SMF - WAS

$135 Find Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$293
Typical prices: $354-$564
Frontier
Tue 10/2Wed 10/10
SMF - DCA • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$363
Typical prices: $371-$594
Southwest
Mon 11/12Sat 11/17
SMF - BWI • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
Every day
You can fly direct with United Airlines. Average duration is 5h 00m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
SMF - DCA
Cheapest • 1% average savings
SMF - IAD
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
25 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 25 weeks in advance save around 38% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
January
Cheapest • 19% price drop
May
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Kansas City (MCI)
Cheapest • Avg $205 (round-trip)
Lambert-St Louis (STL)
Shortest trip • 7h 09m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Washington, D.C.!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. (SMF-WAS)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.

Fri, Oct 2 - Sat, Oct 10
Frontier Logo
11:38 am - 9:59 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
7h 21m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
1:00 pm - 10:57 amDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-SMF Sacramento Intl
24h 57m1 stop Denver Intl
$293Frontier
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
Southwest Logo
11:50 am - 10:05 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-BWI Baltimore/Washington
7h 15m1 stop Los Angeles
Southwest Logo
6:20 am - 11:20 amBWI  Baltimore/Washington-SMF Sacramento Intl
8h 00m1 stop San Diego
$334Southwest
Fri, Oct 9 - Fri, Oct 23
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:29 pm - 6:20 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
8h 51m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:24 pm - 10:50 amIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
18h 26m1 stop San Diego
$352Multiple Airlines
Fri, Oct 2 - Sat, Oct 10
Frontier Logo
6:23 pm - 6:20 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
8h 57m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 6:53 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
15h 53m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$352Frontier
Wed, Oct 14 - Mon, Oct 19
United Airlines Logo
2:25 pm - 12:58 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
7h 33m1 stop Chicago O'Hare Intl
United Airlines Logo
6:00 pm - 8:45 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
5h 45mnonstop
$354United Airlines
Sun, Oct 18 - Wed, Oct 21
Southwest Logo
11:55 pm - 2:00 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-DCA Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
11h 05m1 stop Chicago Midway
Southwest Logo
11:40 am - 5:55 pmDCA  Washington, D.C. Reagan-National-SMF Sacramento Intl
9h 15m2 stops Columbus Denver Intl
$356Southwest
Wed, Nov 11 - Mon, Nov 16
Alaska Airlines Logo
4:48 pm - 5:40 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
21h 52m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:46 pm - 9:58 amIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
18h 12m1 stop San Diego
$359Alaska Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Tue, Nov 17
Alaska Airlines Logo
4:48 pm - 5:40 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
21h 52m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:17 pm - 10:35 amIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
20h 18m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
$359Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Sat, Oct 24
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:57 am - 6:20 amSMF  Sacramento Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
18h 23m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:02 am - 5:20 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
13h 18m2 stops Seattle/Tacoma Intl San Diego
$360Multiple Airlines
Wed, Nov 18 - Sat, Nov 21
United Airlines Logo
12:01 pm - 9:57 pmSMF  Sacramento Intl-IAD Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
6h 56m1 stop San Francisco
United Airlines Logo
5:20 pm - 10:29 pmIAD  Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl-SMF Sacramento Intl
8h 09m1 stop Denver Intl
$364United Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

Round-trip flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. start at $293. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $354 to $564. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $293 on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flight route?

There's little price difference between Sacramento to Washington, D.C. routes. They average around $430 round-trip, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Sacramento to Washington, D.C., it is 6% cheaper than the average day. Monday is the most expensive day with flight prices 29% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

  • January is the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. at $350 round-trip.
  • June ($507) and July ($506) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 44% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. the cheapest?

Flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. are cheapest 25 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 38% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

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Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.

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

Read more
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on IAD

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.

Read more

Key details for Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$135
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 14% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 12% increase in price.
Flight from Sacramento to Baltimore

When to book flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.

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

Your Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Where can I relax at SMF before my flight?

    While waiting for your flight at SMF, you can unwind at one of two highly rated Escape Lounges. The lounges, located in Terminal A just before Gate 10 and Terminal B just after the security checkpoint, have comfortable seats, a TV, free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, and excellent food bars. These lounges can be accessed by paying at the door regardless of flight class or airline.

  • Does DCA have a pet relief area?

    DCA has several designated pet relief areas if you are traveling with a four-legged companion. The relief zones are located in Terminal A next to Door 5, Terminal B just after the South Metrorail Station entrance and Terminal C directly across from the North Metrorail entrance. These pet relief zones are only open during airport hours.

  • Where is the information desk at SMF located?

    The Information desk at SMF is located on the 1st floor of Terminal B near the Baggage Claim area. Be sure to find any assistance you need at the airport at this information desk, as it is manned by well-trained professionals. In addition, volunteers are stationed throughout the airport to assist anyone who becomes stranded.

  • Does DCA have a USO military lounge?

    DCA does have a USO military lounge. The lounge is located in Terminal A opposite Lost and Found and is exclusively open to serving members of the US military and their dependents. The lounge features free snacks, a seating area, Wi-Fi, a TV, and free magazines.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Among airlines operating Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flights:

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

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

  • What airlines are available from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    Only United Airlines operates flights between Sacramento and Washington, D.C..

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    Flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. usually depart from Sacramento Intl (SMF) and may arrive at several airports in Washington, D.C. area, including Washington, D.C. Reagan-National (DCA) and Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Sacramento to Washington, D.C. 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
    • JetBlue: a cabin bag in Economy Class class

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

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.:

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

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $205 round-trip via Kansas City (MCI), compared to $445 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$80 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. pass through?

    One-stop flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. most commonly connect through:

    • San Diego (SAN) - 27% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 20% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 11% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 11% of one-stop connections

    San Diego (SAN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 28% on the Sacramento to Washington, D.C. route. Tuesday is the cheapest departure day at $409 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $561, a difference of $152. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • How are flight departures from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flights, with 100% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 0%, evening flights for 0%, and night flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Washington, D.C.?

    Some of the most popular sights in Washington, D.C. are Walter E. Washington Convention Center, National Mall and Capital One Arena. These are among the most viewed places in Washington, D.C. on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.:

    • Earliest: departs at 8:00 am and lands at 1:00 pm
    • Latest: departs at 8:20 am and lands at 1:20 pm.

    The flight takes about 5h 00m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 32% above the route average of $434. Book 25 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    A nonstop flight from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. takes 5h 00m, covering 2,373 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    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.

  • Have flight prices from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. 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 $293 to $2,913. That means the highest observed fare was about 10x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. looking right now?

    One-way fares from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $156, which is 43% below the typical average for this route.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

    Flying via Lambert-St Louis (STL) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 7h 09m, compared with 7h 10m via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) and 7h 33m via Los Angeles (LAX).

  • What is the time difference between Sacramento and Washington, D.C.?

    Washington, D.C. is 3 hours ahead of Sacramento (Eastern Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available in Washington, D.C.?

    Since Washington, D.C. is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport (DCA) — daily rates from around $23:

    • Sixt
    • Dollar
    • Thrifty
    • Alamo
    • Budget

    Near Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Airport (IAD) — daily rates from around $24:

    • Dollar
    • Budget
    • Hertz
    • Sixt
    • Thrifty

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flight?

    Round-trip flights from Sacramento to Washington, D.C. range from $354 to $564, with an average of $434 over the past 12 months. Anything below $354 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flights?

    JetBlue is the only airline on the Sacramento to Washington, D.C. route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

Your guide to booking Sacramento to Washington, D.C. flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Tuesday departure instead of Monday. On this route, Tuesday flights average $409 - about $152 less than Monday (27% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 25 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 38% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Sacramento to Washington, D.C. trip for January. Fares historically average $350 round-trip in that month - typically $157 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 Kansas City Airport (MCI) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $205 round-trip on this route - about $240 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 Washington, D.C. Reagan-National Airport.
    - Hyatt House Washington DC The Wharf
    - Intercontinental Hotels Washington D.C. - The Wharf By IHG
    - Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf
  • When flying from Sacramento to Washington, DC, you can choose to land at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Of the three, DCA is by far the closest to downtown Washington and has good access to the DC metro system. In contrast, BWI and IAD handle fewer planes, making it considerably simpler to get around the airports than at DCA.
  • On the day you are set to fly to Washington DC from Sacramento International Airport (SMF), it is in your best interest to arrive at the airport at least 1h 30min before your flight. Arriving at the airport this early will allow you enough time to go through all the long queues at the airport's security checkpoints. This will also give you enough time to check out some of the airport's attractions.
  • Travelers Aid, a non-profit organization, has partnered with DCA to assist distressed or stranded passengers at the airport. The volunteers assist with general airport and destination questions such as where to get a taxi, lost or stolen money, and where to find emergency housing. Travelers' Aid has a desk near the baggage claim area in Terminal B.
  • Take advantage of the airport's Quiet Room if you want a quiet environment to relax and reflect before your flight out of SMF. The room, which is located on the upper level of Terminal A, Landside, provides the best environment for relaxation as it is equipped with a sound masking system and is free of all airport noise.
  • Nursing mothers can relax knowing SMF has designated nursing rooms where they can breastfeed and change their babies' diapers. The nursing rooms, located in Terminal A just after Gate A10 and Terminal B next to Gate B15, provide breastfeeding mothers with much-needed privacy while breastfeeding or pumping. Each room has a seating area, electrical outlets, and a changing table.

Prefer to fly direct from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.?

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

Direct departures

Sacramento Intl to Washington, D.C.

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Washington, D.C. to Sacramento Intl

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Sacramento to Washington, D.C.

Complete your trip to Washington, D.C. with a hotel stay or car rental

Car rentals in Washington, D.C.
Hotels in Washington, D.C.
Vacations in Washington, D.C.