and flite and crew (if a pilot shows up were fine). Price was very good.

I was never aware that I had to pay $100 per luggage to them on the plane that are simply carry-ons. This is discriminatory and I’m going to be alerting my entire family and friends and my Instagram following up over 75,000 of this issue and misunderstanding, including mismanaging.

Not clean and was told I would get a great seat and it was not great at all

Flight got delayed for 5 hours no good explanation was offered ;(

Horrible. I would never fly Frontier again. The booking process is tricky at best, but fraudulent in my opinion. Frontier customer service did nothing to rectify my purchase -- I ended up paying more than double what I could have gotten from other airlines and nearly triple what I thought I was buying from Frontier. Their booking practices are unfair to the consumer.

Delayed. Text notifications were slow. Not much information o what was happening. Boarding was slow and confusing. Wasn’t even offered water other flight. Had to ask. No entertainment at all. Felt like.a Greyhound bus.

When I wanted to check in 3 hours prior to boarding time, the employees mentioned “a little over an hour delay” so I waited for an hour then I went to go look for food in the terminal and most people from that flight were in the same area looking for food. Finally I decided after food to check to see if it’s anytime closer and now it’s 2 mins until boarding closes?! What are you kidding me? I didn’t receive anything via sms about boarding now nor via email or on the intercom. I luckily made it through, barely, and then there’s no room for my carry on mind you I’m in the very first row so I had to place my purse in one further row back and my carry on sections down. Not sure who pays for better seats to get your stuff placed all over the plane but that was the worst experience I’ve ever had flying with anyone.

Better than expected. Staff were friendly and nice on both flights.

There was no one at the counter to assist with our check in. The app didn’t work, so I arrived at the airport with time to check in and I couldn’t because no employees were there. When I finally got someone on the phone, it was inside the 60min rule and they said I could no longer check in and they could sell me another ticket. We had to scramble and pay an additional $800 for tickets and THEN AFTER (about 60 min from my original convo with customer service and 10min after original departure time) I had boarded my new flight, there was email saying my original flight from Frontier was delayed and leaving 2hr 50min later, but I STILL wouldn’t have been able to check in. Which means customer service should have been able to see it and let me check in because I was well within my check in time. When I call Frontier, they hang up on me. So their app didn’t work and they employees left and they take zero responsibility or assistance with their “customer service”

Terrible. Flight cancelled with no reasoning and no flights to rebook. Employees were useless and did nothing to help. Did not even know where to retrieve luggage from the cancelled flight. Flyers beware.

No fault of Frontier staff: plane was very late, reached Orlando at 1 am, took a while to get luggage. Weather, gov financial shutdown impact on TSA, air controllers seemed to have multiple flights backed up. Frontier staff seemed to cope as gracefully as possible. It did reassure me that I and my new hip could adapt to travel challenges. Food/entertainment were irrelevant to my trip.

Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Detroit to Sacramento

Information on your arrival and departure airports