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), sourced from the airport or the operator that runs each service, with minimums from OAG data.
Quick answer
- Terminals: 2 terminals
- Minimum connection time: 30 min domestic, 1 hr 30 min international to domestic
- Arrive: 2 hr 30 min before domestic, 3 hr before international (airport's advice)
- Free WiFi: Yes
Map
Terminals & connections
Sacramento International Airport has 2 terminals. Transfer system: Free landside shuttle between Terminal A and B. 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
3 airlines: Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines
Southwest-dominant terminal with a tram to its gate concourse.
Minimum connection times
- Domestic to domestic
- 30 min
- Domestic to international
- 1 hr
- International to domestic
- 1 hr 30 min
- International to international
- 1 hr 30 min
- Transfer system
- Free landside shuttle between Terminal A and B
- Airside connected
- Not published
Layover helper
Find how long to plan for a connection at SMF: the official minimum connection time, plus a comfortable time of 30 minutes more, or 60 more when you clear customs or go through security again after a terminal change. Adjust trip type, terminal change, and checked-bag assumptions to match your itinerary.
Writing about SMF? Embed this connection time calculator on your site
Security & TSA
Security waits at SMF vary by time of day and checkpoint. Sacramento International Airport recommends arriving at least 2 hours 30 minutes before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.
- 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
No official source we checked publishes a ride time from SMF to downtown Sacramento.
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
SacRT Route 142 Airport Express Bus Express bus to downtown Sacramento. | $2.50 | Varies |
Uber/Lyft Rideshare | Varies | Varies |
Parking
SMF parking ranges from $12/day economy to $21/day short-term. Official 24-hour maximums: Garage 1 $21, Daily Lot $14, Economy Lots (South/East/West) $12 (shuttle access, ~60 min total to terminal). Garage 2 (5,500 spaces) opens Fall 2026.
- Short-term
- $21/day
- Long-term
- $14/day
- Economy
- $12/day
- Valet
- Not published
Can I leave SMF during a layover?
With a 3-hour layover, stay inside SMF. With 6+ hours, you have time to see part of Sacramento.
SacRT's Route 142 Airport Express runs to downtown Sacramento. Most travelers stay in-terminal; SMF has a strong public art program.
Overnight layover hotels
- $$Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront15-min rideshare
Frequently asked questions
How early should I arrive at SMF?
Sacramento International Airport recommends arriving at least 2 hours 30 minutes before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. Security waits vary by time of day and checkpoint, so add buffer at busy times.
What is the minimum connection time at SMF?
SMF requires at least 30 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and 90 minutes for international-to-domestic connections. Transfer system: Free landside shuttle between Terminal A and B.
How long does it take to get between terminals at SMF?
We have no officially published terminal-to-terminal transfer time for SMF, so plan around the minimum connection time and add time for the terminal change.
Can I leave SMF during a 6-hour layover?
With 3 hours you should stay inside SMF. A 6-hour layover is enough to leave the airport briefly. SacRT's Route 142 Airport Express runs to downtown Sacramento. 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 142 Airport Express at $2.50, taking a variable amount of time. Express 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. Security waits vary by time of day and checkpoint.
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: $21/day short-term, $14/day long-term, $12/day economy. Official 24-hour maximums: Garage 1 $21, Daily Lot $14, Economy Lots (South/East/West) $12 (shuttle access, ~60 min total to terminal). Garage 2 (5,500 spaces) opens Fall 2026.
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, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian 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.
Can I cruise from Sacramento?
Yes. Cruise ports within 100 miles of SMF: San Francisco Cruise Terminal (75 mi). See our cruise port guides for sailing lines, parking, and embarkation details.
Compare SMF to other airports
See how SMF ranks against the other 111 airports in our dataset.
Airlines operating at SMF
Look up baggage policies for any airline flying out of SMF.
Cruise ports near SMF
Cruise terminals within 100 miles of Sacramento International Airport.
Compare other airports
Sources & verification
- Overview: https://sacramento.aero
- Ground transport: https://flysmf.gov/to-and-from/public-transportation https://www.sacrt.com/airport-express-bus-service/
- Terminals: https://flysmf.gov/about/maps-ta
- Connection times: https://www.expertflyer.com/air/travel-information https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/WelcomeToTheUS.pdf
- Security: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/schedule https://flysmf.gov/about/faq
- Parking: https://flysmf.gov/to-and-from/parking
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento_International_Airport
Connection times, security, ground transport and parking verified Oct 2026 against the sources above. Amenities, lounges and nearby hotels without a listed source are not yet verified. Always confirm with Sacramento International Airport before flying.
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