Best Flights starting from $159
from$159economy
San Diego (SAN)
Sat, Dec 5
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Mon, Dec 7
from$163economy
San Diego (SAN)
Tue, Dec 1
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Thu, Dec 3
from$189economy
San Diego (SAN)
Wed, Dec 2
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Fri, Dec 4
from$189economy
San Diego (SAN)
Thu, Dec 3
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Sat, Dec 5
from$189economy
San Diego (SAN)
Fri, Dec 4
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Sun, Dec 6
from$189economy
San Diego (SAN)
Sun, Dec 6
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Tue, Dec 8
from$189economy
San Diego (SAN)
Mon, Dec 7
Roundtrip
Sacramento (SMF)
Wed, Dec 9
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Other Destinations
San Diego (SAN) to Las Vegas (LAS) in December from $98
From $98
San Diego (SAN) to Boston (BOS) in December from $108
From $108
San Diego (SAN) to Chicago (ORD) in December from $197
From $197
San Diego (SAN) to Honolulu (HNL) in December from $239
From $239
San Diego (SAN) to Sydney (SYD) in December from $1,360
From $1,360
San Diego (SAN) to Manila (MNL) in December from $1,731
From $1,731
Flights from Other Cities
New York (Any) to Sacramento (SMF) in December from $118
From $118
Birmingham (BHM) to Sacramento (SMF) in December from $180
From $180
Burbank (BUR) to Sacramento (SMF) in December from $262
From $262
Minneapolis (MSP) to Sacramento (SMF) in December from $330
From $330
Indianapolis (IND) to Sacramento (SMF) in December from $337
From $337
Jacksonville (JAX) to Sacramento (SMF) in December from $381
From $381
✈️ Flight Guide: San Diego (SAN) → Sacramento (SMF)
Complete travel information for your December journey
In December, travelers departing San Diego International Airport (SAN) heading to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) should expect increased frequencies around holiday weekends and slightly higher fares due to peak demand. Popular nearby destinations accessed from San Diego include La Jolla, Coronado, and Downtown San Diego, while Sacramento connects travelers to Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite. Book nonstop flights early, consider midweek travel for lower prices, and use fare alerts for San Diego to Sacramento deals. For the best holiday experience, arrive at SAN 90–120 minutes early, reserve parking in advance, and carry a flexible itinerary to accommodate potential winter disruptions in connecting cities. Book your December San Diego to Sacramento flights now to lock in the best fares.
Departing from San Diego (SAN) FAQs
Typical nonstop flight time from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is about 1 hour and 40 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes. In December, allow extra time for winter schedule adjustments and potential holiday delays; plan airport arrival at least 90 minutes before domestic departures. Check live status with the operating airline for the most accurate door-to-door time.
Yes — in December you can usually find nonstop flights between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF), offered seasonally by carriers like Southwest and Alaska Airlines. Frequency increases closer to holiday weeks (Christmas and New Year's), so book early to secure a nonstop seat. Use the airline’s route map or flight search to compare nonstop vs connecting options.
December fares vary widely: expect low-cost round-trip deals from approximately $120–$250 if booked weeks ahead, while last-minute holiday fares can climb above $350. Prices rise sharply around peak travel days (mid-December through New Year's). For the best prices, search early, be flexible with travel dates, and set fare alerts for San Diego to Sacramento flights.
From downtown San Diego or La Jolla, ride-share services, airport shuttles, and taxis provide convenient access to San Diego International Airport (SAN). Public transit options include the San Diego MTS bus connection; for groups or holiday luggage, consider a pre-booked airport shuttle. Reserve transportation early for holiday travel dates to avoid peak pickup times.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) offers terminal parking and off-site long-term parking; however, lots often fill up during December holidays. Reserve parking ahead through the airport website or third-party providers to secure a spot and potentially save. Consider park-and-ride shuttles or ride-shares on peak dates to avoid parking congestion.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) typically experiences mild winter weather, so local weather rarely causes major cancellations; however, delays can occur if storms affect connecting flights or destinations. For December travel, monitor advisories for the entire itinerary and give extra buffer time for connections, especially when booking through airports with harsher winter climates.
Book flights early, consider mid-week travel to avoid peak fares, and opt for nonstop flights where possible to reduce connection risk. Arrive earlier than usual at San Diego International Airport (SAN) because security lines and parking are heavier during holidays; sign up for airline alerts and carry essential travel documents and winter layers in carry-on luggage.
Arriving at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in December from San Diego International Airport (SAN) opens easy access to Northern California highlights like Napa Valley wines and Lake Tahoe ski resorts. Due to winter schedules and holiday crowds, book shuttles and car rentals early; expect longer wait times at taxi and ride-share pickup areas on peak dates. Check Caltrans for mountain road conditions if heading to Tahoe and pack warm layers for last-mile transfers. Plan ahead and book December Sacramento arrival transfers to ensure smooth connections into the region.
Arriving at Sacramento (SMF) FAQs
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers ride-share pickup zones, taxis, car rentals, and regional shuttle services year-round. In December, shuttles to Lake Tahoe and Napa Valley may have limited schedules—reserve in advance for holiday travel. For trips into downtown Sacramento, consider the light rail and Amtrak connections via shuttle services and pre-booked transfers if arriving during peak holiday periods.
From Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Lake Tahoe is typically accessed by rental car or shuttle and takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on road conditions; snow chains may be required in winter. Napa Valley wineries are about 1 to 1.5 hours away by car. During December, check road conditions and book shuttles or rental cars early to avoid sold-out services around holiday weekends.
If you're arriving from within the U.S., baggage claim at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is typically straightforward with short wait times, though luggage can be delayed during holiday surges. SMF does not process international arrivals requiring customs for flights from San Diego, but if your itinerary includes an international connection, check your airline's guidance for customs procedures. Label your bags, monitor airline updates, and report missing luggage promptly at the SMF baggage office.
December schedules often include early morning and late-night flights on the SAN–SMF route, especially around holiday travel peaks to accommodate connecting traffic. Expect some red-eye options and seasonal timetable adjustments; verify specific flight times with your airline and allow for potential delays due to increased December demand. Book accommodations or ground transport in advance if arriving late at night.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is usually less impacted by heavy snow than mountain destinations, but winter storms can disrupt connecting flights from the Sierra Nevada and the Bay Area. December travelers should monitor weather alerts for Lake Tahoe and surrounding highways, as road travel from SMF to ski resorts can require chains or alternative routing. Allow additional time for connections and check airline rebooking policies in case of weather-related disruptions.
Families and seniors should request wheelchair assistance in advance, use curbside drop-off to minimize walking with luggage, and schedule pickups outside peak holiday arrival windows. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) staff and airlines typically offer priority services—notify the airline of special needs before travel, and arrange ground transport early to avoid long waits during December holiday rushes.
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December Events & Festivals Near San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
December brings holiday markets and tree lightings in downtown San Diego near San Diego International Airport (SAN) such as the Seaport Village holiday festivities, while Sacramento near Sacramento International Airport (SMF) hosts the Capitol Tree Lighting, Ice Rink at Capitol Mall, and nearby Napa Valley holiday wine events. Lake Tahoe ski resorts ramp up operations in December, increasing demand for SMF arrivals connecting to mountain transfers. Plan travel around major event dates and book accommodations and transfers early when traveling for December festivals.
Best Time to Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — December Advice
For December travel from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF), the cheapest and least crowded days tend to be mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and early December dates outside the 2-week holiday window. Avoid traveling on December 23–26 and December 30–January 2 if possible, as fares spike and airports get busier. Early morning flights often have fewer delays; if price is the priority, search for flights departing mid-week and consider returning the week after New Year's for lower fares.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in December
Nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) reduce travel time and connection risk, making them ideal for December holiday trips when weather and crowds can complicate travel. Connecting flights may offer cheaper fares or better times but increase the chance of delays or missed connections during winter storms affecting other hubs. For peace of mind during December, prioritize nonstop SAN→SMF flights when available; if booking a connection, allow long layovers and book through a single carrier to simplify rebooking if necessary.
Airline Comparison for SAN→SMF: December Options & Recommendations
Southwest and Alaska Airlines commonly offer nonstop SAN→SMF flights with competitive December schedules and straightforward change policies; Southwest often includes two free checked bags which is useful for holiday travelers. Alaska Airlines provides frequent flier perks and connectivity through its West Coast network, while legacy carriers like United or American may offer one-stop options via their hubs. Compare total price including baggage and change fees, and use airline websites to check December-specific schedules. Book with the airline that best matches your priorities: lowest out-the-door price, baggage policy, or schedule convenience.
Seasonal Travel Tips for December Travel: San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Pack layered clothing when flying from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in December; you may leave mild coastal weather and arrive to cooler or snowy conditions near Lake Tahoe. Allow extra time for security and parking at SAN during holiday peaks and pre-book shuttles or rental cars at SMF. For mountain transfers, carry tire chains or check rental policies; monitor weather and sign up for airline alerts in case of winter disruptions. Book December flights early, choose nonstop options when possible, and purchase refundable or flexible fares if traveling around major holidays.
Flight Time & Schedules — San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in December
Nonstop flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) generally take 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. In December, morning and early evening depart/arrival windows are common to accommodate business and holiday travelers. Expect increased flights on peak dates such as mid-December and around New Year's; verify exact schedules with the operating carrier. For tight connections, choose flights with at least a 90–120 minute buffer during December, when holiday delays are more likely.
Cheap Flights: San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — December Deals
To score cheap December flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF), book early and be flexible with midweek departures. Low-cost carriers and legacy airlines sometimes run December sales; compare round-trip vs one-way pricing and watch for flash deals 6–8 weeks before peak holiday travel. Use incognito searches, set price alerts, and consider nearby alternative airports like John Wayne/Orange County or Oakland for potential savings. When searching, use keywords like 'cheap SAN to SMF flights December' and 'San Diego Sacramento airfare deals' to find targeted offers. Ready to save? Check multiple search engines and book your December San Diego to Sacramento cheap flights as soon as you spot the right fare.