Sacramento International Airport: All You Need To Know

what airport is in sacramento ca

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located about 10 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento, California. The airport is a transportation hub for travel to and from California and the rest of the world. SMF has undergone significant expansion and modernisation projects over the years, including the recent addition of nonstop service to Toronto by Air Canada.

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Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

The history of Sacramento International Airport dates back to October 21, 1967, when it opened as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport. Previously, air service to Sacramento was handled by Sacramento Municipal Airport (SAC), now known as Sacramento Executive Airport. Sacramento International Airport has undergone significant expansion and improvements over the years, including the recent addition of nonstop service to Toronto by Air Canada in 2023.

The airport has a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. In 2018, it commissioned a solar array project rated at 7.9 MW, which is expected to supply around 30% of the airport's electricity needs. Additionally, Sacramento International Airport was ranked as the #5 most tech-friendly commercial airport in the country by PCWorld magazine.

Looking toward the future, Sacramento International Airport has expansion plans in place. The current Master Plan calls for the addition of up to 18 new gates to existing Terminals A and B or the construction of a new Terminal C. The airport also plans to extend the Green Line to provide a direct connection to Downtown Sacramento and lengthen one of the runways to support long-haul international flights. These developments demonstrate the airport's commitment to enhancing its facilities and improving the travel experience for its passengers.

Sacramento International Airport offers a range of services and amenities to cater to the needs of travellers. These include dining options, shopping venues, and a variety of ground transportation choices. With its convenient location, modern facilities, and ongoing expansion plans, Sacramento International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Sacramento to the rest of the world.

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Transport options to and from the airport

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located 12 miles from downtown Sacramento, California. There are various transport options to and from the airport, including public transportation, rental cars, app-based ride-sharing, taxis, shuttles, and vans.

Public Transportation

SacRT's Route 142 offers an express bus service between the airport and downtown Sacramento. The bus runs every 60 minutes, seven days a week, from 5:15 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The fare is $2.50 for a single ride, $1.25 for eligible discounted riders, and free for students in grades TK-12 with the RydeFreeRT program. Yolobus Routes 42A and 42B also provide hourly bus service to the airport from the Sacramento, CA Station (SAC). The travel time from the Sacramento station is about 40 minutes.

Rental Cars

Several rental car companies operate at the airport, offering a range of vehicle options, from economy to luxury.

App-Based Ride-Sharing and Taxis

Ride-sharing apps such as Lyft and Uber are also available at the airport, providing convenient transportation options. Additionally, taxi services are readily available for quick travel to and from the airport.

Shuttles and Vans

Shuttle, van, and sedan services are available for travellers who prefer a more spacious and comfortable ride to and from the airport. These options typically offer more legroom and can be booked in advance.

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Dining and shopping at the airport

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located at 6900 Airport Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95837. The airport serves as a gateway to various attractions in Northern and Central California, including Lake Tahoe, Napa, and Yosemite National Park.

Sacramento International Airport offers a variety of dining options for travellers, ranging from quick bites to more substantial meals. Big brands such as Starbucks, Wendy's, and Burger joints can be found at the airport, alongside local restaurant chains like Café Bernardo, Nixtaco, and Temple Coffee. The airport also features various shops, allowing travellers to make the most of their carry-on space and purchase any last-minute items before their flights.

In recent years, the airport has undergone significant expansion and improvement projects, including the "The Big Build" in 2008, which modernised Terminal B to meet rising passenger demand and attract new carriers and routes. As part of this project, the Central Terminal B complex was expanded to three times its original size, with new landside and airside sections connected by the SMF Automated People Mover.

The Sacramento County Department of Airports has also secured funding for the construction of a new air traffic control tower, which is expected to be completed by 2026. In addition, there are plans to expand the existing terminals and add up to 18 new gates, as well as proposals for a new Terminal C. These developments aim to enhance the airport's capacity and improve the overall travel experience for passengers passing through Sacramento International Airport.

The airport also offers a range of other services, including rental car options, app-based ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber, and public transportation connections to nearby areas such as Sacramento, Davis, and Woodland.

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Future expansion plans

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in California has several future expansion plans in the works as part of its $1.3 billion "SMForward" initiative. The airport aims to improve the experience for travellers and meet the rising demand for passenger services. Here are the details of the future expansion plans:

Terminal Expansion

SMF plans to expand its terminals and add new gates. This includes the proposed six to eight gates with the SMForward initiative or the construction of a new Terminal C with 12 gates. The expansion of Concourse B is expected to begin in August 2025 and be completed by January 2028. Terminal A expansion is expected to start in October 2025 and finish in March 2027. The overall goal is to have up to 50 gates across two or three terminals at buildout.

Improved Accessibility and Transportation

The airport plans to improve accessibility and transportation options. This includes the construction of a new exit roadway at Terminal A, expected to be completed by May 2026, and the addition of a consolidated ground transportation center by June 2027. The construction of a pedestrian walkway connecting Terminal B to Concourse B began in mid-2024, with a focus on ADA compliance and future expansion. A new parking garage to the west of Terminal B is also in the works, along with 5,500 additional parking spaces.

Enhanced Efficiency

SMF aims to improve efficiency with a new shuttle hub and an improved traffic flow system. They also plan to extend the Green Line to the airport, providing a direct connection to Downtown Sacramento. The relocation of rental car facilities to the terminal area will streamline the rental car experience for travellers.

Infrastructure Upgrades

The airport is constructing a new air traffic control tower, expected to be completed by 2026, to replace the original tower that has been in place since the airport opened in 1967. The new tower will stand at 192 feet and cost between $60 million and $80 million. Additionally, a Hyatt Place hotel is planned to be built between the two current terminals, enhancing the convenience for travellers.

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The airport's history

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the primary airport serving Sacramento, California. Covering 6,000 acres, it is located 10.5 miles northwest of Downtown Sacramento. The airport is a gateway to various attractions in Northern and Central California, including Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Wine Country.

Sacramento Executive Airport, a general aviation airport operated by the Sacramento County Airport System, is also located in the city. It was originally known as the Sutterville Aerodrome when it opened in 1930. During World War II, the U.S. Army Corps took over the airport, and after the war, control was returned to the city, and it was renamed the Sacramento Municipal Airport. In 1967, commercial airline operations were moved to the newly opened Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, and the Sacramento Municipal Airport was renamed Sacramento Executive Airport.

Sacramento International Airport opened on October 21, 1967, as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, with one 8,600-foot runway. The initial runway was on the west side of the airfield and is now named to the headings of 17R/35L. The airport's original terminal, Terminal B, was built in 1967 with 14 gates and was replaced in 2011 with a newer and bigger terminal featuring 19 gates. In 2008, the Sacramento County Airport System embarked on a $1.03 billion terminal modernisation project called "The Big Build," which included expanding Terminal B to meet rising passenger demand and attract new carriers and routes.

In 2018, Sacramento International Airport commissioned a solar array rated at 7.9 MW, which is expected to supply around 30% of the airport's electricity needs and generate savings of nearly $1 million annually. In 2023, the airport announced a $1.3 billion expansion plan called SMForward, which includes adding new gates and potentially constructing a new Terminal C. The airport is also planning to extend the Green Line to provide a direct connection to Downtown Sacramento and lengthen one of its runways to support long-haul international flights.

Frequently asked questions

Sacramento International Airport.

SMF.

It is located about 10-12 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento along Interstate 5.

Sacramento International Airport is a gateway to various attractions in Northern and Central California, including:

- Heavenly Mountain Resort

- Lake Tahoe

- Yosemite National Park

- Old Sacramento State Historic Park

- California State Capitol

- Wine Country

- Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

- Cosumnes River Preserve

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