Sacramento Intl Airport (SMF) Flights & Information

Even though it’s the capital of California, Sacramento somehow flies under the radar of great west coast destinations. But this city at the northern end of the Central Valley is one of the most dynamic in America, filled with fantastic food, world-class wine and enthralling history.

It’s also home to one of the coolest airports in California, Sacramento International Airport (SMF), where 2 recently constructed terminals house a ton of public art and one of the best airport bars in the world. Am I a little biased, since Sacramento is my hometown? Maybe. But if you’re flying into Sac for work or recreation, take a little time to explore an airport that’s almost as underrated as the city it serves.

Arriving at Sacramento Airport

Sacramento International Airport has 2 distinct terminals and your arrival experience will vary depending on where you arrive. Terminal A is the older of the two, home to American, Delta, United and Air Canada, and where most of the flights from the Midwest and East Coast arrive.

Terminal A bag claim also has one of the best airport sculptures in America. Called “Samson,” a tower of abandoned vintage suitcases stretches from the floor to the ceiling. There’s also a Starbucks by bag claim, which I’ve found to be a welcome sight after a long flight from the East Coast.

Terminal B is a bit more complicated. It’s home to Southwest, Alaska, Frontier, Spirit and most international arrivals. If you’re flying from the West Coast or Mexico, this is likely where you’ll arrive. After exiting the plane, proceed to the short train that takes you to the main terminal and baggage claim.

A long escalator descends into the bag claim area, over which you’ll find SMF’s other iconic sculpture, “Leap.” This 56-foot red rabbit stands as an icon to anyone from Sacramento, immediately signifying to us that we’re home – kind of like the Empire State Building to New Yorkers.

International arrivals into SMF are a breeze, with short immigration lines processing flights mostly from Mexico. You’ll spend more time waiting for your checked luggage than you will waiting at customs.

Getting to and from SMF by public transportation

2 public buses leave from SMF to downtown – Sacramento Rapid Transit Route 142 and Yolobus Routes 42A and 42B. SacRT’s Route 142 is an express bus to downtown and takes about half an hour, depending on traffic. The bus runs every hour with the first trip leaving downtown at 5:15 am and the last trip leaving the airport at 10:33 pm.

The other option is Yolobus, a service of neighboring Yolo County. Routes 42A and 42B run from the airport to downtown Sacramento, then out to destinations in Yolo County like West Sacramento, Davis and County Fair Mall. It’s a great option if you’re headed to UC Davis or anywhere west of the city, and far cheaper than a rideshare. Buses run every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day.

Getting to and from SMF by car

The easiest and most common way of getting to SMF is by car. The airport is most accessible from Interstate 5, which runs straight from downtown Sacramento.

If you’re getting picked up by a friend or relative, Terminal A is very straightforward, as you’ll find only one place to wait for your ride, just outside baggage claim. Terminal B, however, can be very confusing because it’s square shaped. Generally I just walk outside the nearest door, note the door number, and tell my ride where I am.

If you’re renting a car, shuttle buses will pick you up at both Terminal A and Terminal B and take you to the SMF rental car center, about 5 minutes away. When returning your car, make sure you get on the bus to the right terminal or you’re going to have to take another bus back to the rental car center, then transfer to a bus to the correct terminal.

Rideshares are also simple to catch at SMF. From Terminal A, turn right after baggage claim and walk past the end of the terminal. The rideshare drive is about 50 yards down. In Terminal B, things are a little more involved. Follow the signs from bag claim outside the south exit of the terminal. Cross Airport Drive West and continue across the street to Lindbergh Drive to the rideshare pickup area.

Security lines

Security lines at Sacramento International Airport generally aren’t too bad. However, because Sacramento is the state capital, weekday mornings are more hectic, especially Mondays. I’ve arrived for an early Monday morning flight out of Terminal A and seen security lines backed up into the parking garage across the street. TSA PreCheck is a huge help here, and if you’re planning a trip to Sac I can’t recommend it enough.

Terminal B isn’t quite as bad, though you will need to take a short train ride to reach security. Once there, lines can stretch all the way back to the train and take 30 to 45 minutes to clear. If you have a morning flight and don’t have PreCheck, leave at least an extra 45 minutes for security. Even with PreCheck, I allow 20 minutes.

Wi-Fi at Sacramento International Airport

SMF has free Wi-Fi pretty much everywhere in the airport. Just log on, accept the terms and conditions and you’re good to go. I’ve never experienced any problems with it and it’s generally one of the smoother parts of the SMF travel experience.

Souvenir Shopping at the airport

For a midsize American airport, Sacramento has some fantastic shopping. Foremost, it’s a great place to pick up smaller-production wines from nearby Napa and Sonoma Valleys. If you want a souvenir bottle but don’t want to check a bag, hit Vino Volo in either terminal or DOCO Market in Terminal B.

Yes, Vino Volo is a chain you’ll find in many airports, but the selection in Sacramento is much better than other locations because of its proximity to California wine country.

DOCO Market also has a lot of other cool, Sacramento-area foods like cheeses and honeys and is my go-to for unique, albeit perishable, souvenirs. Terminal B also has The Gallery at SMF, where rotating local artists sell their creations.

Terminal A has a couple of cool options for souvenirs, too. My favorite is PopSox, which makes funny little novelty socks that make great gifts. It’s my favorite spot for last-minute stocking stuffers during the holidays. @ease is an athleisure store that I’ve found useful for comfortable flying attire before a long trip back to the East Coast.

Lounges at SMF

For all its great art and modern architecture, Sacramento International Airport is a little lacking in lounges. It has two Escape Lounges, 1 in each terminal, that are open from 5 am until 8 pm. Both are small, and while they offer nice spreads of snack foods and open bars, seating can be limited. This is especially true on weekday mornings when the airport is packed with business travelers, and during the holidays.

The lounges are open to all American Express Platinum Card members, as well as Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members flying on Delta Flights. Priority Pass members can use the lounge in Terminal A, though it’s important to note you can’t travel between terminals at SMF – Priority Pass members flying out of Terminal B don’t have a lounge option. Day passes are available on a pre-reserved and drop-in basis.

Food and drink at the airport

If you’re flying out of Terminal A, you absolutely must budget some time for a drink at the Iron Horse Tavern. The bar in the center of the terminal is regularly on lists of best airport bars in America thanks mostly to its somewhat-regular crowds of state politicos. It’s a hotspot for lobbyists and other people with business in the capital, and it’s the odd airport bar where you’ll sit down and meet locals.

Also in Terminal A is Squeeze Burger, an offshoot of iconic Sacramento hamburger joint Squeeze Inn, which began as an 11-stool bar and gained fame for its burger. If it’s your first time in Sac, this is where you need to eat. Other culinary highlights include the local offerings at DOCO Market and Mango Taco Mexican in Terminal B.

Pet Relief Areas

Each of Sacramento International Airport’s terminals has pet relief areas. In Terminal A, it’s just left of the terminal building, outside. The pet relief area is pre-security, so your pet will need to take care of its business before you start your business of getting on the plane.

Terminal B has 2 pet relief areas, though both are also pre-security at the main terminal building. The first is near the hourly parking lot on the northeast part of the terminal. The other, more convenient pet relief area is by the sunny grass patio on the southern side of Terminal B.