Los Angeles to Sacramento is 373 miles (600 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The left side wins on both ends — a scenic Pacific coastline and mountain departure from LAX, followed by a river-and-farmland approach into Sacramento with the city visible near the end. The right side sees mostly inland valley and hills with less variety.
Flight Path
Central Valley farmland, the Coast Ranges to the west, and the San Joaquin River valley are visible along the cruise portion of this short north-south hop.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTDeparting LAX northbound, the left side gets views of the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Malibu coast, and the Santa Monica Mountains before the flight turns north over the interior. It's a strong mix of coastline and terrain right off the runway.
Landing at SMF
LEFTOn approach into Sacramento from the south, the left side offers views of the Sacramento River delta, the flat agricultural valley checkerboard, and the city's downtown grid near the river as the plane descends. The right side mostly shows the same valley floor with less river detail.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Sacramento International (SMF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Sacramento. The left side wins on both ends — a scenic Pacific coastline and mountain departure from LAX, followed by a river-and-farmland approach into Sacramento with the city visible near the end. The right side sees mostly inland valley and hills with less variety.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LAX northbound, the left side gets views of the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Malibu coast, and the Santa Monica Mountains before the flight turns north over the interior. It's a strong mix of coastline and terrain right off the runway. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, Point Dume.
What can I see when landing at Sacramento International in Sacramento?
When landing at Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Sacramento from the south, the left side offers views of the Sacramento River delta, the flat agricultural valley checkerboard, and the city's downtown grid near the river as the plane descends. The right side mostly shows the same valley floor with less river detail. Notable sights include: Sacramento River, Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta farmland, downtown Sacramento skyline, Tower Bridge area.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Sacramento?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Sacramento International (SMF) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 373 miles (600 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Sacramento flight path pass over?
Central Valley farmland, the Coast Ranges to the west, and the San Joaquin River valley are visible along the cruise portion of this short north-south hop.