Sacramento International Airport (SMF) — Terminals, Lounges & Travel Tips
Sacramento, CA, United States · SMF
Terminal Guide
| Terminal | Airlines |
|---|---|
| Terminal A | Southwest (dominant), Spirit, Frontier |
| Terminal B | United, American, Delta, Alaska, Hawaiian, Sun Country |
Getting There — Ground Transportation
- Yolobus Route 42A: Yolobus connects SMF to Davis and Downtown Sacramento for $2. Runs hourly.
- Rideshare: Uber/Lyft from pickup areas outside each terminal. Downtown Sacramento is about 12 miles, ~25 min.
- Taxi: Metered; $25–40 to downtown Sacramento.
- Car Rental: On-site at Terminal A and B.
Pro Tips for SMF Travelers
- SMF fares are often 20–40% cheaper than SFO or OAK for Bay Area travelers willing to drive 75 miles.
- Terminal B is modern and pleasant; Terminal A is older but functional.
- Downtown Sacramento is a short 20-minute rideshare from SMF — very convenient.
- Southwest dominates Terminal A with frequent, bag-fee-free service to many California cities.
- Sacramento Valley summer temperatures exceed 100°F — hydrate and plan for heat when traveling July–September.
- Lake Tahoe is about 90 minutes from SMF — rent a car at the airport for ski or summer trips.
- Parking at SMF is among the most reasonably priced at any California airport.
Know Before You Land — SMF Checklist
Review these before your flight so you hit the ground running at Sacramento.
- Confirm which terminal your airline uses — Sacramento International Airport has 2 terminals and inter-terminal transfers may take 15–30 minutes.
- No direct rail link — rideshare is the most flexible option. Uber/Lyft from pickup areas outside each terminal. Downtown Sacramento is about 12 miles, ~25 min.
- Renting a car? On-site at Terminal A and B.
- Southwest hub: expect higher flight frequency and stronger upgrade/standby availability for Southwest elite members.
- Parking at SMF is among the most reasonably priced at any California airport.