Flying from Sacramento to Seattle: 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 the options for booking a flight from Sacramento to Seattle leaving from either of these.
When it comes to landing in Seattle, Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a major hub. Paine Field Airport (PAE) is another.
The average length of a direct Sacramento to Seattle flight is 2 hours 5 minutes.
Sacramento and Seattle share the UTC-8 timezone. That means there's no time difference to consider.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 76 departures a week to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Sacramento to Seattle is with Southwest Airlines at 22:10. Opt for the first SMF to SEA departure with Southwest Airlines at 05:25 to make the most of your arrival in Seattle.
To ensure you make it on your Sacramento to Seattle flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
Travelling during a popular month such as July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play things extra safe 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 Seattle
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Sacramento to Seattle flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird discounts.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Sacramento to Seattle is more likely if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest fares across the month and walk away with a great deal.
You don't need to search every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Sacramento to Seattle.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Sacramento to Seattle flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
You can catch a direct flight from Sacramento to Seattle taking off from Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Begin your trip at SMF and end it at Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Top carriers that offer direct Sacramento to Seattle plane tickets departing from SMF include:
SMF is around 16 kilometres from central Sacramento. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 50 minutes.
Booking a hotel room for the night can take the hassle out of reaching the airport on time. If you're looking for somewhere to stay before your flight from Sacramento to Seattle, check out Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas by IHG. It's a quick drive from Sacramento International Airport.
Sacramento International Airport earns top marks for its on-time performance. 81% of flights that depart SMF land on time.
SMF is located at 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to central Seattle takes around 25 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre by public transport will take you roughly 35 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Sacramento to Seattle. Check in to one of these accommodation options near SEA instead:
Pick up a Seattle / Tacoma International Airport rental car and explore Seattle and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Europcar and Budget are top outlets you can book with here.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport around one week before your departure date.
Paine Field Airport (PAE)
After your flight from Sacramento to Seattle has landed, you can get to the city centre in about 20 minutes by car. Central Seattle is roughly 32 kilometres from Paine Field Airport (PAE).
The trip will take approximately 40 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places to lay your head close to PAE. Unwind after your Sacramento to Seattle flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Why wait? A Paine Field Airport rental car lets you start your journey right away. Roll down your windows and hit the open road with a set of wheels from Budget or Enterprise.
Generally, the earlier you book, the better the deals and selection of vehicles. Secure your ride from PAE once you know your travel dates.
Seattle Boeing Fld Airport (BFI)
Seattle Boeing Fld Airport (BFI) is about 11 kilometres from the centre of Seattle. It'll take you about 20 minutes to reach the city centre by taxi or ride-share once you've stepped off your flight from Sacramento to Seattle.
Public transport can take you there in roughly 35 minutes.
Whether you're after a compact just for you or an SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Seattle Boeing Fld Airport rental car for you. Check out the range of wheels available from providers such as Alamo, Budget and Avis.
If you're hoping for a certain type of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at finding what you want. Book your ride from BFI a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Sacramento to Seattle.
Best time to go to Seattle
July is the busiest month for flights from Sacramento to Seattle. To travel when it's less crowded, head to Seattle in March.
Before locking in your Sacramento to Seattle tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Seattle, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC (54ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Sacramento to Seattle in February if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF) on average.
More about Seattle
After booking your flight from Sacramento to Seattle, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Seattle:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Space Needle, Pike Place Fish Market and The Museum of Flight are attractions you won't want to skip in Seattle.
Explore more of the United States
Portland is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Seattle. Around 241 kilometres to the south, its top attractions include Portland Japanese Garden, Peninsula Park Rose Garden and International Rose Test Garden.
Around 370 kilometres east of Seattle, Spokane is another essential stop in the United States. Start your sightseeing at Riverside State Park, Spokane Falls (Upper Falls) and Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.