13 Stunning & Affordable Places to Fly from Sacramento Right Now

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Think you need to drive to SFO or LAX for decent flight deals? Not anymore. After spending way too many hours stalking Sacramento flight prices (my screen time stats are embarrassing), I’ve found some incredible deals from SMF. Just last month, I spotted roundtrip tickets to Puerto Vallarta for under $300, where you can lounge on Los Muertos Beach and feast at the local seafood spots in Zona Romantica.

These are definitely some of the best places in Sacramento to catch cheap flights right now, and I’m talking legit airlines too. From Mexico City’s incredible food scene (where I paid less for flights than my monthly gym membership) to Seattle’s coffee shops and waterfront views, these 13 destinations prove you don’t need to leave the capital to start your adventure.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Sacramento

Looking for cheap places to fly from Sacramento? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. SMF) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $475 roundtrip fare from Sacramento to London. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Sacramento

Looking for destinations with cheap flights from Sacramento? Visit San Jose for a mix of tech innovation and cultural attractions, Athens for ancient history and Mediterranean charm, Omaha for a thriving arts scene and historic districts, and Milwaukee for scenic lakefront views and craft breweries. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer budget-friendly escapes from Sacramento.

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Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

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1. Sacramento to San Jose ($45–$70 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 55 minutes nonstop
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, United, Alaska (multiple daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May 🌸 and September-November 🍂 for pleasant weather and fewer tourists
• 🏆 Perfect for: Tech enthusiasts 💻, urban explorers 🏙️, coffee connoisseurs ☕, day-trippers 🚗

San Jose is Sacramento’s affordable urban escape that delivers big city vibes without the San Francisco prices. This Silicon Valley hub is way more than just tech campuses, with a surprisingly cool downtown, excellent food scene, and perfect access to both beaches and mountains.

Santana Row offers upscale shopping and dining in a walkable outdoor setting that puts most malls to shame. The San Pedro Square Market brings together local food vendors under one roof for an epic casual dining experience. Check out the weirdly fascinating Winchester Mystery House with its bizarre architecture and spooky backstory, or catch a Sharks game at the SAP Center if you’re into hockey that won’t break the bank like SF or LA tickets.

Southwest dominates this quick hop with fares sometimes dipping below $50 roundtrip during sales. The flight is so short you barely reach cruising altitude before starting your descent. 

2. Sacramento to Athens ($489–$520 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 15-17 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, United, Lufthansa (typically connecting through Toronto, Newark, or Frankfurt)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June 🌞 and September-October 🍂 for perfect weather without summer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, food lovers 🫒, island hoppers ⛵, photography enthusiasts 📸

Athens is that bucket-list European destination that’s finally affordable from Sacramento. This ancient city delivers incredible history, amazing food, and perfect Mediterranean vibes at prices way lower than most Western European capitals.

The Acropolis is obviously the main attraction, and it’s actually even more impressive in person than in photos. Skip the midday crowds and go early morning or late afternoon for better light and fewer tour groups. Plaka neighborhood feels like wandering through a movie set with narrow streets, outdoor cafes, and shops selling everything from basic souvenirs to legit local art. 

The best flight deals connect through Toronto on Air Canada or Frankfurt on Lufthansa, usually cheapest in May and October when weather is perfect but summer crowds haven’t arrived or have already left. 

3. Sacramento to Omaha ($113–$130 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3-4 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: United, Southwest, American (connecting through Denver or Chicago)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June 🌿 and September-October 🍂 for mild weather and outdoor events
• 🏆 Perfect for: Foodie explorers 🍽️, indie culture seekers 🎭, baseball fans ⚾, budget travelers 💰

Omaha is that Midwest city everyone underestimates until they actually visit. This place has quietly transformed into a legit food and culture destination with prices that’ll make your California wallet breathe a sigh of relief.

The Old Market district feels like someone took the coolest parts of a major city and condensed them into a few walkable blocks of brick buildings housing amazing restaurants, indie shops, and galleries. Blackstone District is where you’ll find craft breweries, trendy bars, and the famous Stirnella restaurant that would have a two-month waiting list if it were in Sacramento. Catch a game at Charles Schwab Field where College World Series happens each year, or explore the surprisingly impressive Henry Doorly Zoo that consistently ranks among America’s best.

United and Southwest offer the cheapest connecting flights, usually through Denver. Spring and fall deliver perfect weather, while winter deals are cheapest if you can handle potential cold.

4. Sacramento to Milwaukee ($182–$200 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4-5 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, United, American (connecting through Chicago or Denver)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September 🌞 for outdoor festivals and lake activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beer enthusiasts 🍺, food lovers 🧀, music festival fans 🎵, lakefront explorers ⛵

Milwaukee is basically the Midwest’s best-kept secret that’s now surprisingly affordable to reach from Sacramento. This lakefront city delivers incredible food, world-class breweries, and genuine cultural experiences without the crowds or prices of Chicago just down the shore.

The Historic Third Ward is packed with renovated warehouses now housing trendy restaurants, boutiques, and the massive Milwaukee Public Market where you can sample local specialties under one roof. Brady Street offers that perfect neighborhood vibe with coffee shops, bars, and some of the city’s best restaurants in a walkable stretch. 

Southwest usually offers the best connecting routes with fares dipping lowest in April-May and October. Summer prices spike during the massive Summerfest music festival but are still reasonable compared to coastal destinations. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Milwaukee

5. Sacramento to Tampa ($215–$240 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5-6 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Delta, American (connecting through Dallas, Denver, or Atlanta)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-May ☀️ for perfect weather without summer humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, water sports enthusiasts 🏄‍♂️, theme park day-trippers 🎢, outdoor adventurers 🚣‍♀️

Tampa is the Florida escape you didn’t know you needed from Sacramento. While everyone else is fighting crowds in Miami or Orlando, you’ll be chilling on Gulf Coast beaches with water so clear it looks filtered.

Tampa Riverwalk is where the city shows off with breweries, food halls, and waterfront bars all connected by one path. Armature Works is that converted industrial space filled with food vendors that every city tries to copy now. For nightlife, Ybor City is where locals actually go, with everything from dive bars to clubs in historic buildings that used to be cigar factories.

Southwest connections through Denver or Dallas usually have the best deals, especially October-November and April-May when Florida weather is literally perfect. 

• Read Next: Affordable Places to Fly from Tampa

6. Sacramento to Baltimore ($236–$260 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5-6 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, United, American (connecting through Chicago, Denver or Dallas)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June 🌸 and September-October 🍂 for moderate temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, seafood lovers 🦀, sports fans ⚾, budget East Coast explorers 🚶‍♂️

Baltimore is that East Coast city that’s way cooler than you’ve been led to believe. This place gives you all the urban charm and history of DC or Philly but with fewer tourists, better seafood, and prices that won’t make your California wallet cry.

Inner Harbor is the obvious starting point with its waterfront promenade, but the real magic happens in neighborhoods like Fell’s Point where cobblestone streets are lined with pubs and restaurants in buildings older than California has been a state. Camden Yards is widely considered the most beautiful baseball stadium in America, where you can score Orioles tickets for less than a movie back home. 

Southwest typically offers the best connections and deals through Denver or Chicago, with spring and fall delivering perfect weather and prices. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Baltimore

7. Sacramento to San Antonio ($175–$190 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3.5-4 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, United (connecting through Dallas, Phoenix or Denver)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May 🌸 and October-November 🍂 for comfortable temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🌮, history buffs 🏛️, river explorers 🚶‍♂️, budget travelers 💰

San Antonio is Texas without the pretentiousness of Austin or the sprawl of Houston. This city has somehow stayed affordable despite having some of the best food, coolest history, and most walkable downtown in the entire Southwest.

The River Walk lives up to the hype as a legit urban oasis where you can hop between bars, restaurants, and shops without ever dealing with street traffic. Yeah, the Alamo is smaller than you’d expect, but still worth checking out for the “been there, done that” factor. The real gems are spots like the Pearl District, an old brewery converted into a food and shopping paradise where locals actually hang out. 

Flight-wise, Southwest usually has the best connecting routes through Phoenix or Dallas, with prices dipping lowest in spring and fall when Texas weather is actually pleasant.

8. Sacramento to Raleigh ($211–$230 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6-7 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, American, United (connecting through Atlanta, Charlotte, or Dallas)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June 🌸 and September-October 🍂 for mild weather and outdoor events
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food explorers 🍽️, craft beer lovers 🍺, outdoor enthusiasts 🌲, college sports fans 🏀

Raleigh is that Southern city everyone’s suddenly moving to for a reason. This place has quietly blown up with amazing food, beer, and outdoor stuff without getting as expensive or crowded as other trendy Southern spots.

Downtown Raleigh is full of converted warehouses now housing breweries and food halls where you’ll actually see locals hanging out. Hit up Transfer Co. Food Hall for a one-stop food crawl, or wander the Warehouse District for your pick of craft beers and cocktail spots. When you need a break from eating and drinking, Umstead State Park has hiking trails that make you forget you’re like 10 minutes from downtown. 

Delta connections through Atlanta usually have the best deals, especially April-May when the weather’s perfect but summer humidity hasn’t kicked in yet. 

9. Sacramento to Detroit ($155–$170 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4-5 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Spirit, United (connecting through Minneapolis, Chicago, or Denver)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🌞 for outdoor markets and festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food adventurers 🍽️, art enthusiasts 🎨, music lovers 🎵

Detroit is the comeback city that’s actually delivering on the hype. This place has transformed from rust belt poster child to one of the most creative and authentic urban destinations you can reach from Sacramento without emptying your bank account.

Eastern Market is absolute chaos in the best way, with huge weekend markets packed with food vendors, artists, and locals actually having fun. Corktown feels like what would happen if hipsters built a neighborhood from scratch but somehow made it cool, with distilleries and restaurants in old factories. The Detroit Institute of Arts would have two-hour lines if it were in New York. And seriously, try Michigan & Trumbull for Detroit-style pizza that’ll make you question why you ever ate California pizza.

Delta has a major hub here, meaning connecting flights from Sacramento are frequent and often surprisingly cheap. Skip the dead of winter unless you enjoy frozen tears, but May through October brings perfect weather and endless outdoor events.

• Read Next: Cheap Places to Fly from Detroit

10. Sacramento to Pittsburgh ($232–$250 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5-6 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, United (connecting through Chicago, Denver, or Dallas)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June 🌿 and September-October 🍂 for perfect weather and vibrant colors
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food lovers 🍽️, sports fanatics 🏈, architecture buffs 🏙️, budget travelers 💰

Pittsburgh is that Rust Belt city that’s completely reinvented itself while staying weirdly affordable. This place has somehow transformed from steel town to tech hub without losing its blue-collar charm or driving up prices to California levels.

The Strip District is basically food heaven, with old warehouses converted to markets, restaurants, and specialty shops where you can eat your way through a Saturday morning. Lawrenceville neighborhood is peak cool with breweries, vintage shops, and restaurants in old row houses that would cost millions in Sacramento. For insane city views, take the Duquesne Incline up Mount Washington for a panorama that’ll make your Instagram followers think you used a fake background.

Southwest, American, and United battle for this route with connections usually through Chicago or Denver. Avoid winter unless you’re into gray skies and slippery sidewalks, but spring and fall deliver gorgeous weather and the lowest fares. 

• Read Next: Cheap Places to Fly from Pittsburgh

11. Sacramento to Louisville ($199–$210 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5-6 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: American, United, Delta (connecting through Dallas, Chicago, or Atlanta)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June 🌸 and September-October 🍂 for perfect weather and bourbon season
• 🏆 Perfect for: Bourbon enthusiasts 🥃, food explorers 🍽️, horse racing fans 🐎, music lovers 🎵

Louisville is Kentucky‘s coolest city that most Californians sleep on. While everyone’s fighting for overpriced reservations in Nashville, you’ll be drinking better bourbon and eating better food here for literally half the price.

NuLu district is where you’ll find all the converted warehouses housing indie shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and bars serving bourbon flights that would cost triple in Sacramento. Whiskey Row downtown lets you sample Kentucky’s finest without the hassle of driving between rural distilleries. After a few days here, you’ll be plotting how to move somewhere with amazing food, friendly locals, and houses that cost less than your Sacramento rent.

American and Delta usually have the best connections, but United occasionally drops crazy deals through Chicago. The sweet spot for visits is late April through early June when the weather’s perfect and Derby chaos has died down. 

12. Sacramento to Jacksonville ($251–$270 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6-7 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: American, Delta, United (connecting through Dallas, Atlanta, or Houston)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May 🌸 and October-November 🍂 for perfect weather without humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, outdoor enthusiasts 🌊, food explorers 🍽️, budget Florida seekers 💰

Jacksonville is that Florida city everyone forgets exists, which is exactly why you should go. While the masses cram into Miami and Orlando, you’ll have miles of uncrowded beaches, cool neighborhoods, and authentic Florida vibes at prices that won’t make your Sacramento wallet cry.

Five Points neighborhood feels like someone transplanted a hip urban district into Florida, with street art, craft cocktail bars, and indie restaurants where locals actually hang out. For beaches without the South Beach attitude, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach offer miles of golden sand with laid-back bars and seafood spots right along the shore. The massive Timucuan Ecological Preserve lets you kayak through coastal wetlands where you’ll spot wildlife that makes California’s nature seem boring in comparison.

American and Delta usually fight for the best deals on this route, with connections through their Southern hubs. Spring and fall bring that perfect Florida weather where you can actually enjoy being outside without melting. 

• Read Next: Cheap Florida Airports to Fly Into

13. Sacramento to Memphis ($204–$220 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5-6 hours with one connection
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, American, United (connecting through Atlanta, Dallas, or Chicago)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April-June 🌸 and September-October 🍂 for comfortable temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Music lovers 🎵, BBQ enthusiasts 🍖, history buffs 🏛️, riverfront explorers 🚢

Memphis is the perfect mix of gritty and cool with serious musical history and even more serious food. This Mississippi River city delivers authentic Southern experiences without the Nashville crowds or New Orleans prices.

Beale Street is obviously the main tourist drag, but it’s actually worth hitting for live blues and neon-lit dive bars that haven’t changed in decades. Cooper-Young neighborhood is where locals go for dinner and drinks, with converted houses now serving as restaurants, coffee shops, and record stores. Central BBQ will ruin California barbecue for you forever with melt-in-your-mouth ribs and pulled pork that put those fake “Southern” chains to shame. 

Delta through Atlanta and American through Dallas typically offer the best connecting routes, with fares dipping lowest in late spring and early fall. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Flights from Memphis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Sacramento

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Sacramento? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Sacramento to anywhere.

What are the cheapest destinations from Sacramento?

There are several destinations that frequently offer cheap flights from SAC, including San Jose, Tucson, Omaha, and many more. Keep an eye out for deals and seasonal offers!

How can I find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to anywhere?

Utilize flight comparison websites, set fare alerts, and consider flying on weekdays or during off-peak seasons. Being flexible with your travel dates can also score you some great deals.

Are there direct flights available from Sacramento?

Absolutely! Many destinations, especially within the U.S., offer direct flights from Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

Which airlines typically offer the best deals from Sacramento?

Airlines such as Southwest, Delta, and Spirit often have competitive prices. However, it’s always a good idea to compare various airlines for the best rates.

When is the best time to book cheap flights from SAC?

Ideally, booking a few months in advance can get you some sweet deals. Also, mid-week flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper.

Is it more affordable to fly out of Sacramento than other nearby airports?

It varies based on the destination and deals available. However, Sacramento often has competitive rates, especially for domestic flights.

Why are flights from Sacramento cheaper to some destinations compared to others?

Flight prices are influenced by factors like demand, airline routes, seasonality, and the distance of the destination. Popular vacation spots or major hubs may sometimes have more competitive prices.

Are international flights from Sacramento affordable?

Sacramento does offer some great deals on international flights, especially to destinations in Mexico and Canada. It’s advisable to book in advance and keep an eye out for airline promotions.

Can I set fare alerts specifically for flights departing from Sacramento?

Yes, many flight comparison websites and apps allow you to set fare alerts for specific departure cities, including Sacramento.

Is there a specific day of the week when flights from Sacramento are the cheapest?

When flying from Sacramento to anywhere, you can save money by booking on the right days of the week. While it can vary, flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer the best prices