Best Flights starting from $147
from$147economy
Portland (PDX)
Wed, Mar 4
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Tue, Mar 10
from$157economy
Portland (PDX)
Sun, Mar 1
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Sat, Mar 7
from$157economy
Portland (PDX)
Tue, Mar 3
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Mon, Mar 9
from$167economy
Portland (PDX)
Mon, Mar 2
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Sun, Mar 8
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Portland (PDX) to Denver (DEN) in March from $69
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Portland (PDX) to Las Vegas (Any) in March from $88
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Portland (PDX) to Phoenix (Any) in March from $134
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Portland (PDX) to Toronto (Any) in March from $143
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Portland (PDX) to Dallas (DFW) in March from $177
From $177
Portland (PDX) to San Diego (Any) in March from $177
From $177
Flights from Other Cities
Tucson (TUS) to Sacramento (SMF) in March from $187
From $187
Honolulu (HNL) to Sacramento (SMF) in March from $317
From $317
Ottawa (Any) to Sacramento (SMF) in March from $363
From $363
Grand Rapids (GRR) to Sacramento (SMF) in March from $387
From $387
Watertown (ART) to Sacramento (SMF) in March from $569
From $569
Ottawa (Any) to Sacramento (SMF) in April from $331
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✈️ Flight Guide: Portland (PDX) → Sacramento (SMF)
Complete travel information for your March journey
March travel from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) combines early spring weather, competitive fares, and access to California destinations like Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley. Expect occasional rain in Portland and lingering snow in the Sierra Nevada, so factor in flexible connections. Book Alaska Airlines or Southwest flights early in March for better pricing, and use the MAX Red Line or airport park-and-ride for smooth departures. CTA: Check live prices for PDX to SMF flights and reserve your seat for March today.
Departing from Portland (PDX) FAQs
Portland International Airport (PDX) opens terminals early for first departures; for flights to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in March, arrive 90 minutes before domestic departures to allow time for parking, security (TSA), and possible spring rain delays. March can bring increased morning commuter traffic and occasional weather-related slowdowns, so plan extra time and check flight status online before leaving for the airport.
Nonstop flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) typically take about 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes in the air, with total door-to-door time depending on connections and ground transportation. Use 'flight time PDX to SMF' or a flight tracker to get live estimates and plan transfers in Sacramento.
Yes — multiple carriers often operate nonstop routes between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in March, especially Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines on peak travel days. Check airline schedules and book early to secure direct flights, as March spring-break windows can reduce availability.
Portland International Airport (PDX) offers light rail (MAX Red Line) to downtown Portland, rideshares, taxis, shuttles, and on-site parking. For March departures to Sacramento International Airport (SMF), allow extra time for potential rain and pick the MAX Red Line for a reliable transit option to downtown or long-term parking if you plan to leave a car.
March can present mixed pricing: early March often offers lower off-peak fares, while mid- to late-March (spring break) may see higher prices. Use fare alerts, compare 'cheap flights PDX to SMF' on aggregators, and book 2–8 weeks in advance for the best deals. Consider midweek departures and red-eye options for lower rates.
Travelers use Portland International Airport (PDX) to connect to nearby cities such as Seattle, Vancouver (WA/BC area), Eugene, Bend, and the Oregon Coast before heading to Sacramento International Airport (SMF). For Sacramento trips in March, visitors often continue to Lake Tahoe (ski season), Napa Valley, or San Francisco after landing in SMF.
Arriving at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in March gives you convenient access to spring activities: ski resorts in Lake Tahoe may still be open, and Napa Valley begins seeing spring buds. Expect mild temps and occasional showers; plan transfers accordingly and pre-book rental cars or shuttles for weekend flexibility. CTA: Check arrival times and reserve ground transport from SMF for smoother March connections.
Arriving at Sacramento (SMF) FAQs
On arrival at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in March, expect mild spring weather with occasional rain; ground transportation options include rental cars, rideshares, taxis, and regional shuttles. Allow 20–45 minutes for baggage claim and rental-car processes, and check for last-mile transport to nearby destinations like Napa Valley or Lake Tahoe (still ski-season in March).
Yes — Sacramento Regional Transit and airport shuttles provide connections to downtown Sacramento; rideshares and taxis are widely available curbside. During March, services remain consistent, though expect slightly higher demand on weekends and around local events, so pre-book shuttles or allow extra time.
From Sacramento International Airport (SMF) you can easily access Lake Tahoe for late-season skiing, Napa Valley for early spring wine tours, Davis for university visits, and San Francisco for city breaks. March is a sweet spot for fewer crowds in wine country and still-active ski resorts near Lake Tahoe.
In March, expect occasional weather-related road conditions in the Sierra Nevada that can impact transfers to Lake Tahoe; also local St. Patrick’s Day events and March university breaks may increase demand. Monitor weather advisories for Highway 50/I-80 and confirm shuttle or rental-car reservations in advance to avoid delays.
Use aggregator sites for bundled deals (hotel + flight or car + flight), check airport-area hotels that offer shuttle service, and compare rental-car providers at SMF for March discounts. Booking a few days in advance often yields the best rates outside peak spring-break weekends; use price alerts for last-minute drops.
As of March, most airlines and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) follow local public health guidance with optional masking; however, check your airline policies and local Sacramento County updates before travel. Have vaccination or test documentation if required by connecting regions and carry hand sanitizer and a mask for crowded indoor spaces.
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March Events and Festivals Near PDX and SMF: What to See After Your Flight
Portland area (departures from Portland International Airport - PDX) hosts a variety of March activities like St. Patrick’s Day parades, brewery events, and early spring cultural exhibits in downtown Portland and the Pearl District. In Sacramento (arrivals at Sacramento International Airport - SMF), March offers community festivals, farm-to-fork markets ramping up for spring, and proximity to Lake Tahoe ski events and local university activities at UC Davis. Check local event calendars for exact dates and plan travel windows accordingly. CTA: Explore upcoming March events near PDX and SMF and align your flight schedule to make the most of local festivals.
Best Time to Fly from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
For the best combination of price and convenience on PDX to SMF routes, fly midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and avoid peak spring-break weekends in March. Early March often offers lower fares, while late March can be busier around school breaks. Morning departures reduce the risk of weather-related delays that can cascade later in the day. CTA: Search midweek March flights now to find lower PDX to SMF fares.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: Choosing Between Nonstop and One-Stop Routes from PDX to SMF
Nonstop flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) minimize travel time (about 1.5 hours) and reduce the chance of missed connections — ideal for March travel during variable weather. Connecting flights can be cheaper or offer better schedules but carry higher disruption risk if spring storms affect hubs. Choose nonstop for convenience and tight itineraries; select connecting options for cost savings if you have long layovers and flexible plans. CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop options for March and book the best fit for your schedule.
Airline Comparison for PDX to SMF in March: Alaska vs Southwest vs Others
Alaska Airlines: Strong on-route frequency between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF), reliable on-time performance, and premium loyalty perks (Mileage Plan). Southwest Airlines: Competitive fares, free checked bags, and flexible change policies; best for budget-conscious March travelers. United/Delta (connecting): Offer one-stop options through hubs with potential mileage benefits but longer travel times. Consider fare, baggage policies, loyalty status, and change fees when booking March flights. CTA: Compare current March fares across carriers and use loyalty benefits where applicable.
March Seasonal Travel Tips for Flights Between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Pack layers and a lightweight waterproof jacket for Portland International Airport (PDX) departures in March and expect cool mornings. For Sacramento International Airport (SMF), bring a light sweater for evenings and plan for brisk mountain weather if continuing to Lake Tahoe. Allow extra connection time for possible March weather disruptions, confirm rental-car winter-to-spring transition policies, and download airline apps for real-time alerts. CTA: Prepare a March travel checklist and confirm flight status before leaving for PDX to ensure smooth arrival at SMF.
Flight Time and Typical Schedules: Portland International Airport (PDX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Nonstop flights between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) average about 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes airborne. Multiple daily flights are common, with morning and early evening peaks; Alaska Airlines and Southwest often operate several nonstop rotations daily in March. For tight connections, choose flights with minimum 90–120 minute connection buffers, and verify real-time schedules the day before departure. CTA: Check live PDX to SMF schedules and select flights with ideal departure windows for March.
How to Find Cheap Flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in March
To find cheap flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in March, set fare alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, compare budget carriers like Southwest and legacy carriers' discounted seats, and target midweek departures. Consider bundling with a hotel or rental car, and travel light to avoid checked-bag fees. March often has deal windows outside peak spring-break dates—book 3–6 weeks ahead for lowest prices. CTA: Activate price alerts now to catch March fare dips on PDX to SMF routes.