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Sacramento International Airport [SMF] – Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: April 26, 2021   |    3

1. Travel  / 
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Sacramento International Airport (SMF) served 13 million passengers in 2019, and over 50% of those passengers flew with Southwest Airlines. SMF is primarily a domestic airport, with non-stop flights to just 3 international destinations in Mexico. Still, the airport is in the middle of a 20-year expansion plan that may allow destinations such as Tokyo, London, and Frankfurt to be added to the list in the near future.

Quick Info

Airport: Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Terminals: 2 terminals — A and B
Airport Address: 6900 Airport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95837
Distance From Downtown Sacramento: 11 miles (18 km)
Website: sacramento.aero
Phone Number: 916-929-5411
Annual Passengers: 13 million
Flight Information: Departures and arrivals info can be found here

Airlines Operating From SMF

Terminal A

• Air Canada
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines

Terminal B

• Aeromexico
• Alaska Airlines
• Boutique Air
• Contour Airlines
• Frontier Air Lines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Horizon
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Volaris

SMF Airport Terminals

SMF has 2 terminals that are situated at the north end of the airport. Terminal A and Terminal B are not directly connected, but passengers may walk between the terminals via pedestrian bridges that link both buildings to the terminal garage.

A series of access roads loop around the parking facilities and allow vehicles to pick up and drop off directly outside the terminals. Parking garages are located outside of both terminals, and the rental car facility is at the south end of the terminal near the east economy parking lot.

Terminal A

Terminal A is on the east side of the airport and is split across 2 levels. The lower level is outside the secure area and has the airline ticketing desks on the east and baggage claim on the west. After clearing security on the upper level, passengers may proceed to the departure concourse where there is a good selection of shops and restaurants.

Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, and United operate from Concourse A’s 13 gates numbered A1 to A5 and A10 to A17. An Escape Lounge is located near gate A10, and a pet relief area is near the entrance to gates A1 to A5.

Terminal B

Terminal B can be found on the west side of the airport, operating domestic and international flights. The terminal has 3 levels, with baggage claim and ground transportation on level 1, ticketing on level 2, and access to the parking garage from level 3.

To reach the departures area, passengers must ride an automated people mover to concourse B and clear the security checkpoint. Concourse B has 19 gates numbered B4 to B12 and B12 to B23.

The concourse has a good selection of shops and restaurants, and an Escape Lounge immediately after the security checkpoint on the left side.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Walking

Passengers can easily connect between terminals by walking along the bridges that connect to the terminal parking garage. The map above displays the walking route that takes around 7 minutes. From Terminal A, the sky bridge is accessible from level 2, and from Terminal B, it’s accessible from level 3.

Terminal Shuttle

The daily parking shuttle runs between Terminals A and B every 10 minutes and is free to ride. Shuttles operate from the transportation curbs outside of both terminals.

Automated People Mover (APM)

The APM transports passengers between Terminal B and concourse B.

Security and Customs at SMF

SMF has a security checkpoint in Terminals A and B, and both open at 4 a.m. until the last flight departure.

TSA PreCheck

There are dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at the security checkpoints that are open during peak hours.

SMF has a TSA Enrollment Center in the baggage claim area of Terminal B. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Global Entry

SMF participates in Global Entry and has kiosks for passengers that have been approved in the program

There’s no Global Entry Enrollment Center at SMF. The closest is located at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Mobile Passport

SMF has dedicated Mobile Passport Control lines for eligible participants to complete their arrival information via the app.

SMF Airport Lounges

SMF has 2 Escape Lounges, located at:

• Concourse A, near gate A10: open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m
• Concourse B, immediately after the security checkpoint on the left side: open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Passengers may purchase entry to the lounge for $45 at the door or $40 when booked online at least 24 hours in advance. Cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or Centurion® Card from American Express receive complimentary access to the lounge.

Hot Tip: These personal and business credit cards include complimentary airport lounge access, so you can avoid paying for a lounge day pass at the airport.

Dining and Drinks at SMF

SMF has 22 restaurants, cafes, and fast-food counters that enable passengers to grab a quick bite before their flight. There are a few options available pre-security if you arrive at the airport early, with most located inside of the secure area.

SMF Wi-Fi and Charging Points

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Terminals A and B, concourses, the rental car facility, and the cell phone waiting lot. To connect, select “FlySacramento” from the available connections.

SMF Airport Lost and Found

If you lose an item inside the terminals or while traveling on an airport shuttle bus, contact the Lost and Found office at 916-874-0701. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be found between Terminals A and B.

If you lose an item at a security checkpoint, contact TSA at 916-830-0227 or email s[email protected].

If you lose an item onboard an aircraft, you need to contact the relevant airline.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Airport volunteers staff information kiosks at both terminals and passengers may also call 916-929-5411 for paging services.

Baby Facilities

SMF has 2 nursing rooms, located adjacent to the restrooms on the left after security in both concourses.

Traveling With a Pet

SMF has 3 pet relief areas located at:

• Terminal A, outside the east end of the terminal
• Terminal A, at the south end of the terminal on the lower level
• Terminal B, at the northeast corner of the hourly B parking lot

The airport also aims to reduce passenger stress by offering therapy dogs via the Boarding Area Relaxation Corps (B.A.R.C.) program — a partnership between the airport and Sacramento nonprofit Lend a Heart, Lend a Hand.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is permitted at least 25 feet from any doorway leading to an airport building.

Money

ATMs are located at:

• Terminal A, in the baggage claim
• Terminal A, at the food court
• Terminal B, on levels 1 and 3
• Terminal B, near the restrooms at the east and west side of the concourse

Luggage Storage

There are no luggage storage facilities at SMF.

Important SJC Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 916-929-5411

Parking Services: 916-874-0825

Lost and Found: 916-874-0701

Travel to and From SJC

Transport Options

Bus

• Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT): Route 142 is an express service that operates between SMF and downtown Sacramento daily every 20-30 minutes
• Yolobus: Routes 42A and 42B serve downtown Sacramento, West Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, and SMF

Public buses depart from the center island outside of Terminal A and from zone 3 on the east commercial curb of Terminal B’s ground transportation area.

Shuttles

Shared and private-ride shuttles are available to book through SuperShuttle Express. Shuttles depart from zone 3 of the Terminal A ground transportation area and zone 4 of the Terminal B ground transportation area (west commercial curb).

Taxi

On-demand taxis or taxis booked with the Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association (SITOA) are available outside both terminals. The Terminal A rank is located at zone 7 of the ground transportation area, and from zone 3 of the west commercial curb at Terminal B.

A round-trip between SMF and downtown Sacramento is $66, and seniors and military personnel receive a 20% discounted rate.

Rideshare

Rideshare operators Uber, Lyft, and Wingz, are authorized to operate from SMF. Vehicles may drop off curbside, and pick up from zone 6 of Terminal A’s ground transportation area and Terminal B’s Airport Boulevard (the blue area on the above map).

Directions by Car to SMF

Arriving From Downtown Sacramento

Take I-5 N to exit 528. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Airport/Garden Highway, and merge onto Airport Boulevard to access the terminals.

Arriving From Downtown San Francisco

Take I-80 E and keep left to continue onto I-580 W/I-80 E. Keep right at the fork to continue onto CA-113 N and follow signs for Woodland. Take exit 37 for Main Street towards Downtown/Woodland and turn right after Carl’s Jr. Use the right lane to take the slip road onto I-5 S and exit 528. Turn left onto Airport Boulevard to access the terminals.

SMF Airport Parking Information

Terminal B Hourly Lot

The Terminal B hourly lot (number 3 on the map) is located close to Terminal B, and passengers can walk between the parking lot and the terminal via a pedestrian bridge on level 3. Parking fees are $2 per 30 minutes up to a daily maximum of $29.

Terminal Garage 

The terminal garage (number 1 on the map) is connected to Terminal A and Terminal B via pedestrian bridges, and electric charging is available on every level. To reach Terminal A from the parking lot, take the bridge from level 3, and to reach Terminal B, take the bridge from level 5. Parking fees are $2 per 30 minutes up to a daily maximum of $18.

Daily Lot

The daily lot (number 2 on the map) is located south of the terminal garage and provides uncovered parking. A shuttle bus transports passports to and from the airport every 15-20 minutes. Parking fees are $2 per 30 minutes up to a daily maximum of $10.

East and West Economy Parking Lots

The east and west economy parking lots (number 4 on the map) are located at the south end of the airport. Shuttle buses transport passengers between the parking lots and the terminals and operate every 25-30 minutes. The west economy parking lot requires prepayment using a pay station on arrival. Parking fees are $2 per 30 minutes up to a daily maximum of $10.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

SMF has a free waiting area located near the west economy parking lot. Instead of circling the airport, visitors may wait here until they receive a call for pick up. Visitors must stay with their vehicles at all times and are permitted to wait for up to 3 hours.

Hotel and Parking Packages

If you need to stay overnight at the airport before or after your trip, you can book a package deal that includes accommodation and parking.

Hotel and parking packages can be booked with airportparkingreservations.com, and you could save money compared to booking parking at the airport, plus a separate hotel.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking spaces are located in all airport parking lots, and airport parking shuttle buses are equipped with lifts for wheelchair access.

Parking Contact Number

General Inquiries: 916-874-0825

Car Rental at SMF Airport

The rental car center is located south of the terminal, and passengers must ride the courtesy shuttle bus that departs from outside both terminals. Shuttles operate every 10 minutes, and customers renting from off-airport rental agencies are picked up from the rental car center.

The following rental companies are available on-airport property:

• Alamo: 800-327-9633
• Avis: 916-922-5601
• Budget: 800-763-2999
• Dollar: 866-434-2226
• Enterprise: 800-736-8227
• Hertz: 800-654-3131
• National: 800-227-7366
• Payless: 916-441-4488
• Thrifty: 916-285-0648
• Zipcar: 866-494-7227

The following rental companies are available off-airport property:

• Airport Van Rental: 916-913-8133
• Advance Rent a Car: 916-442-1362

Hot Tip: Register for a credit card that includes rental insurance as a benefit and avoid paying expensive insurance fees directly with the rental company.

SMF Airport Hotels

Accommodation can be found around 4 miles away from the airport, and many hotels provide courtesy shuttle buses to transport passengers.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Hampton Inn offers a comfortable stay for those looking to stay close to SMF. The hotel amenities include a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Award nights at the hotel range between 30,000 to 35,000 Hilton Honors points per night depending on the day of the week and seasonal demand.

Close to the airport, the Golden 1 Center, and the Sacramento Zoo, the Four Points by Sheraton is perfectly located for your visit to Sacramento. The hotel offers its guests an outdoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, complimentary airport shuttle, and an on-site restaurant offering breakfast and dinner. As a Category 4 Marriott hotel, award nights cost 20,000 points on off-peak nights, 25,000 points on standard nights, and 30,000 points on peak nights.

Just 10 minutes from SMF via their free 24-hour shuttle, the Hilton Garden Inn is a stellar option for travelers. Amenities include an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, fitness center, free parking, and free breakfast each morning for Hilton Honors members with Gold status or above. Hilton no longer publishes an award chart, so award nights will cost between 35,000 to 40,000 points per night on average.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points or Marriott Bonvoy points.

Final Thoughts

SMF has led a string of firsts for U.S. airports. It was the first to offer free Wi-Fi throughout its terminals and to consolidate rental car companies into a rental car facility.

Sacramento International Airport ranked number 8 in our study of the top 10 airports in the U.S. based on overall passenger satisfaction, average delay/cancellation times, public transit, lounge access, and Wi-Fi. Passengers love the airport’s canine therapy program, where dogs roam the boarding areas, creating a calming environment for nervous flyers.