Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Sacramento International Airport (FAA LID, IATA: SMF, ICAO: KSMF) is 11 miles or 17km northwest of downtown Sacramento in California, United States. It covers 2,400 hectares of land and serves the Sacramento Metropolitan Area.

The Sacramento County Airport System administers the facility. It is also a gateway to the California State Capitol.

The airport has two terminals with a total of 32 gates. Terminal A has 13 gates, and Terminal B has 19 gates.

Four airline companies are operating in Terminal A and eight operating airlines in Terminal B. Both terminals have wireless internet connections.

The facility also had two redesignated parallel runways on May 20, 2020.

The west runway was closed from April 2019 to October 2019 for a renovation.

Since then, Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture has been the airport's architect. They also served as the local architect and Corgan Associates and Fentress Architects for the new Central Terminal built-in 2011.

Due to some renovations until recently, the Sacramento County Airport System has to charge a higher fee for airlines, discouraging some carriers from operating through the airport.

The airport administration then launched an advertising campaign entitled “Easy as SMF” to promote the easy and convenient flying experience through Sacramento International Airport, especially for residents on the eastern side of the San Francisco Bay Area. The facility regained its reputation as a budget-friendly airport with a wide-ranging variety of services.

In 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration recorded 9,702,030 inbound and outbound passengers with 112,781 aircraft operations at Sacramento Airport.

History of Sacramento International Airport

On October 21, 1967, the Sacramento International Airport opened as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport having one operational runway. The 8,600ft. The airstrip was on the west of the airfield, formerly the Sacramento Metropolitan Field.

In the early years, air service to and from Sacramento, California, was handled by Sacramento Municipal Airport, now called Sacramento Executive Airport.

Sacramento Metropolitan Airport was the first specially built landing strip for public use, located west of Mississippi when it opened in 1967.

All airports operating in the Sacramento County Airport System, including Sacramento International Airport, are self-supporting facilities. They generate their income through fees and rentals. No local government or federal tax funds are used for the operating costs.

Sacramento Airport previously had five airlines: Pacific Air Lines, Pacific Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Western Airlines, and West Coast Airlines.

In the 1980s, the airport added facilities such as an in-flight catering facility, a Federal Aviation Administration Flight Inspection Field Office, cargo facilities, and the east runway.

The east side runway celebrated its opening by the landing of Concorde Supersonic Transport aircraft. It was followed by several airline companies like America West Airlines, Continental Airlines, Morris Air, Northwest Airlines, and American Eagle Airlines, which joined the original carriers of Sacramento Metropolitan Airport during this time.

In 1998, Terminal A and rental car facilities opened.

The centralized rental car terminal was the first in the metro. It gave rental customers single-point access to a more convenient and accessible transport system.

Following this innovation, bus operations in the facility were organized to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

The airport was renamed Sacramento International Airport with the opening of new facilities.

In October 2005, the airport designated a port of entry.

In April 1997, the Sacramento County Airport System launched its website.

Several airline companies were added to the list of carriers flying back and forth at Sacramento; Southwest Airlines in 1991, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air in 1993, and Trans World Airlines in 1994.

Passengers can access the free Wi-Fi service provided by the Sacramento County Airport System in all indoor public areas.

Transfer Services at Sacramento International Airport

Sacramento International Airport provides several transport options for travelers.

Car Rentals, Taxis, Rideshares, Shuttles, and Buses are available at the ground transportation center of the airport.

An Amtrak train is also available at Sacramento Valley Station, located 12 miles from the airport.

Travelers are advised to check what items are allowed for hand-carry baggage and what things to put inside their check-in baggage.

Passengers should always check and secure their belongings before and after deplaning.

Rental Car Services at Sacramento International Airport

All Car Rental agencies are located in a separate terminal within the airport property.

First, you will have to ride on a shuttle bus provided for car renters. You can look for them at the ground level outside both terminals. Sign boards will lead you in the right direction.

Shuttles arrive every 10 minutes at designated stops, but waiting times may be longer during the airport’s peak hours, from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight.

Then, the shuttle bus will drop you off at the car rental terminal, where the baggage claim area is also located. See and compare all rental car companies at Sacramento International Airport.

There are various car rental agencies in the area. Renters must comply with the requirements such as a driver’s license and a passport.

The rental rate may vary depending on the chosen vehicle.

Cars for rent are parked outside the terminal.

There are also car rental agencies that offer vehicles for persons with disabilities. Reservations must be made 48 to 72 hours before arrival at Sacramento International Airport.

Renters may also book a car in advance through online booking or download the company’s app on their smartphone.

Ride Shares at Sacramento International Airport

Ride-share transportation services are available at the airport. Depending on your terminal, they can only pick up and drop off passengers at designated areas.

Ride-share vehicles must be booked in advance by downloading the company’s application on your smartphone.

You can download three ride-share applications; Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are three famous ride-share companies in Sacramento.

Taxis at Sacramento International Airport

Taxi cabs are the standard and on-demand transport service at Sacramento International Airport.

The Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association (SITOA) provides taxi services in the facility. With a signed contract, SITOA ensures the availability of cars, equipment quality, and service provided at the airport through a signed agreement. See more information about taxis at Sacramento International Airport.

Taxis are available in the ground transportation area of each terminal.

The downtown area is 12 miles or a 16-minute drive from Sacramento Airport.

The estimated cab fare from the airport to downtown Sacramento ranges from $38.00 to $53.00.

Taxi cab fares may also vary depending on your destination and the traffic condition in the area.

Buses at Sacramento International Airport

Two bus companies operate at the Sacramento International Airport; The Sacramento Regional Transit District and the Yolobus. More information about buses to and from Sacramento International Airport.

They are all available at the ground transportation center.

Trains at Sacramento International Airport

The train is one of the transport systems in Sacramento, California. More information about train services near Sacramento International Airport.

The Amtrak Train is available at the Sacramento Valley, 12 miles from the Sacramento International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Sacramento International Airport

Hotel and non-hotel shuttle services are available in the ground transportation area of terminals A and B.

Inbound passengers who have hotel bookings in the metro may contact their accommodation directly for shuttle reservations.

There are also two non-hotel shuttles available in the airport; the Paratransit and MedStar.

Paratransit shuttles give transport services to registered disabled customers. For shuttle reservations, call them at +1 916 429 2744 at least two business days before the scheduled flight.

Med Star shuttles also offer services for persons with disabilities. For further information and reservation, contact them at +1 916 669 0550.

The airport also provides free shuttles at Terminals A and B. They are available 24 hours a day to serve passengers that need transportation to and from the rental car terminal, the Daily Parking Lot, and the Economy Parking Lot.

Parking at Sacramento International Airport

Sacramento International Airport has three public parking lots.

Drivers may choose Hourly, Daily, or Economy parking.

The parking rate starts at $10.00 per day. See more information about short and long term parking at Sacramento International Airport.

Hotels

Many hotels in the Sacramento Metropolitan Area offer quality services for guests. Most of them are located in the heart of the city.

Attractions

Sacramento International Airport is a gateway to many attractions and adventures such as the Heavenly Mountain Resort, Yosemite National Park, Old Sacramento State Historical Park, Lake Tahoe, underground tunnels, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Wine Country, and a whole lot more. See a selection of tourist attractions in and around downtown Sacramento in California.