Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Sacramento, US πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

KSMF

IATA

SMF

Elevation

27 ft

Region

US-CA

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: KSMF

Local Code: SMF

Location: 38.6954Β° N, -121.591003Β° E

Continent: NA

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler reviews for Sacramento International Airport (SMF) indicate a generally positive overall sentiment, with many appreciating its relative ease and efficiency compared to larger airports. However, SMF is experiencing growing pains due to record-breaking passenger volumes, leading to increased frustration with certain services, particularly ground transportation and parking. The airport is certified as a 3-Star Regional Airport by Skytrax, acknowledging its facilities and service.

What Travelers Love
  • Easy to Navigate: Travelers frequently praise SMF's simple layout and ease of navigation, making for a less stressful experience than larger airports.
  • Modern and Spacious Terminals: Terminal B is highlighted for its modern design, spaciousness, and interesting art and interior features. Terminal A also offers a pleasant environment with good natural light and ample seating with power outlets.
  • Efficient Security Lines: Security wait times are often reported as short and quick, especially for TSA PreCheck users, allowing for smooth passage through checkpoints.
  • Dining and Retail Options (Post-Security): A good variety of local dining and retail choices are available, particularly after passing through security.
  • Automated People Mover: The train connection between the check-in and gate areas in Terminal B is appreciated for its convenience.
Common Complaints
  • Parking Availability and Shuttle Service: This is a major and frequent complaint, with reports of parking garages often being full and a lack of functioning signs indicating available spots. The economy parking shuttle service is described as having significantly long wait times (up to 20 minutes or more) and being overcrowded, causing frustration and potential delays.
  • Rental Car Shuttle Inconvenience: The rental car shuttle service is also criticized for long waits and inconvenient drop-off locations, requiring travelers to drag bags across lots.
  • Limited Pre-Security Food Options: Travelers note that there are very few dining options available before security, which can be inconvenient for those arriving early or waiting for departing passengers.
  • Terminal Cleanliness and Noise: Some reviews mention "disgustingly dirty waiting areas" at gates, particularly in Terminal B, and loud music in boarding areas.
  • Rude Traffic Operations Staff: Some older reviews point to consistently rude and aggressive traffic operations staff.

Overall, Sacramento International Airport is generally well-regarded for its modern infrastructure and efficient security process, offering a convenient travel experience for many. However, significant issues with parking capacity and the reliability of shuttle services are increasingly impacting traveler satisfaction, particularly during peak travel periods. Travelers should plan extra time for parking and transportation, especially when flying out of SMF.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Sacramento International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Southwest
SWA / WN
28 174 28 Oct 18, 2025
SkyWest
SKW / OO
7 63 7 Aug 16, 2025
5 25 5 Sep 17, 2025
United
UAL / UA
4 24 4 Aug 16, 2025
5 23 5 Aug 16, 2025
4 13 4 Aug 14, 2025
4 10 4 Aug 14, 2025
2 8 2 Aug 16, 2025
3 5 3 Aug 15, 2025
Spirit
NKS / NK
1 5 1 Aug 16, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
17L/35R 8601 ft 150 ft CON Active Lighted
17R/35L 8598 ft 150 ft CON Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
A/D NORCAL APP/DEP 25.91 MHz
A/D NORCAL APP/DEP 125.25 MHz
ATIS ATIS 126.75 MHz
CLD CLNC DEL 121.1 MHz
GND GND 121.7 MHz
TWR CAPITOL TWR 125.7 MHz
UNIC UNICOM 122.95 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
HU Lanee NDB 400 kHz
SM Metre NDB 230 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

On-demand taxi service is available at the ground transportation area of both terminals. Look for the taxi stands located curbside. App-based ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate at SMF, with designated pickup zones at each terminal.

Rental Cars

The on-site rental car terminal is located a short walk from the main terminals via covered walkways. All major rental car companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National, are housed in this central facility.

Public Transportation

Yolobus offers public bus service via Route 42A/42B, providing hourly connections between the airport, downtown Sacramento, Woodland, and Davis. Bus stops are located at the ground transportation areas of both Terminal A and Terminal B.

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~11 km away
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~12 km away
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Sutter Medical Center Heliport
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Sacramento, US
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~17 km away
UC Davis Medical Center Tower II Heliport
3CL0
Sacramento, US
Heliport
~20 km away
Uc Davis Medical Center Life Flight Base Heliport
CN11
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Heliport
~20 km away
Joe Heidrick Heliport
CL83
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~21 km away
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~22 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.