Travelling from Sacramento to Phoenix: what you need to know
Begin planning your trip by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix. Explore the options for leaving from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Sacramento Stockton Airport (SCK), two of the city's main airports.
The major gateways to Phoenix are Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA).
Take a direct Sacramento to Phoenix flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 50 minutes.
The timezone in Phoenix is UTC-7, which is one hour ahead of Sacramento.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 55 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Sacramento to Phoenix is with Southwest Airlines at 22:30. Choose the first SMF to PHX departure with Southwest Airlines at 05:00 to make the most of your arrival in Phoenix.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Sacramento to Phoenix flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're flying during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Phoenix
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Sacramento to Phoenix flights if you book in advance. Airlines often have some great early bird deals.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Sacramento to Phoenix is easy if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the best prices across each month and land an incredible deal.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Sacramento to Phoenix by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Sacramento to Phoenix flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Sacramento
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Sacramento to Phoenix, you can leave from Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Get from SMF to Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX) without making any stops.
Lock in your Sacramento to Phoenix plane tickets with American Airlines. This airline is a popular choice for direct flights from SMF.
Located around 16 kilometres from central Sacramento, SMF can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 50 minutes.
Need a convenient place to stay before your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix? Consider Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas by IHG. Get a good night's sleep here before heading to Sacramento International Airport.
Sacramento International Airport has a strong on-time performance, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from SMF land at their destination as scheduled 81% of the time.
The address for SMF is 6900 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX)
The distance from Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX) to central Phoenix is roughly 6 kilometres. It'll take you about 10 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you around 25 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Sacramento to Phoenix. Check in to one of these accommodation options near PHX instead:
Explore without limits with a Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Europcar, Dollar or Thrifty and find adventure across Phoenix and beyond.
Lock in the best rate by booking your vehicle from Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport about one week before your departure date.
The street address for PHX is 3400 Sky Harbour Boulevard.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Central Phoenix is around 40 kilometres from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). After your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 30 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 1 hour 15 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near AZA. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Alamo or Budget and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Call dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from AZA two weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater range of vehicles.
You can find Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport at 6033 S. Sossaman Rd..
Best time to go to Phoenix
April is the busiest month for flights from Sacramento to Phoenix. To skip the crowds, go to Phoenix in March.
The warmest month in Phoenix is July, with temperatures ranging between 27ºC and 45ºC. Book your Sacramento to Phoenix ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap flights from Sacramento to Phoenix in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC and 21ºC on average.
More about Phoenix
Start your Phoenix trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Sacramento to Phoenix, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Camelback Mountain and Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room are just the start of the top attractions to add to your Phoenix itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Heard Museum.
Explore more of the United States
Phoenix has its own special appeal, but there are so many other parts of the United States just waiting to be explored. Around 483 kilometres west of Phoenix, a visit to San Diego will keep you on the go. Start with popular sights like San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
If there's time to check out another major stop in the United States, consider Las Vegas, roughly 418 kilometres northwest of Phoenix. Las Vegas Strip, Fountains of Bellagio and Penn & Teller are key highlights.