Sacramento International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Sacramento International is 15-20 minutes by car from downtown, with no direct train: the SacRT network reaches the city only with a bus-to-light-rail transfer that takes 45-60 minutes. For a dawn flight or a late evening arrival, Natomas, just minutes from the terminals, remains the most practical choice. Those staying more than one night gain by sleeping downtown, near the Golden 1 Center and the Capitol, or in historic Old Sacramento on the river, with its nineteenth-century buildings. Midtown, with its bars and restaurants, is a more intimate alternative to the institutional downtown.

Airport area (Natomas)

Airport area · 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.

Pros

Free shuttle at any hour, on request
Just minutes from check-in to gate even at peak hours

Cons

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 in this area

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.
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.

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Downtown and Golden 1 Center

City centre · 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.

Pros

Golden 1 Center, Capitol and convention center within walking distance
Widest choice of restaurants and evening venues

Cons

No direct train from the airport, only a car or a slow bus
Hotel parking almost always costs extra

Recommended hotels in this area

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel: Overlooks the Golden 1 Center in the DOCO district, with a rooftop pool open all year round.
AC Hotel by Marriott Sacramento: Opened in 2024 just steps from the convention center, with a bar and restaurant in the lobby.
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel: Occupies the historic brick building of the old Public Market, right next to the Capitol.

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Midtown

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros

Close to the UC Davis medical center and Midtown restaurants
Residential neighborhood, quieter in the evening than downtown

Cons

Fewer hotels to choose from than downtown
No direct connection to the airport

Recommended hotels in this area

Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Midtown: Just steps from the UC Davis medical center, with an on-site bistro open all day.

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Old Sacramento and the riverfront

Neighbourhood · 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.

Pros

Old West stone streets on foot, with the Tower Bridge lit up at night
10 minutes' walk from the Golden 1 Center

Cons

Very touristy area, crowded on weekends
No direct connection to the airport

Recommended hotels in this area

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade: River-view suites next to the Tower Bridge, with breakfast and an evening reception included every day.
Delta King Hotel: Sleep in a cabin aboard a real 1927 steamboat moored on the river; an unusual experience rather than a luxury hotel.

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