How to Get to Sacramento. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Airport Connections

Airlines & Routes

SMF connects Sacramento to many domestic and some international destinations.

Airlines & Destinations

Major Airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways all operate flights to and from SMF.
International Routes: SMF offers occasional seasonal flights to Mexico and Canada.
Connecting Hubs: Most international travelers connect through major U.S. Hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX), Dallas (DFW), and Chicago (ORD).

Flight Availability & Pricing

Flight prices to Sacramento vary throughout the year. They generally peak during summer and around major holidays.

Seasonal Trends

Peak Prices: Generally higher during summer (June-August) when demand for leisure travel increases. Prices also rise around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
Better Deals: Shoulder seasons (Spring and Fall) often present better fares. Booking in advance for any season usually secures better rates.
Lowest Fares: Low season (Winter, excluding holidays) typically sees the lowest flight prices.

Airport Terminals

SMF features two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B. A walkway connects them, making transfers straightforward.

Airport Amenities

You will find free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. Dining options are diverse, including full-service restaurants, cafes, and fast food.

Passenger Lounges

Various airline lounges operate within SMF. A Capital One lounge offers another option for travelers seeking a quieter space.

Airport to City Transfer

Public Transit & Rideshare

Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) Bus (Route 142) connects SMF directly to the downtown Sacramento light rail station.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are readily available from designated pick-up zones outside both terminals.
Taxis: Taxi stands are located outside the baggage claim areas. Fares to downtown are metered.
Cost-Effective: The SacRT bus is an affordable option. The fare is $2.50.

Car Rentals & Shuttles

Rental Cars: All major rental car companies have counters at the airport. Shuttles transport to their off-site lots.
Flexibility: Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring the region and surrounding attractions.
Airport Shuttles: Various private shuttle services offer door-to-door transportation to hotels.
Advance Booking: Private shuttle services often need advance booking for guaranteed service.

Efficient Transfers

SacRT Bus Route 142

Operates daily, roughly every 20-30 minutes. It is an affordable public option to downtown light rail.

Rideshare Apps

Uber and Lyft are widely available from designated pick-up zones, often more convenient than taxis.

Rental Car Shuttles

Shuttles transport to off-site lots. Allow extra time for the process when departing.

Land Journeys

Train Travel Amtrak

Amtrak provides significant train service to Sacramento, making it a rail hub in Northern California.

Amtrak Services

Sacramento Valley Station: Located at 401 I Street, this station is a major Amtrak hub.
Long-Distance: The California Zephyr (Chicago to Emeryville) and Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles) serve Sacramento.
Local/Regional: San Joaquins (Central Valley to Bay Area) and Capitol Corridor (Sacramento to Bay Area) provide frequent service.

Long-Distance Buses

Several long-distance bus companies serve Sacramento, offering affordable travel to other cities.

Bus Operators

Greyhound: Operates from the Sacramento Greyhound Bus Station (705 L Street), offering connections across California and the broader U.S.
FlixBus: Provides intercity bus travel with competitive prices. FlixBus picks up from a stop near Sacramento Valley Station.
Megabus: Another intercity bus option, offering budget-friendly travel to major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Reno.

Driving Considerations

Driving yourself offers flexibility for exploring Sacramento and the surrounding regions.

Requirements

Road Network: Sacramento connects well to major interstate highways, including I-5 (north-south), I-80 (east-west), and US-50 (east to Lake Tahoe).
Driver's License: A valid driver's license from your home country is generally accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-English licenses.
Age: Most rental car companies require drivers to be 21 or older. A surcharge often applies for drivers under 25. Rental car insurance is important.

Navigation & Traffic

A GPS device or a smartphone navigation app is highly recommended for navigating city streets and freeways.

Driving Smart

Navigation: Use Google Maps, Waze, or a dedicated device like a Garmin DriveSmart 66 GPS Navigator for reliable navigation.
Traffic: Sacramento traffic can be congested during peak commute hours (typically 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) on major freeways.
Drive Safely: Drive defensively. Pay attention to speed limits, which are strictly enforced.

Road Safety Notes

Road Conditions: Roads in and around Sacramento are generally good, though some city streets can have potholes.
Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
U-Turns: Often permitted at intersections unless signs specifically prohibit them.

Right on Red: Allowed after a full stop unless a sign prohibits it.
Vehicle Safety: Lock your car doors when driving. Avoid leaving valuables visible in parked cars.
Pedestrian Priority: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks.

River & Departure

River Transportation

The Sacramento River is navigable and offers recreational opportunities, but not intercity passenger transport.

River Activities

Recreational River Cruises: Occasional cruises (e.g., Hornblower Cruises) and private boat tours operate from Old Sacramento Waterfront.
Scenic Tours: These offer scenic views of the city skyline and the river.
No Public Transport: The river is used for leisure and commerce (shipping barges), not passenger transport between cities.

Sea Ports

Sacramento is an inland city. It does not have ocean cruise ports or public ferry services for intercity transportation.

No Maritime Passenger Entry

No Ocean Access: Large ocean-going vessels cannot reach Sacramento due to locks and river depth.
Inland City: Sacramento is not a port for traditional sea travel or international passenger arrivals.
Connections: No specific land transport connections for non-existent sea/river passenger arrivals.

Domestic Departures

Plan to arrive at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) 1.5-2 hours before your scheduled domestic flight departure.

International Departures

If your flight is a rare direct international departure from SMF, arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure for additional checks.

Ground Departures

For train or bus departures from Sacramento Valley Station, arrive 30-45 minutes before departure time for boarding.

Departure Logistics

SMF offers dining, retail, and free Wi-Fi for departing travelers. Airline lounges provide comfortable spaces for eligible travelers.

Check your airline's baggage allowances. For rental car returns, allow extra time for the process, including the shuttle ride back to the terminal.

How to Get to Sacramento