# Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

> Sacramento, US · 10.5 mi (16.9 km) northwest of Downtown Sacramento

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/smf
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/smf.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: SMF
- **ICAO**: KSMF
- **Timezone**: America/Los_Angeles
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 2
- **Passengers**: 14.78M/yr
- **Official site**: https://flysmf.gov

## Overview

## Welcome

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) might surprise you. This two-terminal gateway punches above its weight with a robust local food scene, buzzing craft beer options, and Escape Lounges that many rank as being on par with those in larger hubs. Art enthusiasts often make time for the airport's visual flair, thanks to impressive public art installations like the enormous “Red Rabbit” in Terminal B.

## At a glance

Handling about 14.78 million passengers annually, SMF is located 10.5 miles northwest of Downtown Sacramento. Despite its compact size, both terminals house a variety of amenities. Terminal A serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Terminal B is dominated by airlines like Alaska Airlines and Southwest. With two runways and two terminals comprising 32 gates in total, SMF is no hub airport, but it offers a smooth, manageable travel experience.

## Terminals & layout

Terminal A has 13 gates and features key airlines such as American, Delta, and United. Terminal B, with 19 gates, caters more to Alaska, Southwest, and Frontier flyers. The airport's layout is walking-friendly, though Terminal B’s extended concourse may require some stamina, especially for those landing at the far southern gates. Both terminals are noted for their thoughtful design and user-friendly atmosphere.

## Getting to and from the city

Transportation options are varied. Yolobus routes 42A and 42B and Sacramento Regional Transit Bus 142 provide public transport connections. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are readily available, although costs can fluctuate, particularly during late-night arrivals. Taxis and shuttles, including SuperShuttle Express, round out the list of options for those traveling to and from downtown Sacramento. The airport’s proximity means you can typically reach the city center in 20-25 minutes.

## Traveller essentials

Parking at SMF includes Garage 1 ($21 per day), Daily Lot ($14 per day), and several economy lots at $12 daily. The Cell Phone Waiting Area is free and offers a convenient option for those picking up passengers. Those planning to park on-site should be aware that lots can fill quickly during peak travel periods. Frequent users recommend considering off-airport parking to avoid unexpected fees.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Terminal A features Starbucks, Sbarro, and Vino Volo, while Terminal B offers more variety with standout eateries like Jack's Urban Eats, Iron Horse Tavern, and Dos Coyotes Border Cafe. Shopping here leans local, with shops like Farm to Fork to Sky Market and Sactown Magazine Market selling regional products. See’s Candies is a favorite for grabbing quick gifts that won’t seem like an afterthought.

## Lounges

The Escape Lounge in Terminal A near gate A10 and its counterpart in Terminal B offer a reprieve from the main concourse bustle. Amex cardholders often rave about these lounges, applauding their complimentary cocktails and hot food buffet. At a $60 walk-up fee or $45 if pre-booked, these lounges offer solid value, elevating the travel experience beyond typical small airport expectations.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** Amex Platinum holders enjoy top-value lounge access at SMF; they're nearly a match for larger hubs.

- **Time:** Hit TSA PreCheck lines at 90 minutes for morning flights (5-7 a.m.) to dodge unpredictable terminal waits.

- **Avoid:** Expect a trek in Terminal B if landing far out—utilize people movers to cut down walking time.

- **Local:** Sactown Magazine Market in Terminal B is your stop for authentic regional snacks and mementos.

- **Money:** Use the Cell Phone Waiting Area and avoid strict curb enforcement when picking up passengers.

- **Quiet:** Try Escape Lounge in Terminal A for a more peaceful experience and better workspace.

- **Money:** Compare Uber, Lyft, and taxis for the best fare, especially late at night when prices surge.

- **Local:** See’s Candies in Terminal A offers sweet West Coast gifts better received than generic airport items.

## Terminals (2)

- **Terminal A** — 13 gates · American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
- **Terminal B** — 19 gates · Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines

## Dining (38)

- **Andale Mexican Cuisine** — B
- **Bacon & Butter** — Terminal A · American breakfast/lunch · Casual · $$
- **Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen & Bar** — Terminal A · Vietnamese restaurant · $$
- **BAWK! by Urban Roots** — Terminal B · Full-service restaurant and bar · $$
- **Burgers and Brew** — B
- **Cafe Bernardo** — Terminal B · Cafe / casual dining · $$
- **Centro Cocina Mexicana** — Terminal B · Mexican restaurant and bar · $$
- **Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters** — Terminal A · coffee shop · $$
- **Dos Coyotes Border Cafe** — B
- **Einstein Bros Bagels** — B
- **Escape Lounges** — Terminal A · lounge dining · $$$
- **Esquire Grill** — B
- **Freshii** — B
- **Iron Horse Tavern** — B
- **Jack's Urban Eats** — B
- **Jamba** — B
- **Karma Brew** — Terminal B · Coffee · Café · $
- **La Taqueria** — B
- **Magpie Café + Centro Cocina Mexicana + New Helvetia Brewing** — Terminal A · restaurant bar · $$
- **Mountain Mikes Pizza** — B
- **Old Soul Co** — B
- **Panda Express** — B
- **Peet's Coffee** — B
- **Pizza Hut Express** — B
- **Sbarro** — A
- **Sidewalk Juice** — Terminal A · juice bar · $
- **Squeeze Burger** — B
- **Starbucks** — A
- **Starbucks + Golden Grove Market** — Terminal A · coffee shop / market · $$
- **Starbucks + Sycamore Market** — Terminal A · coffee shop / market · $$
- **Taylor’s Market** — Terminal A · market café · $$
- **The Market on the Move** — Terminal A · Convenience food · Grab-and-go · $
- **The Pizza Company** — Terminal A · Pizza · Casual · $$
- **The Vault Steakhouse** — Terminal B · Steakhouse · Upscale · $$$
- **Urban Crave** — B
- **Vino Volo** — A
- **Wendy’s** — Terminal A · fast food · $
- **West Coast Sourdough** — Terminal A · sandwich shop · $$

## Lounges (5)

- **Escape Lounge** — A · Terminal A, pay-in and Amex Platinum access · $60 walk-up / from $45 pre-book
- **Escape Lounge** — B · Terminal B, pay-in and Amex Platinum access · $60 walk-up / $45 pre-book
- **Escape Lounges** — Terminal A · all travelers, Priority Pass, American Express Platinum Card Members, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members · From $45.00 online; $60.00 walk-up
- **Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner** — Terminal B · Pay-at-door, Online pre-booking, Priority Pass, American Express Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card from American Express, Centurion Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card on Delta-marketed flight · $45–$60 per person depending on pre-book vs. walk-up
- **USO Lounge** — Terminal A · Military personnel, Eligible family members

## Shops (29)

- **Airport Wireless** — A
- **Brighton** — B · Fashion
- **California Sunshine** — Terminal B · Gift shop
- **Capitol Books** — A
- **CNBC SmartShop** — Terminal B · Convenience retail
- **DOCO Market** — B · Travel Essentials
- **@ease/Popsox** — A · Souvenirs
- **Farm to Fork (Terminal B Marketplace)** — Terminal B · Grab-and-go food market / convenience
- **Farm to Fork to Sky Market** — B · Food & Gifts
- **Golden Grove Market** — Terminal A · market/convenience shop
- **Hudson** — A
- **Hudson** — B
- **Hudson News** — Terminal A · Newsstand
- **InMotion Entertainment** — A · Electronics
- **InMotion Entertainment** — B · Electronics
- **No Boundaries** — B · Outdoor Gear
- **Sactown Magazine Market** — B · Books & Gifts
- **See's Candies** — A · Gifts
- **See's Candies** — B
- **Specialty Retail** — B
- **Sycamore Market** — Terminal A · market/convenience shop
- **Tech on the Go** — B
- **The Gallery at SMF** — B · Art & Gifts
- **The Goods** — Terminal A · Gift shop
- **The Well** — A · Food & Gifts
- **The Well** — B
- **Travel + Well Kiosk** — B · Health & Wellness
- **TravelMart** — B
- **Vineyard Marketplace** — B

## Parking (15)

- **Cell Phone Waiting Area** — Free short-stay · $0/day
- **Daily Garage** — Garage · Adjacent to terminal area
- **Daily Lot** — Short stay · $14 per 24-hour period/day, $2 per 30 minutes/hr · Close to the entrance to the garage
- **East Economy Lot** — Long stay · $12 per 24-hour period/day, $2 per 30 minutes/hr · East of the terminals
- **Employee Parking Lot** — Restricted access
- **Garage 1** — Short stay · $21 per 24-hour period/day, $2 per 30 minutes/hr · Covered parking for Terminals A and B
- **Green Zone Parking** — Surface lot · Near terminals
- **Hourly Garage** — Garage · Adjacent to terminal area
- **Hourly Parking** — Garage · 2/hr
- **Long-Term Parking** — Surface lot · Near terminals
- **Off-Airport Private Parking** — Independent long-stay · $5.50/day
- **Oversized Vehicle Parking** — Surface lot · /13/14/day
- **South Economy Lot** — Long stay · $12 per 24-hour period/day, $2 per 30 minutes/hr · South of the airport roadway system
- **Valet Parking** — Valet · $30 per 24-hour period/day · Next to terminal
- **West Economy Lot** — Long stay · $12 per 24-hour period/day, $2 per 30 minutes/hr · West of the terminals

## Ground transport (14)

- **Airport Hotel Shuttle** — Private shuttle
- **Lyft** — Rideshare
- **Private Car Service/Limo** — Pre-booked car
- **Rental car shuttle** — Shuttle · Varies
  Shuttle connection to rental car facilities.
- **Rideshare pickup** — Rideshare · Varies
  Available through app-based ride services.
- **Sacramento Regional Transit Bus 142** — Express bus
- **SacRT bus service** — Bus · Varies by route
  Public bus access to and from the airport area.
- **SuperShuttle Express** — Shared van
- **Taxi service** — Taxi · Varies
  Traditional curbside cab service.
- **TNC Ride App Pickup Zone** — Rideshare zone
- **Uber** — Rideshare
- **Yellow Cab of Sacramento** — Taxi
- **Yolobus Route 42A** — Public bus
- **Yolobus Route 42B** — Public bus

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: Amex Platinum holders enjoy top-value lounge access at SMF; they're nearly a match for larger hubs.
- _Time_: Hit TSA PreCheck lines at 90 minutes for morning flights (5-7 a.m.) to dodge unpredictable terminal waits.
- _Avoid_: Expect a trek in Terminal B if landing far out—utilize people movers to cut down walking time.
- _Local_: Sactown Magazine Market in Terminal B is your stop for authentic regional snacks and mementos.
- _Money_: Use the Cell Phone Waiting Area and avoid strict curb enforcement when picking up passengers.
- _Quiet_: Try Escape Lounge in Terminal A for a more peaceful experience and better workspace.
- _Money_: Compare Uber, Lyft, and taxis for the best fare, especially late at night when prices surge.
- _Local_: See’s Candies in Terminal A offers sweet West Coast gifts better received than generic airport items.