Direct (nonstop) flights from Sacramento to Chicago

1 airline flys nonstop from Sacramento International (SMF) to Chicago Midway International (MDW). It's 1,791 miles (2,882 km), about 3h 55m in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

SMF
Sacramento International
🇺🇸 Sacramento, USA
MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
3h 55m
Distance
1,791 mi
2,882 km
CO₂/pax
303 kg
−41 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
SMF → MDW
Flight Time
3h 55m
Distance
1,791 mi

Alternative Routes

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

SMF MCI (Kansas City) MDW
Leg 1: 3h 10m (1,442 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (405 mi) Total: ~4h 35m 🍃 344 kg CO₂ (+14% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → MCI
3h 10m · 1,442 mi
View SMF to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → MDW
1h 25m · 405 mi
View MCI to MDW flights →
SMF DEN (Denver) MDW
Leg 1: 2h 20m (909 mi) Leg 2: 2h 20m (896 mi) Total: ~4h 40m 🍃 359 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → DEN
2h 20m · 909 mi
View SMF to DEN flights →
Leg 2
DEN → MDW
2h 20m · 896 mi
View DEN to MDW flights →
SMF SLC (Salt Lake City) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 44m (531 mi) Leg 2: 3h (1,259 mi) Total: ~4h 44m 🍃 336 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → SLC
1h 44m · 531 mi
View SMF to SLC flights →
Leg 2
SLC → MDW
3h · 1,259 mi
View SLC to MDW flights →
SMF BOI (Boise) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 25m (437 mi) Leg 2: 3h 20m (1,448 mi) Total: ~4h 45m 🍃 351 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → BOI
1h 25m · 437 mi
View SMF to BOI flights →
Leg 2
BOI → MDW
3h 20m · 1,448 mi
View BOI to MDW flights →
SMF STL (Saint Louis) MDW
Leg 1: 3h 40m (1,678 mi) Leg 2: 1h 5m (252 mi) Total: ~4h 45m 🍃 356 kg CO₂ (+17% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → STL
3h 40m · 1,678 mi
View SMF to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → MDW
1h 5m · 252 mi
View STL to MDW flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Sacramento to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Sacramento (SMF) to Chicago (MDW) takes approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes. The distance is 1,791 miles (2,882 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Sacramento to Chicago?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Sacramento to Chicago?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Sacramento from Chicago?

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

What type of aircraft flies from Sacramento to Chicago?

At 3h 55m, 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 Sacramento to Chicago?

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

Is the return flight from Chicago to Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Chicago?

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 Sacramento International for this flight?

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