Are there 2 airports in Sacramento?

Sacramento has 2 airports — 1 is the Sacramento International Airport (SMF) that manages domestic and international flights, and the other is the smaller Sacramento Executive Airport, located 3 miles south of downtown.

Why is Sacramento airport called SMF?

SMF stands for Sacramento Metropolitan Field, which was the name of the airport before it was renamed in 1998.

Who flies out of Sacramento Airport?

The following airlines operate out of Sacramento Airport: 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 Southwest Airlines Spirit Airlines Sun Country Airlines Volaris

Can you sleep at Sacramento Airport?

It is possible to sleep at Sacramento International Airport, but passengers will be asked to leave the secure area and reclear security the next day.

Where does Southwest fly nonstop from Sacramento?

Southwest Airlines flies to 23 non-stop destinations from Sacramento International Airport. Check the airport route map to see the destinations.

Which airlines fly nonstop from Sacramento to Las Vegas?

Southwest Airlines and Spirit operate flights between Sacramento International Airport and Las Vegas (LAS).

Sacramento International Airport [SMF]

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

Sacramento International Airport Route Map — Sacramento International Airport route map. Image Credit: Sacramento County Department of Airports

Terminal A

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

Sacramento International Airport terminal map. Image Credit: Sacramento County Department of Airports

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

Sacramento International Airport Inter-Terminal Route — Sacramento International Airport inter-terminal walking route. Image Credit: Sacramento County Department of Airports

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 are credit cards with 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 [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 Therapy Dogs — Image Credit: Sacramento County

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

Sacramento International Airport Terminal A Ground Transportation — Sacramento International Airport Terminal A ground transportation. Image Credit: Sacramento County Department of Airports

Sacramento International Airport Terminal B Ground Transportation — Sacramento International Airport Terminal B ground transportation. Image Credit: Sacramento County Department of Airports

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

Sacramento International Airport Parking — Sacramento International Airport parking. Image Credit: Sacramento County Department of Airports

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

Homewood Suites by Hilton Sacramento Airport Natomas. Image Credit: Hilton

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

Hotel	Address and Phone Number	Star Rating	Distance From the Airport (Miles)
Four Points by Sheraton Sacramento Airport	4900 Duckhorn Dr., Sacramento, CA 95834 916-263-9000	3	3.9
Homewood Suites by Hilton Sacramento Airport-Natomas	3001 Advantage Way, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-263-9510	3	4.3
Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento-Airport-Natomas	3021 Advantage Way, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-928-5700	3	4.4
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas	2981 Advantage Way, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-928-9400	2	4.4
Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento Airport Natomas	20 Advantage Ct., Sacramento, CA 95834 916-579-7000	3	4.5
Wyndham Garden Sacramento Airport Natomas	2298 Terracina Dr., Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-2222	Undisclosed	4.7
TownePlace Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas	4090 E. Commerce Way, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-8811	Undisclosed	5.3
Fairfield Inn and Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas	2730 El Centro Rd., Sacramento, CA 95833 916-923-7472	3	6.2
Super 8 by Wyndham Sacramento Airport	2654 El Centro Rd., Sacramento, CA 95833 916-920-4451	2	6.3
Staybridge Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas	140 Promenade Cir., Sacramento, CA 95834 916-575-7907	3	6.3
Extended Stay America – Sacramento – South Natomas	2810 Gateway Oaks Dr., Sacramento, CA 95833 916-564-7500	2	6.5
Element Sacramento Airport	3681 N. Freeway Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-8663	3	6.5
Residence Inn by Marriott Sacramento Airport Natomas	2618 Gateway Oaks Dr., Sacramento, CA 95833 916-649-1300	3	7
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Sacramento Natomas	2555 Venture Oaks Way, Sacramento, CA 95833 916-925-2280	3	7.2
Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento	2540 Venture Oaks Way, Sacramento, CA 95833 916-568-5400	3	7.2

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Hotel	Address and Phone Number	Star Rating	Distance From the Airport (Miles)	Loyalty Program	Redemption Cost
Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento-Airport-Natomas	3021 Advantage Way, Sacramento, CA 95834 916-928-5700	3	4.4	Hilton Honors	30,000-35,000 Hilton Honors points
Four Points by Sheraton Sacramento Airport	4900 Duckhorn Dr., Sacramento, CA 95834 916-263-9000	3	3.9	Marriott Bonvoy	20,000-30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento Airport Natomas	20 Advantage Ct., Sacramento, CA 95834 916-579-7000	3	4.5	Hilton Honors	35,000-40,000 Hilton Honors 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. Award nights start at 20,000 to 30,000 points per night.

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.

5 comments

Lucy December 3, 2020
What happens if you stay over the maximum hours allowed in the parking lot?
- Catherine Luther December 5, 2020
  Hi Lucy,
  The daily maximum in this article refers to the maximum amount you can be charged per 24 hours, not the maximum amount of time you can stay. Not sure if that’s what you’re referring to? If you’re planning to stay for more than 3 weeks, then you can contact airport parking at 916.874.0825.
Tom August 22, 2021
Electrical vehicle charging?
Mike Levario January 27, 2023
Can you exchange foreign currency? I have left over money from Mexico that I need to convert back to U.S currency.
- Jarrod West January 28, 2023
  Hi Mike,
  Yes, you can convert it at the airport.

Quick Info

Airlines Operating From SMF

Terminal A

Terminal B

SMF Airport Terminals

Terminal A

Terminal B

Inter-Terminal Transport

Walking

Terminal Shuttle

Automated People Mover (APM)

Security and Customs at SMF

TSA PreCheck

Global Entry

Mobile Passport

SMF Airport Lounges

Dining and Drinks at SMF

SMF Wi-Fi and Charging Points

SMF Airport Lost and Found

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Baby Facilities

Traveling With a Pet

Smoking Areas

Money

Luggage Storage

Important SJC Phone Numbers

Travel to and From SJC

Transport Options

Bus

Shuttles

Taxi

Rideshare

Directions by Car to SMF

Arriving From Downtown Sacramento

Arriving From Downtown San Francisco

SMF Airport Parking Information

Terminal B Hourly Lot

Terminal Garage

Daily Lot

East and West Economy Parking Lots

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Parking

Hotel and Parking Packages

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Parking Contact Number

Car Rental at SMF Airport

SMF Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Are there 2 airports in Sacramento?

Why is Sacramento airport called SMF?

Who flies out of Sacramento Airport?

Can you sleep at Sacramento Airport?

Where does Southwest fly nonstop from Sacramento?

Which airlines fly nonstop from Sacramento to Las Vegas?

About Amar Hussain

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