Overview
Sacramento, California's laid-back state capital, is a brilliant choice for travellers who want the California sunshine without the LA or San Francisco crowds. Known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital", it pairs a walkable historic core and excellent food scene with easy access to Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe and Gold Country, making it a smart base for a wider West Coast itinerary. Flights to Sacramento from the UK typically route via a major US gateway such as San Francisco or Los Angeles, so it's worth comparing options rather than assuming the obvious hub is cheapest.
Best time to fly to Sacramento
Late spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the sweet spot, with warm, dry days and none of the intense summer heat that regularly pushes past 35°C in July and August. Winters are mild but can be rainy, which suits travellers happy to trade sunshine for lower fares. If your dates are flexible, use the when to book chart above to spot the cheapest weeks to fly to Sacramento.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no direct flights to Sacramento from the UK, so journeys involve a connection. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly nonstop from London Heathrow to San Francisco, with United also offering options via San Francisco, Denver or Newark; from any of these hubs, carriers including Alaska Airlines, United, American and Southwest operate frequent short domestic hops on to Sacramento International Airport. Total journey time is usually around 13–15 hours including the connection, with the transatlantic leg itself taking roughly 10–11 hours.
Things to do in Sacramento
Once you land, Sacramento rewards a few days of exploring on foot along the river and out into the surrounding valley:
- Old Sacramento Waterfront: Cobblestone streets, riverboats and the California State Railroad Museum in a preserved Gold Rush-era district.
- California State Capitol and Capitol Park: A grand domed capitol building set in 40 acres of gardens and memorials, free to explore.
- Crocker Art Museum: One of the oldest art museums in the American West, with an outstanding Californian collection.
- American River Parkway: Miles of cycling and walking trails along the river, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
- Day trips to Napa Valley or Lake Tahoe: Both are within a couple of hours' drive, making Sacramento a handy touring base.
At Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
SMF sits around 12 miles (20km) northwest of downtown Sacramento, and it's a compact, easy airport to navigate after a long-haul journey. Taxis and rideshares such as Uber and Lyft take roughly 20–25 minutes into the city centre, car hire is widely available for onward trips to Tahoe or Napa, and the Yolobus route 42 offers a budget-friendly public transport link into downtown.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Sacramento
- Book around two to three months ahead for the best fares on transatlantic connections.
- Fly midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) rather than at weekends, when demand and prices both rise.
- Keep your dates flexible and check the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest departure weeks.
- Compare routing via San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver, as the cheapest gateway to Sacramento changes throughout the year.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for tourist trips of up to 90 days, but must apply for ESTA authorisation online before travelling. The currency is the US Dollar (USD), and card payments are widely accepted, though it's worth carrying some cash for smaller vendors. No specific vaccinations are required for entry, and standard UK travel insurance covering the USA is strongly recommended given the cost of healthcare.
