Flying from Sacramento to Chicago: what you need to know
Many great adventures start at one of Sacramento's main airports, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) or Stockton Airport (SCK). Check out your options for booking a flight from Sacramento to Chicago setting off from either of these bases.
The chief entry points to Chicago are O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Around 4 hours is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Sacramento to Chicago flight.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is two hours ahead of Sacramento.
The most popular route for flights from Sacramento to Chicago is from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). There are 24 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to take off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from SMF to ORD is the 06:38 American Airlines option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 23:59 with American Airlines.
Leave enough time to get on your Sacramento to Chicago flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're travelling during a popular month like August, make your way to the airport even earlier. It's smart to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Check-in and security lines are longer during holiday periods like Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Chicago
$95 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Sacramento to Chicago. Return flights start at $190. 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)
Take off 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 final stops.
You can choose from various carriers offering direct Sacramento to Chicago plane tickets with departures from SMF, including:
The journey from central Sacramento to SMF takes about 25 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 14 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Looking for a place to stay before your flight from Sacramento to Chicago? Consider Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas. Get a good night's rest here before making your way to Sacramento International Airport.
Sacramento International Airport scores high marks for on-time performance. 82.15% of flights that take off from SMF arrive at 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 by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near ORD if you're coming in on a late flight from Sacramento to Chicago. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and discover Chicago and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular providers you can book with here.
For the best deal, book your ride from O'Hare International Airport about 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)
Once your flight from Sacramento to Chicago has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in about 20 minutes by car. Central Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 45 minutes or so.
There are some great places to call home for the night near MDW. Settle in and get cosy after your Sacramento to Chicago flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Grab a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare rates and availability from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is roughly 129 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 25 minutes to reach the city centre by ride-share or cab once you've stepped off your flight from Sacramento to Chicago.
The journey will take you roughly 4 hours 15 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Whether you want a zippy mini for solo travel or a roomy SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the ideal Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the range of wheels available here from names such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks in advance of your flight from Sacramento to Chicago is always smart. Along with better deals, you'll be able to choose the vehicle make and model you prefer at RFD.
The address for Chicago Rockford International Airport 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
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Chicago right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Sacramento to Chicago:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are highlights which should be on any well-planned Chicago itinerary.
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.
