Travelling from Sacramento to Chicago: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the departure points for your flight from Sacramento to Chicago. Explore the options for taking off from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Stockton Airport (SCK), two of the city's main airports.
When it comes to arriving in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major hub. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is another.
Book a direct Sacramento to Chicago flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 4 hours.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is two hours ahead of Sacramento.
The busiest route for flights from Sacramento to Chicago is from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). There are 24 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from SMF to ORD is the 07:00 United Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the latest available service is at 23:59 with American Airlines.
To ensure you don't miss your Sacramento to Chicago flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
During popular months like August, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Chicago
55 € is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Sacramento to Chicago. Return flights start at 138 €. These prices can change depending on demand and availability.
Book two months before you want to fly. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Sacramento to Chicago flights.
May is the best month for nabbing a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Sacramento to Chicago. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Finding a cheap flight from Sacramento to Chicago is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Sacramento to Chicago flights.
Flying from Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Set out from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and fly right through to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). If you're searching for a direct flight from Sacramento to Chicago out of SMF, those are your arrival choices.
Leading carriers that offer direct Sacramento to Chicago plane tickets from SMF include:
Located around 14 kilometres from the centre of Sacramento, SMF can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 25 minutes.
Get your flight from Sacramento to Chicago off to a relaxed start. Just a quick drive from Sacramento International Airport, book a night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas and you'll be well-rested for the trip ahead.
Sacramento International Airport scores top marks for its on-time performance. 82.15% of flights that depart SMF reach their destination without delay.
SMF's address is 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 35 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
Book a hotel near ORD if you have a late flight from Sacramento to Chicago. Settle into one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's usual tourist stops.
For the lowest price, book your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks in advance of your Sacramento to Chicago flight.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 14 kilometres from central Chicago. Once you've hopped off your flight from Sacramento to Chicago, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 45 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Sacramento to Chicago:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car simple. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from MDW four weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider selection of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Sacramento to Chicago has landed. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to get to by car.
Public transport will take you there in about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Whether you're looking for a mini for a solo adventure or a full-size SUV to transport your group, you'll find the perfect Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the types of wheels available here from providers such as Budget, Alamo and National.
If you'd like a specific model or make, booking early gives you a better shot at getting your first choice. Book your ride from RFD a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Sacramento to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
January is the quietest month for flights from Sacramento to Chicago, while August is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to go to Chicago based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your Sacramento to Chicago tickets, consider the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Sacramento to Chicago in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Sacramento to Chicago, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just the start of the top attractions to put on your Chicago to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Chicago will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of United States you should also see. About 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will keep you on the go. Start with attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
If you want to check out another well-known destination in United States, consider Indianapolis, about 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are the start of reasons to visit.
