Route guide

Cheap Flights from Phoenix to Sacramento | EazAir

Travellers

Phoenix to Sacramento flight insights

Average flight time

~2h 1m (estimated)

PHX → SMF

Cheapest month

—

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$166

Checking live fares…

Prices shown may not be current. Last checked: Sep 1, 2026.

Planning a trip from Phoenix to Sacramento? The average flight time on this route is ~2h 1m (estimated). The lowest fare we recorded on this route recently was $166 (last checked Sep 1, 2026); today's live fare for your dates can differ.

Phoenix to Sacramento covers a straight-line distance of about 646 miles. Based on that distance, a nonstop flight would take approximately ~2h 1m (estimated). Actual flight time varies by airline, aircraft and routing.

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from Phoenix to Sacramento on Eazair
OriginPhoenix (PHX)
DestinationSacramento (SMF)
Average Flight Time~2h 1m (estimated)
Cheapest Month to Fly—
Current Lowest Fare$166
Fares Last CheckedSep 1, 2026

Flight deals from Phoenix to Sacramento

Traveling between the Valley of the Sun and California's capital requires flying out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and landing at Sacramento International Airport (SMF). A direct flight covering the roughly 650-mile distance generally takes about two hours in the air. Southwest Airlines frequently operates non-stop service on this southwestern corridor, while carriers like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer itineraries with layovers in hubs such as Los Angeles or San Francisco. Passenger volume on the Phoenix to Sacramento route fluctuates throughout the year, with peak demand occurring during the late spring and summer months. Travelers often leave the extreme Arizona heat between June and August to enjoy the milder Mediterranean climate along the Sacramento River. Conversely, winter travel tends to see lower passenger numbers, though holiday periods around Thanksgiving and Christmas still generate high booking volumes for family visits between Arizona and Northern California. When scheduling your departure from PHX to SMF, morning flights are highly sought after by business travelers commuting between the two state capitals. Afternoon and evening departures often cater to leisure passengers heading into Sacramento for weekend getaways near Gold Country or onward drives toward Lake Tahoe. Securing your tickets several weeks ahead of your planned Phoenix departure ensures a wider selection of direct routes and preferred seating arrangements for this quick regional hop.

View of Sacramento, a popular flight destination from Phoenix

About Sacramento

Popular areas to know in Sacramento include Midtown, East Sacramento, and Downtown.

A Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Phoenix to Sacramento?
A direct flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Sacramento International Airport typically takes around two hours, covering a flight distance of approximately 650 miles.
Which airlines fly directly from Phoenix to Sacramento?
Southwest Airlines and American Airlines regularly provide non-stop service connecting Phoenix and Sacramento.
What are the departure and arrival airports for flights from Phoenix to Sacramento?
Passengers depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and arrive at Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
What is the most popular time of year to travel from Phoenix to Sacramento?
Late spring through summer represents the busiest travel period for the Phoenix to Sacramento route, as Arizona residents head to Northern California to escape extreme desert temperatures.
Are there morning flights available from Phoenix to Sacramento?
Yes, multiple morning departures are scheduled from Phoenix to Sacramento daily, catering heavily to business travelers commuting between the two state capitals.
Can I fly from Phoenix to Sacramento with a layover?
Delta Air Lines and United Airlines frequently operate connecting flights from Phoenix to Sacramento, usually routing passengers through regional hubs like San Francisco or Los Angeles.
How far in advance should I book my flight from Phoenix to Sacramento?
For the widest availability of direct flights, travelers should aim to book their Phoenix to Sacramento tickets at least three to four weeks before their anticipated departure date.
What transportation options exist upon landing in Sacramento from Phoenix?
After flying from Phoenix into Sacramento International Airport, travelers can access rental cars, ride-share services, and the Yolobus public transit system to reach the downtown area.
Is there a time difference between Phoenix and Sacramento?
Phoenix does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so while Sacramento is always on Pacific Time, the two cities share the same time during the winter, but Sacramento is one hour behind Phoenix from March to November.
What baggage policies apply when flying from Phoenix to Sacramento?
Baggage allowances for the Phoenix to Sacramento route vary by carrier, with Southwest including two checked bags in standard fares, while American Airlines typically charges a separate fee for checked luggage on basic economy tickets.
Are flights from Phoenix to Sacramento subject to weather delays?
While the Phoenix to Sacramento flight path usually experiences clear weather, summer monsoon storms in Arizona or winter Tule fog in Northern California can occasionally impact departure or arrival schedules.
How far is it from Phoenix to Sacramento?
The straight-line distance from Phoenix to Sacramento is about 646 miles.
What ID do I need to fly from Phoenix to Sacramento?
Since Phoenix to Sacramento is a domestic US flight, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted form of ID, such as a valid US passport. A standard, non-compliant driver's license alone is no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Which airlines operate flights from Phoenix to Sacramento?
Based on a recent live fare search, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines had bookable flights on the Phoenix to Sacramento route.
What's the weather usually like in Sacramento?
Based on recent daily weather records (2022–2024), the warmest month is typically July (average high 98.3°F) and the coolest is typically December (average high 58.3°F).

Airline bag fees

Baggage allowances differ significantly between fare classes (Basic/Light vs. Standard/Flex) and can change over time. Always verify the exact allowance for your specific fare with the airline before you fly.

Travel tips

Arrive early for domestic flights

TSA generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure, more at larger hub airports during peak travel periods.

Pack a mixed carry-on

Keep a change of clothes, chargers, and any essentials in your carry-on rather than only your checked bag, in case of a delay or a bag that doesn't arrive with you.

Ease jet lag on longer routes

On longer cross-country flights, adjusting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure and staying hydrated in flight can reduce jet lag on arrival.

Screenshot your confirmation

Save a screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation and boarding pass before you travel, in case you lose signal or battery at the airport.

Check in online when it opens

Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — checking in early can help with seat selection and, on some airlines, boarding group assignment.

Airlines seen in our fare searches for this route: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines