Travelling from Sacramento to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Countless great adventures start at one of Sacramento's main airports, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Sacramento Stockton Airport (SCK). Explore your options for booking a flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles setting off from either of these.
The chief entry points to Los Angeles are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
The average length of a direct Sacramento to Los Angeles flight is 1 hour 40 minutes.
Sacramento and Los Angeles are in the same timezone, UTC-8.
The most popular route for flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles is from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You can select from 101 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from SMF to LAX is the 05:20 Southwest Airlines service. If you prefer to travel later, the final scheduled service is at 21:30 with Southwest Airlines.
Leave plenty of time to get on your Sacramento to Los Angeles flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling during a peak time like July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer queues at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Sacramento to Los Angeles flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the cheapest price in each month when searching for your plane ticket from Sacramento to Los Angeles.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Lock in a cheap Sacramento to Los Angeles flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
You can book a direct flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles taking off from Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Begin your journey at SMF and come in for landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Direct Sacramento to Los Angeles plane tickets are available from a range of airlines at SMF. Choose one of these and take to the skies:
SMF is around 16 kilometres from central Sacramento. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 50 minutes.
Looking for a hotel to stay at before your flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles? Consider Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas by IHG. Catch some z's here before heading to Sacramento International Airport.
Sacramento International Airport gets high marks for on-time performance. 81% of flights that depart SMF reach their destination without delay.
The address for SMF is 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 19 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take around 35 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour to get there on public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles. Reserve one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Pick up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car and discover Los Angeles and beyond with your own set of wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz are popular providers you can book with here.
Booking your ride from Los Angeles International Airport about one week in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
The street address for LAX is One World Way.
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Central Los Angeles is approximately 27 kilometres from Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Once your flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 35 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near VNY. Here are a few options where you can kick back after your flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Budget, Dollar or Hertz and get going in the blink of an eye.
Pick the vehicle you actually want, not just what's left over, by securing your ride from VNY in advance. You'll also avoid last-minute price surges, especially during busy airport times.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the busiest month for flights from Sacramento to Los Angeles. To avoid the crowds, go to Los Angeles in March.
When booking your Sacramento to Los Angeles tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
For cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF).
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Sacramento to Los Angeles, browse our range of hotels including:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl are must-do's during your Los Angeles adventure.
Explore more of the United States
San Diego is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be explored after you've seen Los Angeles. Around 177 kilometres to the southeast, check out popular attractions including San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
Around 499 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles, San Jose is another essential stop in the United States. No visit is complete without checking out Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley.