Can I fly direct from Sacramento to Chicago?

Historically, approximately 10.5% of flights from Sacramento to Chicago are direct. For travelers who opt for connecting flights, the median number of stopovers is typically two. This data is based on observations over the trailing 90 days.

How long is the flight from Sacramento to Chicago?

The typical direct flight from Sacramento to Chicago has a median duration of 4 hours and 11 minutes. This covers an approximate distance of 2874 kilometers. For flights with one stop, the median travel time is considerably longer, usually around 8 hours and 6 minutes.

Are there frequently good prices on flights from Sacramento to Chicago?

Historically, good prices on flights from Sacramento to Chicago are observed with frequent regularity. This route is classified as one that consistently offers favorable pricing opportunities for travelers. This trend has been consistent across the trailing 30 days.

Flights From Sacramento

To Chicago

Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Chicago

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Deals from

Sacramento

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Chicago

Prices updated 5 days ago

402 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 12, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Sacramento to Chicago

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Sacramento to Chicago

Round trip

Sort by: Cheapest

September 15 - September 22

Cheapest

SMF - Chicago

$279

$189

Round trip

September 21 - September 26

Cheapest

SMF - Chicago

$287

$189

Round trip

November 11 - November 14

SMF - Chicago

$312

$197

Round trip

August 11 - August 13

SMF - Chicago

$310

$200

Round trip

August 5 - August 12

SMF - Chicago

$290

$206

Round trip

August 4 - August 12

Earliest

SMF - Chicago

$279

$207

Round trip

August 8 - August 10

SMF - Chicago

$310

$207

Round trip

September 17 - September 21

SMF - Chicago

$289

$208

Round trip

August 15 - August 17

SMF - Chicago

$302

$211

Round trip

August 6 - August 12

Best

SCK - Chicago

$364

$213

Round trip

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Sacramento to Chicago: Overview

Insights for flights from Sacramento to Chicago

A typical journey from Sacramento to Chicago, including connections, takes about 11h 36m. This reflects the fact that most itineraries on this route involve at least one stop. For travelers seeking cheap flights from Sacramento to Chicago, understanding these longer travel times is key to planning.

Right now, fares from Sacramento to Chicago are typically $339–$658, with a median of $471. Current fares are below the typical level, and only 2% of recent fares were classified as a good price. New deals appear almost daily, suggesting frequent opportunities for price changes.

If you are looking for the cheapest time to fly from Sacramento to Chicago, February stands out with a median fare of $260. Other economical months include April, with a median fare of $285, and May, where the median fare is $303.

Most itineraries from Sacramento to Chicago connect at least once, with only 10.5% of recent fares being non-stop. When itineraries do include connections, the typical number of stopovers is 2. This means that while direct flights from Sacramento to Chicago are available, travelers should generally expect a journey with at least one stop.

The distance between Sacramento and Chicago is 2874 km, classifying this as a medium-haul route. This distance contributes to the typical journey times and fare structures observed for flights between these two cities.

How much is a round trip from Sacramento to Chicago

Regular price: $235 - $398

Prices for flights from Sacramento to Chicago are currently below the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from Sacramento to Chicago is between $235 and $398. The current lowest deal is $189 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Sep 21-Sep 26.

now $189

Low $235

High $398

The cheapest time to fly from Sacramento to Chicago

The cheapest month to fly from Sacramento to Chicago is April, with a median price of $256. The most expensive month is January, with a median price of $738. Prices are generally lower from February to December.

April

Cheapest

Flights from $256

January

Most Expensive

Flights from $738

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Sacramento to Chicago

Southwest Airlines

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Sacramento to Chicago

Tue, Aug 4

⌛ Last-Minute

SMF - Chicago

Sacramento (SMF) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$277

$207

One-way

Tue, Aug 4

⌛ Last-Minute

SMF - Chicago

Sacramento (SMF) - Chicago (ORD)

Frontier Airlines

$313

$236

One-way

Tue, Aug 4

⌛ Last-Minute

SMF - Chicago

Sacramento (SMF) - Chicago (ORD)

United Airlines

$309

$270

One-way

Tue, Aug 4

⌛ Last-Minute

SMF - Chicago

Sacramento (SMF) - Chicago (MDW)

$348

$271

One-way

Tue, Aug 4

⌛ Last-Minute

SMF - Chicago

Sacramento (SMF) - Chicago (MDW)

$376

$276

One-way

Tue, Aug 4

⌛ Last-Minute

SMF - Chicago

Sacramento (SMF) - Chicago (MDW)

$371

$276

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Sacramento to Chicago

6 nights

Dec 4 - Dec 10

$455 → $341

25%

4 nights

Jul 9 - Jul 13

$488 → $475

8 nights

Dec 21 - Dec 29

$450 → $449

3 nights

Oct 23 - Oct 26

$334 → $341

Popular Airports to fly from Sacramento to Chicago

Sacramento - Chicago route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level

Recent fares from Sacramento to Chicago are below the typical level, with a median price of $471.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in April for the best prices

Historically, April is the cheapest month to fly, with a median price of $256.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights average 4h 11m

The typical direct flight from Sacramento to Chicago is 4 hours and 11 minutes.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Only 10.5% of recent fares are direct, with connecting flights having 2 stopovers.

🏆 Airline highlight

Frontier Airlines offers the best deal

Frontier Airlines recently offered a deal for $189 from Sacramento to Chicago.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals on flights from Sacramento to Chicago are frequent, appearing often in the last 30 days.

Sacramento main airports to depart from

Sacramento International (SMF)

Cheapest

Sacramento International Airport offers convenient flights from Sacramento to Chicago.

📍 ~15 km from Sacramento (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$189

Chicago main airports to arrive at

O Hare International (ORD)

Cheapest

O'Hare International Airport offers a convenient arrival point for flights from Sacramento to Chicago.

📍 ~25 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car, train, and bus).

💸 Flights from ~$189

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Chicago Midway International Airport is a good option for travelers flying from Sacramento to Chicago.

📍 ~14 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car, train, and bus).

💸 Flights from ~$250

Chicago Rockford International (RFD)

Chicago Rockford International Airport provides an alternative arrival option for flights to the Chicago area.

📍 ~126 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$321

Airports nearby Chicago used as alternative

General Mitchell International (MKE)

Cheapest

General Mitchell International is a major international airport with significant carrier presence and direct flight options.

📍 ~135 km from Chicago (reachable by rail or car)

💸 Flights from ~$270

Gerald R. Ford International (GRR)

Gerald R. Ford International is the second largest airport in Michigan with a robust domestic network.

📍 ~220 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$301

Dane County Regional (MSN)

Dane County Regional is a reliable regional hub with efficient operations and good amenities.

📍 ~200 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$312

South Bend International (SBN)

South Bend International is geographically the closest alternative airport to the Chicago metro area.

📍 ~120 km from Chicago (reachable by rail or car)

💸 Flights from ~$331

Fort Wayne International (FWA)

Fort Wayne International offers multiple cabin classes and solid connectivity for eastern domestic destinations.

📍 ~240 km from Chicago (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$307

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Chicago

Chicago, United States

42% AI deal score

$1,887

From SMF

Elite

Sep 03

Chicago, United States

40% AI deal score

$2,477

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Chicago

Historically, the optimal booking window for flights from Sacramento to Chicago is between 28 and 59 days prior to departure. During this period, the average price for a ticket is around $371. Prices tend to increase significantly for last-minute bookings, with flights purchased 0-6 days out averaging $714. Even bookings made 60 or more days in advance are typically higher, with an average price of $483.

Across the trailing quarter, a good price for a flight from Sacramento to Chicago is considered to be $339 or less. The median price for this route over the same 90-day period was $471. Prices can go higher, with 75% of tickets costing $658 or more.

Historically, the cheapest months to fly from Sacramento to Chicago include February, April, and May. February typically sees a median price of $260, while April has a median of $285. May also offers relatively lower prices, with a median of $303. These months are generally more affordable compared to the annual median price of $471 for this route.

Related routes

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