Cheap Flights from Santa Maria (SMX) to Lake Tahoe (TVL)

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Find available prices by choosing your travel dates.
Flights from Santa Maria (SMX) to Lake Tahoe (TVL)
Origin airport
Santa Maria Public
Destination airport
Lake Tahoe
Distance
276 mi

Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe

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 Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe: 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 Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe

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 Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from 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 Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe 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 Santa Maria to Lake Tahoe 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 Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to TVL last minute?
When it’s time to book your flights, it’s better to be prepared. While it’s possible to score a deal on a SMX to TVL flight at the last minute, fares usually don’t get cheaper as the date of departure nears. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the sweet spot to book a domestic flight is between 28 – 35 days ahead. For international journeys it’s three to four months.
What airports do you fly into for South Lake Tahoe from Santa Maria?
Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL), Reno-Tahoe Intl. Airport (RNO) and Minden, NV (MEV-Minden-Tahoe) are your choices when flying from Santa Maria to South Lake Tahoe. Roughly 3 mi south of the heart of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL) is the city’s main hub. Consider things such as flight departure and arrival times and the distance to your hotel before deciding on an airport. Casino at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Casino at Harveys Lake Tahoe are two great attractions to explore when you arrive at your destination.
Can I change the date of my flight from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to TVL?
We know plans can change, so Expedia is here to help make things as easy as possible. First, find your Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to TVL itinerary through the Expedia Trips portal and look up the fare rules about what changes can be made. If you booked your plane ticket in the last 24 hours, some carriers will let you cancel at no cost and organize new flights. If you bought your fare more than 24 hours ago, contact us through our Customer Service portal so we can help you further.

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