Sacramento International Airport (SMF): The Complete Guide

SMF Airport Overview

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) serves California's state capital and the greater Sacramento Valley region. The airport handles around 12 million passengers per year, serving as the primary gateway for government workers, lobbyists, Silicon Valley spillover traffic, and visitors to Northern California. A major $1.3 billion expansion program called SMForward is underway, with significant portions completing in late 2026, including a new consolidated rental car center, a new 5,500-space parking garage, and expanded terminal facilities.

Terminal Layout

SMF has two terminals — Terminal A and Terminal B — located at the north end of the airport. They are not directly connected airside, but pedestrian bridges link both buildings to the central terminal parking garage, allowing passengers to cross between terminals through the garage structure.

Terminal A (13 gates)

Terminal A houses 13 gates serving Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The SMForward expansion includes an upgraded baggage handling system in Terminal A. This terminal handles a mix of domestic and select international service.

Terminal B (19 gates)

Terminal B is the larger of the two, with 19 gates serving Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, Boutique Air, Contour Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Horizon Air, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. Southwest has the largest presence in Terminal B. Terminal B's concourse is being expanded as part of the SMForward project.

Airlines at SMF

SMF is served by all major US domestic carriers plus a growing international roster. Alaska Airlines and Southwest are among the busiest carriers at the airport. International service includes Air Canada (Canada), Aeromexico (Mexico), and seasonal charter routes.

SMForward Expansion (2024-2026)

The SMForward project, which began in summer 2024, is the largest infrastructure investment in SMF's history. Key elements include:

• A new consolidated rental car center west of Terminal B, replacing scattered off-airport rental facilities
• A new 5,500-space parking garage for additional capacity
• An upgraded baggage handling system in Terminal A
• An expanded Concourse B with additional gate capacity
• Completely renovated food and dining experience, with new local Sacramento restaurants replacing previous concepts

Dining and Shopping

One of the most exciting developments at SMF is the food transformation. New restaurants completing in early 2026 include:

• Magpie Cafe — Sacramento's beloved farm-to-fork restaurant with a seasonal menu highlighting local Northern California produce. One of the best airport dining options in California.
• Centro Cocina Mexicana — Sacramento institution serving regional Mexican cuisine, chile-centered dishes, and margaritas.
• New Helvetia Brewing — Sacramento's acclaimed craft brewery with an airport taproom. The Northern California hops-forward IPAs are worth sampling.
• Peet's Coffee — Bay Area and Northern California institution for coffee.
• Starbucks, Chick-fil-A — National quick-service options available across both terminals.

Getting To and From SMF

Sacramento RT Light Rail

The Sacramento Regional Transit light rail system connects SMF to downtown Sacramento and the broader metro area. The airport is served by the Gold Line, which runs to downtown Sacramento in about 20 to 25 minutes. This is one of the more useful airport rail connections in California, making the airport genuinely accessible without a car for downtown-bound travelers.

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft pick up at designated zones outside both terminals. Downtown Sacramento is 15 to 20 minutes and $20 to $30. Old Sacramento and the waterfront are about 15 minutes and $20 to $25. Davis is 20 to 25 minutes and $25 to $35. Lake Tahoe is about 100 miles east — a rideshare is $120 to $180, making car rental a much better option for Tahoe trips.

Rental Cars

All major rental car brands operate at SMF. The new consolidated rental car center, opening as part of SMForward, will improve the rental experience significantly. A rental car is strongly recommended for trips to Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, Yosemite, or Gold Country wine regions — public transportation options to these destinations are limited or nonexistent.

Parking

SMF currently offers terminal garages and economy lots. The new 5,500-space garage opening as part of SMForward will add significant capacity. Current daily garage rates run $20 to $25. Economy lots are $10 to $14 per day.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

SMF offers free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at both terminal security checkpoints. Power outlets are available at most gate areas.

Lounges

SMF does not have traditional airline club lounges. No Admirals Club, Sky Club, or United Club operates at this airport. Priority Pass holders should check their network for any available options. The new dining options coming as part of SMForward are effectively a partial substitute for travelers without lounge access.

Tips for Navigating SMF

• Eat at Magpie Cafe. Sacramento is the heart of California's farm-to-fork movement, and the new Magpie airport location brings that ethos into the terminal. It is worth timing your arrival for a meal there.
• Get a rental car for Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is a spectacular destination 100 miles east of Sacramento, but public transit does not reach it. Rent a car at SMF and make the beautiful drive on I-80 through the Sierra Nevada.
• Construction through late 2026. The SMForward project means active construction through most of 2026. Some areas of the airport may be temporarily altered. Follow airport signage for any detours.
• Light rail is great for downtown. If your destination is downtown Sacramento, the RT Gold Line is quick, cheap, and avoids highway traffic.
• SMF is quieter than SFO or LAX. Security lines are generally shorter, parking is easier, and the airport atmosphere is calmer. A significant advantage over the state's mega-airports.

Nearby Hotels

The Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Airport and the Hilton Sacramento Arden West are both within a 5 to 10 minute drive of the terminals. Downtown Sacramento, about 15 to 20 minutes by rideshare, offers the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, and the Citizen Hotel — all excellent options that put you in the heart of the city.