Flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sacramento: what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento is 1 hour 35 minutes.
Sacramento's timezone is UTC-7, which is the same as Los Angeles (the location of Los Angeles International Airport).
The busiest route is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Choose from 94 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from LAX to SMF is the 05:30 Southwest Airlines service. If you'd rather travel later, the last departure is at 22:35 with United Airlines.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your LAX to Sacramento flight.
Delays at check-in and security are likely if you're traveling during high season, so allow some extra breathing space. A good rule of thumb for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento ticket. Begin your journey at LAX and land at Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
A range of airlines offer direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento. Some of the most popular are:
LAX is about 19 kilometers from central Los Angeles. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the center, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
Have an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to LAX:
Los Angeles International Airport has an excellent on-time record, so you're less likely to experience disruptions. Departures from LAX land at their destination as scheduled 81.05% of the time.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sacramento
$43 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento flight. Return flight tickets start at $86. These prices may change based on demand.
Book one month before flying. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from LAX to Sacramento.
Organize your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento tickets. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
There's no need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an even better deal on cheap flights from LAX to Sacramento.
Tailor your flights with filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento.
Airports in Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to the center of Sacramento takes about 15 minutes by car. The center is roughly 19 kilometers away.
If you're traveling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 25 minutes.
Once your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento has landed, kick back at a hotel close by. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas is a convenient option that's a quick drive from SMF.
Grab a Sacramento International Airport rental car and explore Sacramento and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are top providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your vehicle from Sacramento International Airport around two weeks ahead of your flight from LAX to Sacramento.
SMF is located at 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Stockton Airport (SCK)
Once your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento has hit the runway, you can reach the city center in around 55 minutes by car. Central Sacramento is roughly 88 kilometers from Stockton Airport (SCK).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the center takes 3 hours 20 minutes or so.
Exit the arrivals area and check in to a hotel near SCK. Relax shortly after your LAX to Sacramento flight at Holiday Inn Express Stockton Southeast. Or put up the 'Do not disturb' sign and get some sleep at Hampton Inn by Hilton Stockton.
The address for Stockton Airport is 5000 South Airport Way, Room 202.
Best time to go to Sacramento
Travel to Sacramento in high season if you want a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book your flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento in the low season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Lock in a Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento flight ticket with a departure in July to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 37ºC (99ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from LAX to Sacramento in January when temperatures average between 2ºC (36ºF) and 17ºC (63ºF).
More about Sacramento
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Sacramento, choose a hotel that combines comfort with a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Sacramento:
Crocker Art Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Sacramento to-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Discovery Park.
Explore more of United States
You've done Sacramento, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Journey about 145 kilometers south to San Jose to tick off its top attractions. From Winchester Mystery House to Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you're eager to discover another great destination in United States, consider San Francisco, about 121 kilometers south-west of Sacramento. Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island and Lombard Street are among its highlights.