Sacramento International (SMF): decode the airport before you travel
Use this traveler-first guide to verify the Sacramento airport code, avoid the SMF-versus-SAC mistake, find Terminal A or B, plan security, parking, transit, pickup and international-arrival steps, then open the official live source for anything that can change today.
Live SMF information worth checking on travel day
Flight gates, parking capacity, shuttle positions, security operations and construction routing can change faster than a static guide can be updated. These cards take you to the current official source instead of pretending cached information is live.
What airport is SMF, and what does the SMF airport code mean?
SMF is Sacramento International Airport. It is the airport code most passengers should use when booking commercial flights to Sacramento. The airport opened in 1967 as Sacramento Metropolitan Airport; the historical code is commonly explained as Sacramento Metropolitan Field, which is why today’s international airport still uses SMF rather than a more obvious abbreviation such as SAC.
Airport live checks & travel tools
Use current local conditions, official live-status links and planning calculators before you travel. Airline gate, terminal and flight times can change; your carrier remains the final source for flight-specific details.
Live flight center
Check the airport's official flight board, then confirm any last-minute gate or timing change with the airline.
Current airport-area weather
Useful for planning your trip to the airport. This is model-based local weather, not an aviation METAR or an airline operational forecast.
Quick official checks
Open the source that matches the decision you are making right now.
When should I reach the airport?
A planning estimate based on flight type and common time buffers. Always increase the buffer for severe weather, major holidays, unusual airport alerts or airline instructions.
Connection-risk checker
This is a planning heuristic, not an airline minimum-connection-time rule. International arrivals that require U.S. entry processing, baggage claim and security can need substantially more time.
Parking cost estimator
Uses the airport-specific rates stored in this article's configuration. Rates can change; verify availability and final pricing on the official parking page before driving in.
Passenger pickup readiness
Landing time is not curb-ready time. Add time for taxiing, deplaning, baggage claim, customs when applicable and walking to the correct pickup zone.
SMF vs SAC: Sacramento International is not Sacramento Executive Airport
Sacramento International Airport
Use SMF for normal airline travel. It is the region’s primary commercial passenger airport, with Terminals A and B and domestic plus international service.
Sacramento Executive Airport
SAC is a different airport at 5999 Freeport Boulevard. It primarily serves general aviation. FAA procedures identify it as SAC / KSAC.
Why can “SAC” appear in a Sacramento airport search?
Airline and fare systems can distinguish a city/metro search from a specific airport location, while SAC also identifies Sacramento Executive Airport. That makes “Sacramento airport code SAC” a risky shortcut. For a normal scheduled passenger flight at Sacramento International, verify that the actual flight segment, boarding pass and baggage tag show SMF. If a search box says only “Sacramento” or “all airports,” open the airport detail before booking.
SMF airport location, address, country and time zone
| Detail | Traveler answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | Sacramento International Airport | Use this name with hotels, rental agencies and directions. |
| Address | 6900 Airport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95837 | Use this airport address rather than a generic “Sacramento airport” search result. |
| Location | About 10 miles northwest of Sacramento by FAA reference | Drive time is traffic-dependent; the airport is not in downtown Sacramento. |
| Country | United States | International arrivals must follow U.S. CBP entry rules. |
| Time zone | America/Los_Angeles | Pacific Standard Time in winter; Pacific Daylight Time when DST applies. |
| Coordinates | 38.6954444, -121.5907778 | Useful for aviation, mapping and precise location checks. |
| Elevation | About 27 ft MSL | FAA aerodrome fact; not normally needed for passenger planning. |
Build your Sacramento airport plan before leaving home
Which Sacramento airport code do you need?
Find your usual terminal by airline
Recommended terminal arrival planner
Parking cost estimator
Sacramento International Airport terminal guide: Terminal A vs Terminal B
SMF has two separate passenger terminal buildings. Terminal choice is primarily driven by the operating airline, not by whether the flight is domestic or international. Terminal B also has a landside terminal building separated from Concourse B, currently connected by an automated people mover.
Terminal A: American, Delta, United and Air Canada
The airport currently assigns these four passenger airlines to Terminal A. Ticket counters are on the ground level. Terminal A has its own TSA checkpoint, post-security dining and an Escape Lounge.
Terminal B: Aeromexico, Alaska, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest and Volaris
Terminal B uses a two-part layout: the landside terminal contains ticketing and baggage claim, while the secure gates are in Concourse B. The automated people mover carries passengers between them. Airport shuttles serving Terminal B use the east entrance of the first-level baggage-claim area outside Doors 3 and 4.
How to move between Terminal A and Terminal B at SMF
Terminal A and Terminal B are separate buildings and there is no shared post-security connector between their gate areas. The airport says walking landside takes about 10 minutes and is normally fastest. You can also use an airport parking shuttle between terminal ground-transport curbs.
Walk landside
Follow airport wayfinding through the parking-garage area. Budget about 10 minutes plus time for elevators, baggage and construction detours.
Use the Daily parking shuttle
The airport FAQ says the Daily Lot shuttle typically leaves every 10 minutes from the ground-transport curbs and can be used between terminals.
Plan to rescreen
Changing terminals means returning landside and going through the TSA checkpoint for the new terminal before reaching the gate.
Why SMF is called Sacramento International Airport
“International” is part of the airport’s official name because SMF supports international service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing. Current airline service includes international carriers such as Aeromexico and Volaris, and Air Canada is listed in Terminal A. The airport’s current nonstop map changes as airlines add or remove routes.
SMF TSA hours and how early to arrive
SMF says its TSA checkpoints open daily at 4 a.m. and checkpoint closing varies with the flight schedule. The airport’s planning rule of thumb is about 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. That extra time matters when parking, economy shuttles or rental-car returns are involved.
Domestic baseline
Aim to be at the correct terminal about 2.5 hours before departure during normal planning, then follow the airline’s specific bag-drop/check-in cutoff.
International baseline
Plan around three hours before departure and add time for document checks, parking or family/accessibility needs.
Early flights
TSA opens at 4 a.m., but airline counters have separate schedules. An early checkpoint opening does not guarantee an airline will accept bags at the same time.
SMF parking rates, shuttles, EV charging and construction
On-airport parking is first-come, first-served; SMF says reservations are not available. Lot status can change without notice, so use the official space count before entering the airport.
| Parking area | Current max | Transfer | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage 1 | $21 / 24h | Walk via pedestrian bridges; no garage shuttle | Covered, closest practical parking; 8 ft 2 in clearance |
| Daily Lot | $14 / 24h | Shuttle about every 15–20 min | Lower rate with shorter shuttle cycle |
| East Economy | $12 / 24h | Shuttle about every 25–30 min | Longer stays; allow up to 60 min to terminal |
| South Economy | $12 / 24h | Shuttle about every 25–30 min | Lowest published on-airport daily max |
| West Economy | $12 / 24h | Shuttle about every 25–30 min | Economy option west of terminals |
| Garage 2 | Not yet open | Future facility | 5,500-space project expected to open fall/Q4 2026 |
EV charging
Garage 1, the Daily Lot and the Free Waiting Area have charging. Parking-page details list Level 2 units by Terminal A elevators, Level 1 units near Terminal B elevators, and four Level 2 chargers in the Daily Lot.
Cash payment
Cash is not accepted at cashier booths. Cash users must use designated pay-on-foot kiosks before returning to the vehicle. Credit/debit lanes are generally faster.
More than three weeks
For an extended stay over three weeks, the airport asks travelers to call parking assistance at 916-874-0825.
SMForward changes that can affect a 2026 trip
Airport expansion is not just background news: construction can alter pedestrian routing, parking supply, roadway flow and wayfinding. The official SMForward project page and project presentation identify several changes travelers should understand.
Terminal B pedestrian walkway
The new ADA-compliant connection between Terminal B and Concourse B is designed to provide a walking alternative to the people mover, with future expansion in mind. Construction began in Q3 2024 and the airport currently targets Q4 2026 opening.
Parking Garage 2
The new facility west of Terminal B adds about 5,500 spaces. SMF currently lists a Q4/fall 2026 opening target.
New Terminal A exit road
Construction began in Q2 2026 and the project is intended to improve roadway flow and support a more efficient shuttle system, with a Q4 2027 target.
Concourse B expansion
The program calls for additional gates, ticketing and office space. Current project information says six more gates are planned, taking Concourse B from 19 to 25 gates.
SMF curb pickup, rideshare, taxi and the Free Waiting Area
Picking up family or friends
Do not circle the terminals or wait at the curb. The Free Waiting Area/Cell Phone Lot is close to the I-5 entrance, has a three-hour limit, and requires the vehicle to remain attended. Wait until the passenger has bags and is actually at the curb.
Dropping off
Terminal curbs are for active unloading only. Verify Terminal A or B before entering the airport roadway so you do not need an avoidable loop during busy periods.
Uber, Lyft and app-based rides
Dedicated pickup areas exist at both terminals. Use the official ground-transport map and the app’s live pickup instruction because exact zones can change with construction.
Taxis
On-demand white airport-branded taxis are in ground transportation adjacent to baggage claim. Current contracted rate guidance lists a $4 flag drop plus $3 per mile and a $28/hour waiting rate.
Public transportation from Sacramento International Airport
SacRT Airport Express
Route 142 serves both terminals and downtown Sacramento. Current SacRT information lists hourly service, roughly 5:15 a.m.–10:33 p.m. daily, with a standard fare of $2.50 and eligible discount fare of $1.25.
Yolobus 42A
Route 42A runs clockwise through Woodland, West Sacramento, downtown Sacramento and Davis. It stops at both terminal arrivals levels.
Yolobus 42B
Route 42B runs the loop in the opposite direction. Current intercity airport fare is $2.25 regular / $1.00 senior or disabled; youth 18 and under ride free.
Rental cars at SMF: why you need extra shuttle time
All airport rental-car companies are located at a consolidated rental-car terminal on airport property rather than directly inside Terminals A or B. The free rental-car shuttle operates 24 hours and uses designated ground-level stops outside both terminals.
Shuttle frequency
The airport says rental-car shuttles arrive roughly every 10 minutes, but your total wait/drive can be longer.
Allow 25–35 minutes
Official guidance recommends allowing roughly 25–35 minutes for the rental-car shuttle wait/drive to the terminal.
Peak periods
Waits can increase during roughly 4–10 a.m. and 8 p.m.–midnight, so returning a car immediately before bag-drop cutoff is risky.
Wheelchair, Aira, Sunflower and accessible SMF facilities
Wheelchair assistance
Airlines are responsible for wheelchair assistance from curbside/check-in to the aircraft. The airport recommends requesting assistance in advance; curb-to-aircraft arrangements can also be coordinated before travel.
Aira visual assistance
Free on-demand Aira service is available onsite for travelers who are blind or have low vision and need human-assisted wayfinding or visual interpretation.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Free Sunflower lanyards or pins can be requested from airport ambassadors/information desks, Landside Operations, Lost & Found staff or marked volunteers.
Accessible parking and curbs
Designated spaces exist in paid parking facilities at normal posted rates. Loading/unloading curbs have accessible areas, but vehicles may not park there.
TDD, braille and visual paging
TDD phones, visual paging and braille signage are available throughout both terminals.
Language assistance
The airport states that language-assistance services are available at information desks at no cost.
Nursing rooms, pet relief, Wi-Fi, carts, lounges and money services
| Need | What SMF provides | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing / pumping | Post-security lactation rooms in both terminals | Near gates beside women’s restrooms; sink, chair and electrical outlets |
| Pet relief | Pre- and post-security in both terminals | Post-security: before A1 in Terminal A and before B11 in Terminal B |
| Wi-Fi | Free Wi-Fi throughout both terminals | Public networks are convenient; use normal security precautions |
| Baggage carts | Smarte Carte | Official service page lists $5 per cart near garage, entrances and baggage claim |
| ATMs | Four Bank of America ATMs | Non-Bank-of-America users may pay the published terminal ATM fee |
| Currency exchange | None | Get foreign currency before arriving or use an appropriate card/ATM strategy |
| Airport lounge | Escape Lounges in A and B | Post-security; current published hours generally start at 4 a.m. |
| Car seats / strollers | No airport rental | Ask your rental-car company about car-seat availability |
Is Sacramento airport open 24 hours?
The public areas of Terminals A and B are open 24 hours, but that does not mean every airport service runs all night. The airport FAQ says secure concourses close about 30 minutes after the last flight has landed—often around midnight to 1 a.m., depending on the schedule.
Public terminal
Open 24 hours.
Secure concourses
Close after the last flight; do not assume you can remain airside overnight.
Food, lounges and airline desks
Have separate business hours. Check the current dining directory and your airline.
Who handles lost property at SMF?
| Where the item was lost | Who to contact | Current details |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal public area or airport shuttle | SMF Lost & Found | 916-874-0701; Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; 7001 Lindbergh Drive |
| TSA checkpoint | TSA Lost & Found | 916-830-0227; Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m. |
| On aircraft, airline counter or baggage carousel | Operating airline | Use the airline’s baggage/lost-property process |
| Restaurant, shop or concession | Airport inquiry / concession routing | Airport Lost & Found can route the inquiry to the business |
How to interpret SMF flight status without relying on a stale airport page
Airport status
The FAA airport-status page tells you about overall airport flow and delays. It does not replace your airline’s flight record.
Individual flight
Use the operating airline app/site as the final source for departure gate, boarding time, cancellation and rebooking instructions.
Diversion planning
SMF maintains a tarmac-delay contingency plan covering deplanement, facility sharing and a sterile area for international passengers who have not cleared CBP.
Before you leave for Sacramento International Airport
- Confirm the ticket says SMF, not SAC.
- Check the operating airline and Terminal A or B.
- Recheck live flight status and gate.
- Check live parking availability if driving.
- Add shuttle time for Daily/Economy parking.
- Add 25–35 minutes if returning a rental car.
- Use 2.5h domestic / 3h international baseline.
- Check TSA rules for liquids, batteries and unusual items.
- Wait in the Free Waiting Area for passenger pickup.
- Use current Transit Connect/SacRT info, not retired ZipPass instructions.
- Request wheelchair/Sunflower support before travel when helpful.
- Screenshot your airline confirmation in case mobile data is slow.
Sacramento International Airport address, phone and official map
Airport address
Sacramento International Airport
6900 Airport Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95837
United States
Airport Communications / paging: 916-929-5411
Parking assistance: 916-874-0825
Local TSA office: 916-830-0220
Local CBP office: 916-649-3671
Map strategy
Use Google Maps for the road approach and the official SMF interactive maps once you need terminal gates, TSA, food, pet relief, elevators or ground-transport pickup zones.
Frequently asked questions about the SMF airport code
What airport is SMF?
What does SMF airport code mean?
Is SMF the same as SAC airport?
Why do some Sacramento flight searches show SAC?
What is the ICAO code for Sacramento International Airport?
Where is Sacramento International Airport located?
What country is SMF airport in?
What time zone is SMF airport in?
Which airlines use Terminal A at SMF?
Which airlines use Terminal B at SMF?
Can I walk between Terminal A and Terminal B at Sacramento airport?
Does Terminal B have a people mover?
How early should I arrive at SMF?
What time does TSA open at Sacramento airport?
How much is parking at Sacramento airport?
Can I reserve airport parking at SMF?
How long should I allow from economy parking to the terminal?
Where do I wait when picking someone up at SMF?
Is there public transportation from SMF to downtown Sacramento?
Does Sacramento airport have currency exchange?
Does SMF have airport lounges?
Where are the pet relief areas at SMF?
Does SMF have nursing rooms?
What do I do if I lose something at Sacramento airport?
Is Sacramento International Airport really international?
Is there luggage storage at SMF?
Is SMF open 24 hours?
Official sources and update policy
This independent guide prioritizes Sacramento County Department of Airports / FlySMF, FAA, TSA, CBP, SacRT and Yolobus for facts that affect traveler decisions. Competitor pages were reviewed for search-intent gaps, but their wording and unverified terminal claims were not copied.
Time-sensitive items
Airline terminal assignments, parking availability, rates, shuttle intervals, construction routes, restaurant/lounges hours, security operations and transit schedules can change. Open the relevant official link on travel day.
Why no guessed internal links?
A live airport-guides.org post sitemap could not be reliably retrieved during this audit. To avoid broken or invented URLs, no new internal post links were inserted.