Jazmin Li
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the main airport serving Sacramento, California. The airport is located 10.5 miles (16.9 km) northwest of Downtown Sacramento and covers 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) of land. Sacramento International Airport consists of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, that are linked via pedestrian bridges. The airport is a gateway to various attractions in Northern and Central California, including Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Old Sacramento State Historic Park. With a growing list of nonstop flights, Sacramento International Airport serves as a convenient entry point for travellers visiting Northern California and the Sacramento Metropolitan Area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Sacramento International Airport |
| IATA | SMF |
| ICAO | KSMF |
| FAA LID | SMF |
| Location | 10.5 mi (16.9 km) northwest of Downtown Sacramento, California, US |
| Area | 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) |
| Terminals | 2 (A and B) |
| Gates | 32 (expected to expand to 50) |
| Annual Passengers | 13 million |
| Transport | Ride-hailing services, taxis, shuttle, van, sedan, public transportation, car rental |
| Dining | Various dining options |
| Shopping | Various shopping options |
| Services | Services for passengers with disabilities, lost and found |
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What You'll Learn
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
The airport consists of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, which are situated at the north end of the airport and are linked by pedestrian bridges. SMF offers a range of transportation options, including major rental car companies, ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft, and public transportation like the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), which provides an express bus service to and from the airport.
Sacramento International Airport opened on October 21, 1967, as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, with one 8,600-foot runway. The airport has undergone and continues to undergo various expansion and development projects. In 2023, funding was secured for the construction of a new air traffic control tower to replace the original tower from 1967. The new tower, expected to be completed by 2026, will stand at a height of 192 feet and cost between $60 million and $80 million.
SMF is primarily a domestic airport, with nonstop flights to three international destinations in Mexico. However, it has expansion plans that may soon include long-haul international destinations such as Tokyo, London, and Frankfurt. In 2024, construction began on a pedestrian walkway connecting Terminal B to Concourse B, and preparations were made for a new parking garage west of Terminal B. The airport served 13 million passengers in 2023, with over 50% of those passengers flying with Southwest Airlines.
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Transport to and from the airport
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located 10.5 miles (16.9 km) northwest of Downtown Sacramento, California, United States. The airport covers 6,000 acres (2,400 ha) of land and is run by the Sacramento County Airport System.
There are several transport options available to and from Sacramento International Airport. These include:
- Public transport: The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) operates an express bus service, Route 142, which runs from the airport to downtown Sacramento every 20-30 minutes, seven days a week. This service is affordable, with standard fares at $2.50 and discounted fares at $1.25 for eligible riders. Students in grades TK through 12 can ride for free. Yolobus also offers daily routes throughout the region, including to Sacramento, Davis, and Woodland.
- Shuttle: Shuttle, van, or sedan services are available for those who prefer more legroom.
- Taxi: Traditional taxi services are available at the airport.
- App-based ride-share: Ride-hailing services such as Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and Turo are available at the airport.
- Rental car: Most major rental car companies have a presence at the airport.
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Terminals, gates and lounges
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located 10.5 miles (16.9 km) northwest of Downtown Sacramento, California, United States. The airport has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, with 13 and 19 gates, respectively. Terminal A was opened in 1998 with 12 gates, and Terminal B was rebuilt and opened in 2011 with 19 gates. The current version of the 2020 Master Plan calls for SMF to expand and add up to 18 more new gates to existing terminals or construct a new Terminal C with 12 gates.
Both terminals offer various dining options, with Terminal A's food court being remodelled in 2014-15 to bring a unique Sacramento dining experience. Terminal A also added a new gate in 2021, bringing the total number of gates to 13. In 2024, Terminal A also received a pair of new escalators connecting the second floor to baggage claim.
Terminal B, the newer and larger terminal, was originally planned to have 22 gates but was reduced to 19 due to high costs. In mid-2024, construction began on a pedestrian walkway connecting Terminal B to Concourse B, and preparation for a new parking garage to the west of the terminal also started.
The Escape Lounges, located in both Terminal A and Terminal B, offer a tranquil haven away from the busy terminals. They provide complimentary drinks and food, cosy corners, quiet workspaces, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The lounges are open to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class, and children aged 24 months and under receive free entry. Priority Pass cardholders can gain complimentary access but must bring their card on the day of the visit. The dress code for the Escape Lounges is smart casual.
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History and future expansion plans
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the main airport serving Sacramento, California. The airport is located 10.5 miles northwest of Downtown Sacramento. It covers 6,000 acres and serves as a gateway to various attractions in Northern and Central California, including Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and Wine Country.
History
Sacramento International Airport opened on October 21, 1967, as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport. The airfield itself was previously known as Sacramento Metropolitan Field and had one 8600-foot runway on its west side. Before the opening of Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, air service to Sacramento was handled by Sacramento Municipal Airport (SAC), which is now known as Sacramento Executive Airport.
During World War II, the U.S. Army Corps took control of Sacramento Municipal Airport. After the war, the airport was returned to the city and was renamed Sacramento Municipal Airport in the late 1940s. Improvement projects during this time included parking and taxiway paving, water and sewer systems, and runway/taxiway lighting. A terminal building was constructed in 1955, and in 1967, commercial airline operations were moved to the newly-opened Sacramento Metropolitan Airport.
In 1985, an FAA Flight Inspection Field Office and a second air cargo facility were added to the airport. Two years later, in 1987, the east runway was opened, with the landing of a Concorde SST marking the occasion. In 1998, a consolidated rental car facility and Terminal A were opened, improving accessibility and reducing congestion. The opening of Terminal A also led to the airport being renamed Sacramento International Airport, and in 2002, it received its first international flights with non-stop services to Guadalajara, Mexico.
The original Terminal B, which was built in 1967 with 14 gates, was demolished in 2012 due to frequent overcrowding. A newer and larger Terminal B was completed and opened in 2011 with 19 gates, although the original plan included 22 gates. In 2018, a solar array was commissioned, supplying around 30% of the airport's electricity needs and resulting in significant cost savings.
Future Expansion Plans
Sacramento International Airport has announced a $1.3 billion expansion plan called SMForward, which is expected to be completed by 2028. This initiative includes seven major upgrades, including expanding Concourse B and Terminal A, adding new gates, improving thoroughfares, and constructing a new parking garage and a consolidated car rental center. The expansion will also include a new air traffic control tower, standing at 192 feet and costing between $60 million and $80 million. The project is anticipated to be completed by 2026.
The airport also has long-standing proposals to extend one of its runways to 11,000 feet to support long-haul international flights and relocate certain key taxiways. These expansions aim to enhance the airport's capacity and improve the overall experience for travellers passing through Sacramento International Airport.
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Attractions in Northern and Central California
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the main airport serving Sacramento, California. The airport is a gateway to various attractions in Northern and Central California. Here are some must-see attractions in the region:
Northern California
San Francisco
- The Golden Gate Bridge: An iconic structure that has been commemorated in films and emojis.
- The Legion of Honor: Formally known as the "California Palace of the Legion of Honor", it is a part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
- Coit Tower: This 1933 art deco tower, designed by Arthur Brown, Jr. and Henry Howard, offers a view of the city.
- The Mission District: This neighbourhood is known for its colourful murals and street art.
- Alcatraz: Once a military prison, this island has a long and chilling history.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite means "killer" in the Indigenous Miwok language, and it certainly delivers on that promise with its awe-inspiring scenery. It offers beautiful trails for hiking and wildlife spotting. The Half Dome trail is a famous challenge for adventurous hikers.
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay is home to a world-class aquarium that overlooks the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects dense kelp forests.
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
This garden offers colourful displays and powerful waves, attracting nature lovers and gardeners alike with its mild maritime climate.
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
This state park is home to McWay Falls, a breathtaking and seemingly untouched natural wonder.
Central California
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for outdoor activities and offers a beautiful natural setting.
Old Sacramento State Historic Park
This park showcases the history of the California Gold Rush, with underground tunnels, stories of floods and fires, and more.
California State Capitol
The California State Capitol is a must-see for those interested in the history and politics of the state.
Wine Country
Central California is known for its wine, and visitors can explore the vineyards and taste the region's famous vintages.
These are just a few highlights of the many attractions that Northern and Central California have to offer. Whether you're interested in nature, history, food, or adventure, the region has something for everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
10.5 miles (16.9 km) northwest of Downtown Sacramento, California, United States.
Most major rental car companies are available, as well as ride-hailing services from taxis and companies such as Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and Turo.
Sacramento International Airport offers Michelin-rated restaurants, bars, and coffee spots. There are also various enticing dining and shopping options.
The airport's phone number is 916-929-5411, and its website is sacramento.aero.
