The terminal, rebuilt with a modern design, handles domestic connections and some seasonal routes.
Gateway to Sacramento, capital of California, gateway to the Sierra Nevada and the wine region of Napa Valley.
How to get to Sacramento International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SMF
Parking near Sacramento International Airport
Multi-level parking facilities are located adjacent to the terminal: Daily Lot costs 14 USD/day, Economy Lot 12 USD/day; off-site affiliated parking starts at about 9 USD/day.
How to get to Sacramento from SMF
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Sacramento International Airport
The terminal houses desks of all major car rental companies.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card in your name; useful for exploring the Sierra Nevada and Napa Valley.
Hotels near Sacramento International Airport
Airport area (Natomas)
Free hotel shuttles in 5-9 minutes from the terminals; no direct train or bus in this area.
Best for: Travelers with a dawn flight or a late-night arrival who don't want to rely on traffic toward downtown.
- Free shuttle at any hour, on request
- Just minutes from check-in to gate even at peak hours
- Area of warehouses and interchanges, nothing to do on foot in the evening
- A car or taxi is needed for any trip into the city
Recommended hotels
- Hyatt House Sacramento Airport / Natomas Suites with a kitchen 9 minutes from the terminals, appreciated by those staying more than one night near the airport. View availability
- Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento-Airport-Natomas Free airport shuttle and a hot breakfast, in an area with only hotels and offices north of the city. View availability
Downtown and Golden 1 Center
15-20 minutes from the airport by car or taxi; alternatively, the Yolobus/SacRT bus plus a light-rail transfer, 45-60 minutes.
Best for: The Capitol, the museums and the nightlife of K Street and the Golden 1 Center are just steps away.
- Golden 1 Center, Capitol and convention center within walking distance
- Widest choice of restaurants and evening venues
- No direct train from the airport, only a car or a slow bus
- Hotel parking almost always costs extra
Recommended hotels
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel Overlooks the Golden 1 Center in the DOCO district, with a rooftop pool open all year round. View availability
- AC Hotel by Marriott Sacramento Opened in 2024 just steps from the convention center, with a bar and restaurant in the lobby. View availability
- Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel Occupies the historic brick building of the old Public Market, right next to the Capitol. View availability
Midtown
15-20 minutes from the airport by car or taxi, the same distance as downtown.
Best for: For those working or with an appointment near the UC Davis medical center who prefer a more intimate neighborhood than the institutional downtown.
- Close to the UC Davis medical center and Midtown restaurants
- Residential neighborhood, quieter in the evening than downtown
- Fewer hotels to choose from than downtown
- No direct connection to the airport
Recommended hotels
Old Sacramento and the riverfront
15-20 minutes from the airport by car or taxi, like the rest of downtown.
Best for: For those who want to sleep among the nineteenth-century buildings and the riverfront, just steps from the Golden 1 Center.
- Old West stone streets on foot, with the Tower Bridge lit up at night
- 10 minutes' walk from the Golden 1 Center
- Very touristy area, crowded on weekends
- No direct connection to the airport
Recommended hotels
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade River-view suites next to the Tower Bridge, with breakfast and an evening reception included every day. View availability
- Delta King Hotel Sleep in a cabin aboard a real 1927 steamboat moored on the river; an unusual experience rather than a luxury hotel. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal, rebuilt with a modern design, handles domestic flights and some seasonal routes.
An advance of 2–2.5 hours is the standard recommended lead time for flights.
Map of Sacramento International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is there light rail at Sacramento Airport?
No, Sacramento is one of the few large US metropolitan areas without a direct link: the SacRT light rail requires a connecting shuttle.
Q. How much does the SacRT 142 bus cost from Sacramento Airport?
2.50 USD (1.25 USD reduced fare), with free transfers within 90 minutes.
Q. Is Sacramento Airport a good starting point for Napa Valley?
Yes, the famous wine region is reachable in a couple of hours by car.
Q. How often does bus 142 run?
Every hour, from 5:15 am to 10:33 pm: plan the schedule in advance.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights