Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the primary commercial airport serving the greater Sacramento metropolitan area and California's Central Valley. Located approximately 10 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento, SMF provides nonstop domestic and international service for California's state capital and the surrounding Sacramento region — home to California's state government, a growing technology sector, agricultural industry headquarters, and the University of California Davis.
Sacramento International Airport operates two terminals — Terminal A and Terminal B — arranged around a central roadway with separate check-in, security, and baggage claim facilities in each building. The two terminals are not airside-connected and require ground-level movement for inter-terminal transfers.
SMF serves approximately 12 million passengers annually and provides nonstop service to domestic destinations across the western United States and a growing list of markets nationwide. Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines are the largest carriers at SMF, reflecting the airport's West Coast positioning. International service at SMF is limited but has grown in recent years.
Sacramento's growth as a housing market for Bay Area workers who commute to San Francisco, as a state government center, and as an emerging technology hub has driven consistent passenger growth at SMF. The airport serves a distinct market from the San Francisco Bay Area's three airports (SFO, OAK, SJC) and provides convenient access for Sacramento Valley residents who prefer not to make the 90-minute drive to the Bay.
Sacramento Metropolitan Airport, as it was originally known, opened in 1967 to replace Sacramento's older McClellan Field. The airport was renamed Sacramento International Airport and has expanded through successive terminal and concourse projects to handle the region's growth. Terminal B, the newer facility, opened in 2011 as a modern, LEED-certified building that significantly improved the passenger experience at SMF.
The airport is managed by the County of Sacramento and serves the four-county Sacramento region. Its growth has tracked California's population expansion and Sacramento's evolution from a state government town into a more diversified economy.
SMF has two terminals. Terminal A is the older facility, handling Southwest Airlines and several other carriers across its gates. Terminal B is the newer, LEED Gold-certified building opened in 2011, featuring a more modern design, improved amenities, and a distinctive green roof that is visible on approach. Terminal B handles Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and additional carriers.
The terminals are not airside-connected. A ground-level shuttle operates between them. Each terminal has its own check-in, security checkpoints, and baggage claim.
Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier at SMF by seat count, operating high-frequency domestic service from Terminal A. Alaska Airlines is the second-largest carrier and provides strong West Coast connectivity and select domestic routes. Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines offer connections to their respective hub networks. Frontier Airlines and other low-cost carriers also serve SMF.
International service at SMF includes seasonal routes to Mexico and limited other international destinations. The airport provides nonstop service to approximately 35–40 destinations, reflecting its mid-size regional positioning.
Terminal B at SMF is generally regarded as the more pleasant of the two terminals, featuring an open design, natural light, locally inspired dining concepts, and a comfortable gate environment. Terminal A has seen improvements in recent years. Both terminals offer free Wi-Fi. The airport features a public art program with California-themed installations.
Dining options include local Sacramento-area food concepts alongside national chains. Nursing rooms, interfaith prayer spaces, and pet relief areas are accessible across both terminals.
SMF does not have a direct light rail connection to downtown Sacramento, though a Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) bus route connects the airport to the regional transit network. Rideshare services are the most popular ground transportation option for most travelers. Taxis serve the ground level of each terminal. Rental car companies operate from an on-campus Rental Car Center accessible via shuttle.
The airport is accessible via I-5 and Airport Boulevard. A future Capitol Corridor rail extension or Sacramento light rail connection to SMF has been discussed in regional transportation planning but has not yet been funded for construction.
SMF provides parking in garages adjacent to each terminal and in economy surface lots with shuttle service. Rates are competitive with other California regional airports. Economy lots offer lower rates with shuttle connections. Advance reservations are recommended during summer peak travel and major Sacramento events including the state fair and political conventions.
SMF's two-terminal layout requires knowing which terminal your airline uses before arriving. Southwest is in Terminal A; Alaska, Delta, American, and United are in Terminal B. If you arrive at the wrong terminal, a ground shuttle connects them, but this adds time. Allow 90 minutes before domestic departure for a comfortable experience.
SMF is a convenient alternative to Bay Area airports for Sacramento residents willing to forgo the broader route network. Southwest's frequent service to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and other high-demand California destinations provides strong options for shorter trips. For long-haul or international travel, the Bay Area airports may offer more direct options.
Sacramento International Airport is the aviation gateway for California's state capital and the broader Sacramento Valley. The airport serves the state government workforce, agricultural industry leaders (the Central Valley produces a significant share of the world's food supply), University of California Davis-related travel, and the growing technology and healthcare sectors that have diversified Sacramento's economy over the past decade.
SMF supports thousands of jobs in the Sacramento region and generates billions in annual economic output. Its role is particularly important for enabling state government officials, legislators, and lobbyists to maintain the travel connections required by California's political economy.
SMF is pursuing capital improvements to Terminal A modernization and expanded gate capacity at both terminals. The airport authority is studying long-term master plan options for accommodating continued regional growth. A potential light rail connection to the Sacramento regional transit network would significantly improve SMF's transit access and is a subject of ongoing regional transportation planning discussions.
SMF is a medium hub airport and a key regional gateway in Northern California, serving the Sacramento metropolitan area and the Central Valley with strong domestic connectivity.
There are no Airports within approximately 60 miles of Sacramento International Airport that may provide additional scheduled commercial or regional access.
Sacramento International Airport is a well-run regional gateway that serves California's capital city and Central Valley with efficient, convenient domestic service. Its two-terminal design, strong Southwest and Alaska Airlines presence, and proximity to Sacramento's state government and growing private sector make it the practical choice for the millions of Sacramento-area travelers who prefer a less crowded airport experience than the Bay Area alternatives.
Southwest Airlines operates from Terminal A. Alaska, Delta, American, United, and most other carriers operate from Terminal B. Check your boarding pass or the airline's website for your specific terminal before arriving.
No direct light rail connection currently exists. SacRT bus service connects SMF to the regional transit network. Rideshare is the most practical option for most travelers.
Southwest is the largest carrier. Alaska, Delta, American, United, and Frontier also serve SMF. International service includes seasonal Mexican destinations.
Yes, for most trips. SMF's shorter lines, proximity to Sacramento, and competitive Southwest and Alaska fares make it more convenient for Sacramento Valley residents. Bay Area airports (SFO, OAK, SJC) offer more destinations and more international service for travelers willing to make the 90-minute drive.
For the most current flight schedules, parking availability, terminal maps, and ground transportation updates, visit the official Sacramento International Airport website.
Sacramento International Airport Official Site