Direct (nonstop) flights from Chicago to Sacramento

1 airline flys nonstop from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Sacramento International (SMF). It's 1,791 miles (2,882 km), about 4h 25m in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
SMF
Sacramento International
🇺🇸 Sacramento, USA
Flight Time
4h 25m
Distance
1,791 mi
2,882 km
CO₂/pax
303 kg
−48 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Time Diff
-2h
Operated by Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
MDW → SMF
Flight Time
4h 25m
Distance
1,791 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Chicago to Sacramento with one stop · direct emits 303 kg CO₂ per passenger

MDW BOI (Boise) SMF
Leg 1: 3h 35m (1,448 mi) Leg 2: 1h 30m (437 mi) Total: ~5h 5m 🍃 351 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → BOI
3h 35m · 1,448 mi
View MDW to BOI flights →
Leg 2
BOI → SMF
1h 30m · 437 mi
View BOI to SMF flights →
MDW MCI (Kansas City) SMF
Leg 1: 1h 30m (405 mi) Leg 2: 3h 40m (1,442 mi) Total: ~5h 10m 🍃 344 kg CO₂ (+14% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → MCI
1h 30m · 405 mi
View MDW to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → SMF
3h 40m · 1,442 mi
View MCI to SMF flights →
MDW SLC (Salt Lake City) SMF
Leg 1: 3h 25m (1,259 mi) Leg 2: 1h 47m (531 mi) Total: ~5h 12m 🍃 336 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → SLC
3h 25m · 1,259 mi
View MDW to SLC flights →
Leg 2
SLC → SMF
1h 47m · 531 mi
View SLC to SMF flights →
MDW DEN (Denver) SMF
Leg 1: 2h 40m (896 mi) Leg 2: 2h 35m (909 mi) Total: ~5h 15m 🍃 359 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → DEN
2h 40m · 896 mi
View MDW to DEN flights →
Leg 2
DEN → SMF
2h 35m · 909 mi
View DEN to SMF flights →
MDW STL (Saint Louis) SMF
Leg 1: 1h 15m (252 mi) Leg 2: 4h 10m (1,678 mi) Total: ~5h 25m 🍃 356 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → STL
1h 15m · 252 mi
View MDW to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → SMF
4h 10m · 1,678 mi
View STL to SMF flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Chicago to Sacramento?

A nonstop flight from Chicago (MDW) to Sacramento (SMF) takes approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. The distance is 1,791 miles (2,882 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to Sacramento?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to Sacramento?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Chicago from Sacramento?

The flight distance from Chicago to Sacramento is 1,791 miles (2,882 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance.

What type of aircraft flies from Chicago to Sacramento?

At 4h 25m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Chicago to Sacramento?

Roughly 303 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,515 km.

Is the return flight from Sacramento to Chicago also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Sacramento?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Chicago Midway International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.