Flight Deals from Chicago to Sacramento from $143

Flights from Chicago to Sacramento cover about 1,790 miles. The typical nonstop flight takes about 4 hours and 25 minutes eastbound, while the return leg to Chicago runs about 3 hours and 55 minutes, so the westbound journey is roughly 30 minutes longer.

Methodology

Flight times and distances come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time across all carriers on the route, computed the same way in both directions so the difference reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in method. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two airports, so the actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer.

Three airlines fly non-stop from Chicago to Sacramento: United (21 weekly flights from O'Hare), Southwest (19 weekly from Midway), and American (11 weekly from O'Hare), for a combined 51 non-stop flights a week. All three operate daily service, seven days a week.

Methodology

Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers taxis through the Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association, with a flat $40 fare to downtown, plus ride-share services like Uber and Lyft from designated pickup zones. Public transit is available via Yolobus Route 42, which runs hourly to downtown in about 40 minutes, and SacRT provides additional regional bus connections. Rental cars from major companies like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise are located at the airport's dedicated rental car facility, and private shuttles or car services can be pre-arranged for door-to-door rides. The ride-share and taxi options are generally the fastest and most convenient for the roughly 15- to 25-minute trip into the city center, while the bus remains the most budget-friendly choice. Overall, ride-share apps are the most commonly used option for travelers heading into Sacramento.

References

• Taxissacramento.aero
• Maps (Ground Transportation)flysmf.gov
• Sacramento Airport Transportation & Car Service - GO Airport Shuttlegowithus.com · Published Jun 29, 2026
• Take the Train to Sacramento International Airportamtrak.com
• Find cheap flights to Sacramento (SMF) | American Airlinesaa.com · Published Sep 9, 2026
• Best prices on ticket flights from Sacramento (SMF) with Volaris from USD117volaris.com

Fares from Chicago to Sacramento are lowest in late January, around $321. February is the cheapest month overall, averaging $329, followed by January ($331) and October ($335). December is the most expensive month at about $400, and fares peak in late December at about $423. The yearly average is $358. Fares are adjusted to current market conditions.

Methodology

Seasonal fares come from Priceline's own air booking-summary archive, analysed in-house and refreshed monthly. For each day of the year we take a representative round-trip fare, a blend of the 25th-percentile and average ticket price over the route's bookings, and smooth the series into a seasonal curve; the half-month low and high and the monthly figures quoted here are averages of that curve. Thin and international routes borrow their seasonal shape from the nearest busy routes, with the price level anchored to the route's own bookings.

Book about 6 weeks before departure for the best fares from Chicago to Sacramento, around $277. Booking in the final days before the flight costs about $393, $116 more. Booking six months ahead runs about $393. Fares are adjusted to current market conditions.

Methodology

Booking-window guidance comes from the same monthly in-house analysis of Priceline's own air booking-summary archive. We aggregate the route's bookings by how many days before departure they were made, from about 180 days out to the day of travel, smooth the curve, and highlight the stretch of lead times with the lowest average fare. Thin and international routes borrow the curve shape from the nearest busy routes, anchored to the route's own price level. It reflects current fares and is refreshed monthly.

Yes, overnight red-eye flights operate from Chicago to Sacramento on Southwest, departing Midway at 9:50 PM and arriving at 12:20 AM — a late-night arrival just after midnight in the early hours, not the next morning. These red-eyes run six days a week, every day except Saturday.

Methodology

Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times and block times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes. A flight counts as a red-eye when it departs in the afternoon or evening (3 p.m. or later local time) or in the early hours before 4 a.m., and is in the air at some point between midnight and 4 a.m. local time at both its departure airport and its arrival airport. An evening flight that lands before midnight at its destination is never counted, nor is a morning departure or a daytime long-haul that reaches the next calendar date only because of time zones. Each red-eye is labelled with its timing (for example, overnight and landing the next morning, or late-night and landing after midnight). For connecting itineraries the same rule is applied to the longer leg, from one representative day's flight search.

United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines operate nonstop flights from Chicago to Sacramento. United flies from O'Hare with 21 weekly departures, Southwest from Midway with 19 weekly departures, and American from O'Hare with 11 weekly departures. All three carriers fly daily.

Methodology

Airlines and weekly frequencies come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a typical fare is shown for a carrier, it is the median of the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.

On-time arrival performance from Chicago to Sacramento runs between 74% and 77%, with American Airlines the most reliable at 76.9% and a 0.5% cancellation rate, followed by Southwest at 76.5% and United at 74.1%. Cancellation rates are low across the board, from 0.0% on United to 0.5% on American.

Methodology

On-time arrival and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; a flight counts as on time when it arrives within 15 minutes of schedule. Carriers are ranked by arrival on-time rate on this route, and the carrier list itself comes from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI).

Sacramento has one commercial airport, Sacramento International Airport (SMF), about 10 miles northwest of downtown. It is the only practical choice for flights from Chicago.

Getting from downtown Chicago to O'Hare International Airport is straightforward, with the CTA Blue Line 'L' train offering 24-hour service from the Loop and taking about 45 minutes. Taxis and ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are available at designated stands, taking roughly 30 to 40 minutes and costing more than the train. Shared-ride shuttles and Metra commuter rail via the O'Hare Transfer Station provide additional options, though they are less direct. The Blue Line is the most popular and economical choice for most travelers, while driving and parking at O'Hare is possible but generally the most expensive option for longer stays.

References

• Public Transit | Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)flychicago.com:443
• Taxi, Limo, TNP | Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)flychicago.com:443
• Find cheap flights to Chicago (ORD) | American Airlinesaa.com · Published Sep 12, 2026
• How to get from O'Hare Airport (ORD) to Chicago, IL | Uberuber.com · Published Sep 18, 2026
• ord | Qantas AUqantas.com
• ORD Airport Taxi Cab - Request a Ride with Uberuber.com
• O'Hare Flyeren.wikipedia.org · Published Oct 1, 2026
• Transportation in Chicagoen.wikipedia.org · Published Sep 1, 2026

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) has several hotels within a short drive, including the Four Points by Sheraton Sacramento International Airport (3.8 miles away), Hyatt Place Sacramento International Airport (3.9 miles), and Homewood Suites by Hilton Sacramento Airport Natomas (4.3 miles). Many of these nearby hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle service, and there are over 20 hotels around the airport to choose from. There is no hotel directly connected to or located on the airport property itself.

References

• Park Stay and Fly Sacramento | SMF Airport Parking | Sacramento Airport hotels - Stay Park Travelstayparktravel.com · Published Apr 27, 2026
• hotels near SMF - Google Mapsgoogle.com
• Sacramento Airport Guide (SMF) - Sleeping in Airportssleepinginairports.net · Published Aug 6, 2018
• Hotels At SMF Airport Sacramento Airportifly.com · Published Sep 11, 2025
• Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento California) | Park Stay Fly Deals from $139 - Stay Park Travelstayparktravel.com · Published May 4, 2026
• $53+ CLOSEST Hotels Near Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF) CA ✈hotelplanner.com · Published May 2, 2026
• 19 Hotels Near SMF Sacramento International (SMF) Airport | IHGihg.com
• Int'l de Sacramento Airport Reseña y FBO (Sacramento, CA) [KSMF/SMF] - FlightAwareflightaware.com

Sacramento International Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals, with internet kiosks also available. There are four Bank of America ATMs located throughout the airport, and non-Bank of America customers pay $3.00 per transaction. Smarte Carte luggage carts are available for rent at $5.00 per cart in the parking garage, near terminal entrance doors, and in baggage claim areas. The airport provides an array of award-winning dining and shopping options, including a new pre-security restaurant and cafe opening in Terminal B in Spring 2026. Family restrooms and baby care rooms are available in Terminal B. Public art is installed outside the parking garage and in the connecting walkway.

References

• Servicessacramento.aero
• SMF Announces New Pre-Security Restaurant in Terminal B Operated by Local Owners of Rio Pubsacramento.aero
• Passenger Servicesflysmf.gov
• Sacramento International (SMF) (KSMF) passenger reviews | Flightradar24flightradar24.com
• Sacramento International Airporten.wikipedia.org · Published Sep 21, 2026
• SACRAMENTO INTL, 6900 Airport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95837, US - MapQuestmapquest.com
• What Terminal is Southwest Airlines at Sacramento International Airport (SMF)?airlineairport.com · Published Sep 2, 2026
• SMF Sacramento Sacramento Intl. Airport: Escape Lounge - 2026 (Verified Reviews)getyourguide.com · Published Sep 20, 2026

At Chicago O'Hare International Airport, wheelchair assistance is provided by each airline and must be arranged directly with your carrier before travel, while TSA Cares (855-787-2227) offers security screening support and the airport has accessible restrooms, companion plus restrooms, and service animal relief areas. Travelers with non-visible disabilities can use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program lanyards, and sensory-friendly resources are available. At Sacramento International Airport, wheelchair assistance is available through your airline, and the airport participates in the Sunflower Lanyard Program with lanyards and pins available from Airport Ambassadors at baggage claim information desks. Sacramento also offers free on-demand accessibility services through Aira, designated parking for disabled placards, and pet relief areas in Terminal A. Arrangements for mobility assistance should be made with your airline before the flight at both airports.

References

• Terminal Accessibilityflychicago.com:443
• Accessibility Options at O’Hare International Airport (ORD) | Loyola University Chicagoluc.edu
• Accessibility Guide | Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)flychicago.com:443
• Accessibilityflysmf.gov

United Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate the most flights from Chicago to Sacramento, both using Boeing 737 family aircraft. American Airlines also flies the route with Boeing 737-800 aircraft. These three carriers provide all scheduled nonstop service between the two cities.

Methodology

Aircraft types come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). For U.S. routes the type is grounded in the tail number that actually operated the flight; elsewhere it comes from the airline's filed equipment code. Where the source does not commit to a specific variant we name the aircraft family (for example Airbus A320 family) rather than guess, and where no reliable type is on file the aircraft is omitted rather than estimated. Types describe typical scheduled equipment and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute swaps.

United Airlines (Star Alliance), Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines (oneworld) are the carriers currently scheduled non-stop from Chicago to Sacramento. Southwest is a major carrier that belongs to no alliance. Other alliances may serve this route via connections.

Methodology

Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.

O'Hare International Airport has an extensive lounge scene, with standout options like the United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 near Gate C18, reserved exclusively for United international first- and business-class passengers and offering a complimentary full-service restaurant, private relaxation areas, and shower suites. United also operates five United Club lounges across Terminals 1 and 2, featuring power outlets at every seat, complimentary hot meals, and phone rooms, accessible to United Club members and Premier Gold members on international flights. In Terminal 3, American Airlines offers three Admirals Club lounges plus the Flagship Lounge, which is a step above with fewer crowds, dedicated service desks, and great airport views, requiring Flagship First, Concierge Key, or qualifying Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status. Terminal 5 houses international lounges including Air France, Delta Sky Club, LOT Business Lounge, and Swissport, with the LOT lounge offering floor-to-ceiling views, showers, charging stations, and workspaces. Travelers can also access many lounges with Priority Pass or premium credit cards like the Amex Platinum, and most airline clubs sell day passes.

References

• List of Airport Lounges at Chicago O'Hare Int'l Airport [ORD]upgradedpoints.com · Published Jul 7, 2026
• The best lounges at Chicago’s O’Hare — and how to get inside - The Points Guythepointsguy.com · Published Apr 4, 2025
• Best Airline Lounges At Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) – Luxury Travel Diaryluxurytraveldiary.com · Published Jan 2, 2021
• Airline Lounges | Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)flychicago.com:443
• O'Hare Airport Lounges 2026: Complete Guide + Free Accessjoinkudos.com · Published May 14, 2025
• Airline lounges offer respite at O’Hare International Airport | Choose Chicagochoosechicago.com · Published May 28, 2025
• United Club Chicago - LoungeReview.comloungereview.com · Published Apr 1, 2026
• Swissport Lounge ORD AIRPORT Terminal 5 Chicago IL O Hare Intl | Priority Passprioritypass.com

Policies vary by airline and fare; flexible and higher cabin tickets typically allow same‑day changes or standby, while Basic Economy does not.