SMF - SAN

$59 Find Cheap Flights from Sacramento to San Diego - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$117
Typical prices: $155-$285
Alaska Airlines
Mon 10/15Sat 10/20
SMF - SAN • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$59
Typical prices: $90-$221
Alaska Airlines
Sat 12/15
SMF - SAN • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
Alaska Saver Fares cut costs, while Frontier Economy Bundle adds a carry-on and seat.
Southwest includes a carry-on and flexible changes, but checked bags now cost extra.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Southwest and Alaska Airlines. Average duration is 1h 38m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 12 weeks in advance save around 61% 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 $185 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 15m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San Diego!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Sacramento to San Diego (SMF-SAN)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Sacramento to San Diego

Thu, Oct 15 - Tue, Oct 20
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 8:41 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
1h 41mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
3:36 pm - 5:20 pmSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
1h 44mnonstop
$117Alaska Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Wed, Oct 28
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:13 am - 9:49 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
1h 36mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:50 am - 10:50 amSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
2h 00mnonstop
$117Alaska Airlines
Mon, Oct 12 - Thu, Oct 15
Southwest Logo
7:10 pm - 9:00 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
1h 50mnonstop
Southwest Logo
6:50 am - 8:40 amSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
1h 50mnonstop
$117Southwest
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
Southwest Logo
11:50 am - 1:25 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
1h 35mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:50 pm - 10:40 pmSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
1h 50mnonstop
$117Southwest
Thu, Dec 3 - Tue, Dec 8
Frontier Logo
12:25 pm - 11:57 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
11h 32m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
8:24 am - 4:13 pmSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
7h 49m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$118Frontier
Sat, Oct 24 - Mon, Oct 26
Frontier Logo
11:52 am - 11:56 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
12h 04m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 11:04 amSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
28h 39m1 stop Denver Intl
$118Frontier
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 19
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:25 pm - 7:49 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
5h 24m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:41 pm - 10:29 pmSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
1h 48mnonstop
$118Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Sat, Nov 21
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:33 pm - 7:47 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
6h 14m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:48 pm - 10:36 pmSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
1h 48mnonstop
$118Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 26 - Tue, Dec 1
American Airlines Logo
11:16 am - 3:42 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 26m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
American Airlines Logo
4:30 pm - 10:58 pmSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
6h 28m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$159American Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 12:18 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-SAN San Diego
6h 18m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
American Airlines Logo
1:08 pm - 8:22 pmSAN  San Diego-SMF Sacramento Intl
7h 14m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$183American Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Sacramento to San Diego 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 Sacramento to San Diego?

Round-trip flights from Sacramento to San Diego typically range from $155 to $285. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $117, on Alaska Airlines.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Sacramento to San Diego. It’s 26% cheaper than the average day, while Friday is the most expensive, with prices 10% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento to San Diego?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento to San Diego at $176 round-trip.
•July ($226) and March ($220) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 28% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Sacramento to San Diego the cheapest?

Flights from Sacramento to San Diego are cheapest 12 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 61% 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 Sacramento to San Diego

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

Harriet Baskas

Expert on Alaska 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.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Frontier

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.

Brandon Schultz

Brandon Schultz

Expert on SAN

Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others, and he is the author of 6 books, including 3 cookbooks.

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 Sacramento to San Diego flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$59
Beat the crowds with an average 7% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 6% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Sacramento to San Diego

When to book flights from Sacramento to San Diego

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

Flights from Sacramento to San Diego: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Sacramento to San Diego 
CupcakeFlew with Alaska Airlines-Apr 2026
Check flight delays on Google prior to arrival at airport.
Joo YoungFlew with Alaska Airlines-Jul 2024
Make sure your seat can recline when you board!

Your Sacramento to San Diego 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 Sacramento to San Diego?

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

    • Earliest: departs at 5:40 am and lands at 7:18 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:55 pm and lands at 12:33 am.

    The flight takes about 1h 38m.

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

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Sacramento to San Diego:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Sacramento to San Diego?

    A nonstop flight from Sacramento to San Diego takes 1h 38m, covering 480 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Sacramento to San Diego?

    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 Sacramento to San Diego flight?

    Round-trip flights from Sacramento to San Diego range from $155 to $285, with an average of $205 over the past 12 months. Anything below $155 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Sacramento to San Diego flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 100% above the $205 route average. Book 12 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $185 round-trip via Denver Intl (DEN), compared to $206 for nonstop.

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

    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.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from Sacramento to San Diego?

    The Boeing 737 MAX 8 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by Southwest. Other aircraft seen on the route include Boeing 737-800 Passenger/BBJ2 (winglets) variants.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Sacramento to San Diego flights, with 44% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 31%, evening flights for 25%, and night flights for 0%.

  • Have flight prices from Sacramento to San Diego 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 $117 to $1,109. That means the highest observed fare was about 9x higher than the lowest one.

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

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Sacramento to San Diego flights:

    • Alaska Airlines
    • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

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

    One-way fares from Sacramento to San Diego are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $69, which is 55% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at San Diego Airport (SAN)?

    San Diego Airport (SAN) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $14 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Dollar
    • Payless
    • Europcar
    • Thrifty
    • Fox

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

    Flights from Sacramento to San Diego usually depart from Sacramento Intl (SMF) and arrive at San Diego (SAN).

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

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

    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 46% of one-stop connections
    • Los Angeles (LAX) - 33% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 15% of one-stop connections
    • San Francisco (SFO) - 6% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 33% on flights from Sacramento to San Diego. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $153 round-trip on average, while Friday is the most expensive at $226, a difference of $73.

    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 Sacramento to San Diego?

    2 airlines operate flights between Sacramento and San Diego. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Southwest
    • Alaska Airlines

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

    Flying via Los Angeles (LAX) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 15m, compared with 4h 35m via San Francisco (SFO) and 11h 51m via Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS).

  • What popular places can I visit in San Diego?

    Some of the most popular sights in San Diego are Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Convention Center and SeaWorld San Diego. These are among the most viewed places in San Diego on KAYAK.

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

    Among airlines operating Sacramento to San Diego flights:

    • Alaska Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: 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 Sacramento to San Diego flights?

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

    • Alaska Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Southwest: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Business Class

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

  • Which transportation options are available at San Diego International Airport?

    Ground transportation is available outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. For taxicabs, a taxi customer service representative can arrange an authorized ride. Uber and Lyft rides can also be requested.

  • How can I get from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to downtown San Diego on public transportation?

    From San Diego International Airport (SAN), passengers can take city bus 992 operated by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. The bus stops in downtown San Diego, where connections are available to Amtrak trains, local trains and a local trolley. It departs every 15 minutes between 4:15 a.m. and midnight every day.

  • Does SAN have a USO?

    Yes. At SAN, active-duty, Guard and Reserve service members and their dependents in transit can use the USO Neil Ash Airport Center. It is located just outside Terminal 2, across Airport Terminal Road via the sky bridge. Features include showers, entertainment and connectivity devices and transportation information.

  • Does SMF have any private facilities for nursing mothers?

    Yes. Both terminals of SMF have post-security rooms for breastfeeding mothers near the gates, adjacent to the women's restrooms.

  • Which services for the disabled are available at San Diego International Airport?

    Volunteer ambassadors assist passengers throughout San Diego International Airport. Harbor Police Officers also provide law enforcement services across the airport.

  • Can I travel with my pet through San Diego International Airport?

    Yes, San Diego International Airport (SAN) has outdoor pet relief areas with artificial turf on the Ground Transportation Plazas at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The facilities can be used by all service animals and pets while waiting for departure.

  • Does the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) feature any private lounges where I can wait for my flight?

    Yes, the Escape Lounge is open to all passengers. It is located in Terminal B on the upper level, post-security.

  • Where can I park my car at Sacramento International Airport (SMF)?

    The East, South and West Economy Parking Lots are the most affordable parking options at Sacramento International Airport (SMF). The Daily Lot is the next least expensive. Free shuttle service runs from the Daily Lot and Economy Lot to the terminals. Only rental car shuttles have terminal-specific pickup and drop-off.

  • Is free Wi-Fi available at Sacramento International Airport?

    Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in the concourse and terminals at Sacramento International Airport (SMF). It can also be accessed at the rental car facility and the free waiting area. To connect, travelers can turn on Wi-Fi on their device, scan for "FlySacramento" and connect.

Your guide to booking Sacramento to San Diego 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 Friday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $153, about $73 less than Friday fares (32% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 12 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 61% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Sacramento to San Diego trip for January. Fares historically average $176 round-trip in that month - typically $50 less than the most expensive month, which is July (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Denver Intl Airport (DEN) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $185 round-trip on this route - about $21 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to San Diego Airport.

    • Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy
    • Wyndham San Diego Bayside
    • Bay Club Hotel & Marina
  • If you're flying from Sacramento to San Diego, California, head to Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located 12 miles from downtown Sacramento.
  • If you're flying from Sacramento to San Diego, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is a convenient arrival point for getting into downtown San Diego.
  • When you land at San Diego International Airport, head to the Rental Car Center if you're renting a car. Free dedicated shuttle buses run from the terminals to the center.
  • If you need cash before your flight, use one of the four Bank of America ATMs located throughout Sacramento International Airport.
  • Traveling with a dog through Sacramento International Airport? Keep it on a leash and under control at all times and use the pet relief areas in Terminal A outside the east end of the building or in Terminal B on the first baggage-claim level.
  • For a quieter spot before your flight, head to one of the lounges at San Diego International Airport. The Aspire Lounge is in Terminal 2 at Gates 23 and 33 and the United Club Lounge is on the Mezzanine in Terminal 2.
  • Connect to the free "FlySacramento" Wi-Fi network while you wait at Sacramento International Airport. It’s available in the airport terminals, the Jet Center, the rental car facility and the free waiting area.

Prefer to fly direct from Sacramento to San Diego?

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

Direct departures

Sacramento Intl to San Diego

Monday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Friday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Diego to Sacramento Intl

Monday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Friday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

Alaska Airlines,Southwest

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Sacramento to San Diego

Complete your trip to San Diego with a hotel stay or car rental