SMF · Sacramento, CA · Large Hub

Sacramento International Airport Guide

Terminals, minimum connection times, ground transport, parking, lounges, and layover advice for Sacramento International Airport (SMF), every figure cited to the airport's own data.

Quick answer

  • Terminals: 2 terminals, not airside-connected (re-security between some)
  • Minimum connection time: 30 min domestic, 1 hr international to domestic
  • Arrive: 1 hr 30 min before domestic, 2 hr 30 min before international
  • To Sacramento: about 20 min one-way
  • Free WiFi: Yes

Terminals & connections

Sacramento International Airport has 2 terminals. Not all terminals are airside-connected; transfers between some terminals require exiting security and re-clearing TSA. Terminals A and B are separate buildings; inter-terminal transfers require shuttle and re-security.

Terminal A

7 airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Aeromexico, and more

Smaller of the two terminals.

Terminal B

4 airlines: Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines

Southwest-dominant terminal with airside tram to airside concourse.

Minimum connection times

Domestic to domestic
30 min
Domestic to international
45 min
International to domestic
1 hr
International to international
1 hr
Transfer system
Free landside shuttle between Terminal A and B
Airside connected
No

Layover helper

Interactive tool

Enter your layover details and we will tell you whether you have a tight connection, a comfortable connection, or enough time to leave SMF.

Security & TSA

Typical TSA wait at SMF is 20 minutes at peak and 5 minutes off-peak. Arrive at least 1 hr 30 min before a domestic flight and 2 hr 30 min before international.

TSA PreCheck
Available
CLEAR
Available
Global Entry
Available

Amenities

3 of 7 core amenities available at SMF: free WiFi, nursing rooms, pet relief. Free WiFi quality is rated good. Dining options span 1 terminal.

Showers

Not available

Sleep pods

Not available

WiFi

Free (good)

Nursing rooms

Available

Both terminals

Chapel

Not available

Pet relief areas

Available

Pet relief areas

Dining highlights

Terminal B: Gordon Biersch, Esquire Grill

Ground transport to Sacramento

SMF is about 20 min from downtown Sacramento by the fastest transit option.

Option Cost Time
SacRT Route 42
Bus
Bus to downtown Sacramento.
 $3 35-55 min
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare
 $25-$40 15-30 min

Parking

SMF parking ranges from $10/day economy to $32/day short-term.

Short-term
$32/day
Long-term
$16/day
Economy
$10/day
Valet
Not available

Can I leave SMF during a layover?

Yes, SMF is close enough to Sacramento that a 3-hour layover is workable. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Sacramento. Round-trip to the city center is about 40 min plus re-screening on return.

Downtown Sacramento is 15-20 min by rideshare. Most travelers stay in-terminal; SMF has a strong public art program.

Overnight layover hotels

  • Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront
    15-min rideshare
    $$

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive at SMF?

Arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight from SMF, and 150 minutes before an international flight.

What is the minimum connection time at SMF?

SMF requires at least 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 60 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. SMF terminals are not all airside-connected; expect to re-clear security between some terminals. Transfer system: Free landside shuttle between Terminal A and B.

How long does it take to get between terminals at SMF?

Budget 8 min for same-terminal transfers and 20 min for different-terminal transfers at SMF via Free landside shuttle between Terminal A and B. Terminals A and B are separate buildings; inter-terminal transfers require shuttle and re-security.

Can I leave SMF during a 3-hour layover?

Yes, SMF is close enough to Sacramento that 3-hour layovers are workable. Round-trip to the city center is about 40 minutes plus re-screening. Downtown Sacramento is 15-20 min by rideshare. Most travelers stay in-terminal; SMF has a strong public art program.

Does SMF have showers?

SMF does not have dedicated public showers. Paid lounge access is typically required for shower facilities.

Does SMF have sleep pods?

SMF does not have dedicated sleep pods. Check premium airline lounges for quiet rooms.

Is WiFi free at SMF?

Yes. SMF offers free WiFi throughout the airport.

What is the cheapest way to get from SMF to Sacramento?

The cheapest option is typically SacRT Route 42 at $3, taking 35-55 minutes. Bus to downtown Sacramento.

Is there TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at SMF?

SMF supports TSA PreCheck and has CLEAR lanes. Global Entry kiosks are available for returning international travelers. Typical peak-hour wait is 20 minutes.

Where should I eat at SMF during a layover?

Notable dining at SMF includes Gordon Biersch (Terminal B), Esquire Grill (Terminal B).

How much does parking cost at SMF?

SMF parking rates: $32/day short-term, $16/day long-term, $10/day economy. Book online in advance for significant discounts vs. drive-up rates.

Is there a hotel at SMF for overnight layovers?

The closest option is Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront (15-min rideshare, $$). Budget time for the shuttle or rideshare in your overnight plan.

Which terminal does my airline use at SMF?

SMF has 2 terminals. Major airline assignments: Terminal A: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines; Terminal B: Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines. Confirm with your boarding pass before arrival since a few airlines operate from multiple terminals depending on route.

Are there pet relief areas at SMF?

Yes. Pet relief areas.

Compare SMF to other airports

See how SMF ranks against the other 69 airports in our dataset.

Best for layovers SMF ranks well for quick layovers With sleep pods See which airports offer capsule hotels and nap rooms Shortest MCT SMF dom-to-dom: 30 min · intl-to-dom: 1 hr

Airlines operating at SMF

Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of SMF.

Compare other airports

Sources & verification

Verified 2026-04-14. Airport operations, parking rates, and amenities change; always confirm with Sacramento International Airport before flying.