$80 Cheap Flights from Sacramento (SMF) to Carlsbad (CLD)

Popular airlines from Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF) to Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)

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Find available prices by choosing your travel dates.

Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Carlsbad (SMF-CLD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $80 for one-way flights and $159 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines
Flights from Sacramento (SMF) to Carlsbad (CLD)
Origin airport
Sacramento Intl.
Destination airport
McClellan-Palomar
Airlines serving
American Airlines
Roundtrip price
$158
Distance
454 mi

Sacramento to Carlsbad Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Sacramento to Carlsbad

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Sacramento to Carlsbad are during the month of May. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Sacramento to Carlsbad with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Sacramento to Carlsbad

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Sacramento to Carlsbad: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Sacramento to Carlsbad

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Sacramento to Carlsbad in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $80 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Sacramento to Carlsbad flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Sacramento to Carlsbad airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF) to McClellan-Palomar Airport last minute?
Being a spontaneous soul is an amazing way to discover the world, but it’s not necessarily the ideal way to track down a cheap plane ticket. Consider booking your SMF to CLD trip well ahead of time instead of leaving it till the last minute. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the best time to book domestic flights is between 28 – 35 days ahead of the departure date, and international flights three to four months in advance. Leave all that spontaneity for when you reach CLD!
What airports do you fly into for Carlsbad from Sacramento?
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) and John Wayne Airport (SNA) are your options when taking off from Sacramento to Carlsbad. About 5 mi southeast of the heart of Carlsbad, McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is the city’s principal entry point. Think about things such as flight departure and arrival times and the distance to your hotel before deciding on an airport. LEGOLAND® California and Carlsbad Premium Outlets are a couple of awesome attractions to check out when you reach your destination.
Can I change the date of my flight from SMF to CLD?
Sometimes life gets in the way of plans, so Expedia is here to help make things easier. To start, access your Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF) to CLD itinerary through the Expedia Trips portal and look up the ticket rules and conditions regarding changes. If you purchased your ticket in the last 24 hours, some airlines will let you cancel for free and book new flights. If you booked more than 24 hours ago, connect with us through our Customer Service portal to see how we can assist.

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