Key Highlights
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Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the main international airport in Sacramento County. It is your top spot for passenger travel in California’s capital city.
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The County of Sacramento runs four airports. Each one has a different role, like handling passenger flights or general aviation flights.
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If you fly from Sacramento International, you will find award-winning amenities, especially in the modern Terminal B.
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There is more than just SMF. Sacramento Executive Airport gives the California capital its top general aviation airport, and the old McClellan Air Force Base is part of the area.
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It is easy to get to and from the airport. You have simple access to Downtown Sacramento.
Introduction
Welcome to Sacramento! No matter if you are in the city for business or fun, your journey begins with the local airport system. The Sacramento County Department of Airports handles the aviation needs of this lively part of California. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the main airport here. This guide will help you learn about all you need for your trip. You will find information about terminals, airlines, transportation, and amenities. This will make sure you have a good and smooth travel experience at the Sacramento International Airport and throughout Sacramento County.
Overview of Sacramento’s Major Airports
The Sacramento County Department of Airports runs four different airports. Each one has its own job in the area, that helps make travel smooth. The biggest airport for people flying is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). If you need to fly in or out of Sacramento, California, this is the main international airport you will go through.
The other airports are there to help Sacramento International Airport by doing things it does not. Mather Airport is set up for cargo. Executive Airport and Franklin Field are there for the general aviation group. By having each of these airports in sacramento work with different parts of aviation, the Sacramento County Department of Airports makes sure travelers get the service they need. Here is how each airport in the system stands out.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF): Key Facts and Features
Sacramento International Airport is the main gateway for people coming to California’s capital. This international airport has a modern building and puts customers first. The official airport code is SMF. You will need this code when booking your flights. It is owned and managed by the County of Sacramento. SMF is built to make every trip easier for you.
The airport has a new air traffic control tower and simple runway systems. There are two main terminals. Terminal B is the newest one, and it has won many awards for how it looks and for its stores and food. It gives travelers great amenities. Sacramento International Airport wants to make you feel at home as soon as you walk in.
This airport works hard to give good customer service and tries to get better all the time. SMF wants to be a place that people love when going through Sacramento. Its main goal in aviation is to help passengers fly out and in, making it the top airport for commercial travel in the Sacramento area.
Other Airports in the Sacramento Region: Executive, McClellan, and Mather
Besides SMF, there are more airports in the Sacramento area made for different needs in aviation. Sacramento Executive Airport is known as the California capital’s premier general aviation airport. It does not serve big airlines but helps private and work aircraft instead. Mather Airport is also important. It is mainly used for air cargo.
You might hear about Sacramento McClellan Airport too. This airport sits on the former site of McClellan Air Force Base. Now, this general aviation airport has a contract control tower. It is part of the McClellan Business Park. It helps private pilots and companies and does not have commercial flights for passengers.
If you go near McClellan, you can check out the Aerospace Museum of California. The museum is a good place to learn about aviation history. These smaller airports are very useful for the Sacramento area. They help with business trips, pilot training, cargo movement and more.
Airlines, Destinations, and Terminals at SMF
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) lets you travel to many places in the country and to a few spots outside the country too. There are many big airlines flying from here, like United. You will find lots of flight choices at this international airport, and it has two main buildings, Terminal A and Terminal B.
Sacramento International Airport is set up with Terminal A and Terminal B. Each one has its own airlines and services. The airport works to give you what you need so your trip goes well. If you know how the layout of smf is and which airlines use which terminal, it will be easier to plan your trip in sacramento.
With this, you will see details about the airlines found at sacramento international and how the main terminals look. This can help you get around the airport and know what to expect from your gateway in sacramento.
Airlines Operating at Sacramento International Airport
When you fly in or out of Sacramento International Airport, you have a lot of airlines to pick from. This international airport in Sacramento, CA, is home to many big airlines. You can use it to get to lots of places in the US and to other countries. The airport code is SMF, and you might see this code used by the FAA too. The FAA LID is also SMF.
No matter if you plan your trip in April or another time, these airlines can help you get to where you want to go. Sacramento International Airport keeps adding new routes. This way, people have more options to pick from.
Some airlines you will find at SMF are:
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Advanced Air
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Aeromexico
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Alaska
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American
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Delta
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Hawaiian
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Southwest
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United
Terminal Layout and Popular Destinations
Navigating Sacramento International Airport is straightforward, thanks to its well-organized layout. The airport features two main buildings, Terminal A and Terminal B, which are connected by a convenient shuttle. Each terminal offers its own set of airlines, amenities, and food and beverage options. Located just a few miles from Downtown Sacramento, the airport provides easy access to the heart of California’s capital.
Terminal B is the newer of the two and has gained recognition for its modern design and excellent concessions program. Both terminals are designed to provide a comfortable and efficient experience for travelers. You can easily find shops, restaurants, and other services to use while you wait for your flight.
From SAC, you can fly to numerous tourist destinations. The airport serves as a key hub for Northern California, connecting the region to major cities across the U.S. and beyond.
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Terminal |
Key Feature |
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Terminal A |
Houses multiple airlines and a variety of concessions. |
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Terminal B |
Award-winning for concessions and modern design. |
Amenities, Transportation, and Parking Options
Your time at Sacramento International Airport is better because of many handy features and services that help make you feel at home. You will find dining spots and places to shop. You also get free Wi-Fi. The airport wants to make sure you have all you need before you fly. The focus here is to keep you, the customer, in mind at all times.
When you arrive in Sacramento, CA, or if you need to reach the airport, you will see many ways to get around and places to park. You can pick a shuttle, a ride-sharing option, or you can drive your own car. It is simple to get to and from Sacramento International Airport. Now, let’s look at the main amenities and ways to travel that are on offer.
Traveler Amenities and Services at Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) has a lot of things to help make your travel easy and simple. You can find many restaurants, cafes, and shops in both terminals. There are quick snacks, full meals, and last-minute souvenirs from California.
The airport gives you free Wi-Fi, so you can keep in touch with your work or your family. If you travel with children, you will see play areas for them to have some fun. Terminal B is known for its great services and comfortable spots to sit and rest. This shows how much the airport cares about giving every guest a good experience.
You can also use charging stations for all your electronic devices. There are pet relief areas and information desks if you have questions. All these amenities show that Sacramento International Airport wants to be loved and make your time at SMF nice from start to finish.
Ground Transportation and Parking Choices for Passengers
Getting to and from Sacramento International Airport (SAC) is easy. There are different ways to travel on the ground, so you can choose what works best for you. The airport is just 10 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento. This makes for a short drive whether you use your car, a shuttle, or a ride-sharing service. The County of Sacramento helps people get good and steady connections between the airport and the city.
If you want to drive your own car, there are many parking spots you can use. You can pick based on what you need and how much you want to spend. Sacramento International Airport has parking for short visits and long stays. You can find hourly parking near the airport terminals for short drop-offs. There are economy lots if you plan to leave your car for a long time. All of the parking places are well-lit and safe. It is simple and quick to walk from each lot to the airport terminals.
Here are some of the ground transportation and parking options:
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On-site rental cars
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Public bus service (Yolobus)
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Taxis and app-based ride services (Uber/Lyft)
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Hourly and Daily parking lots
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Economy parking lot
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Free waiting area (cell phone lot)
Conclusion
To sum up, getting around the airports in Sacramento can be easy if you have the right information. It does not matter if you are leaving from Sacramento International Airport or you want to check out the other airports like Executive, McClellan, and Mather. If you learn about the main things, what amenities there are, and how to get around, you can make your travel better. You should know the way around the terminals and look at the parking choices. If you do this, you will save time and have a better trip. The best way for a stress-free trip is to plan early. If you need help with your next trip, you can talk to our travel experts and set up a free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive for departures at Sacramento International Airport?
For flights within the US at Sacramento International Airport (SMF), you should get to the airport at least 90 minutes to two hours before your plane takes off. If you are flying out of the country, plan to be at the airport three hours before your departure time. It’s a good idea to check with your airline. They may have other or new recommendations for you.
What are the parking options at Sacramento International Airport?
Sacramento International Airport has many parking choices for everyone. You can park in the hourly lot if you only need to stay a short time. There is a daily lot if you plan to leave your car for a longer trip. The economy lot is the best choice if you want the lowest price. People waiting to pick someone up can also use the free cell phone lot. These options make it easy for you to find what you need at Sacramento International.
Is Sacramento McClellan Airport open to public and commercial flights?
No, Sacramento McClellan Airport does not offer public commercial flights. The airport is a general aviation airport. It mostly serves private planes, company jets, and work for government agencies. You will find it at McClellan Business Park, which used to be McClellan Air Force Base. The airport does not have flights with airlines like Southwest or United. This is one of the known general aviation airports the Sacramento area has, with a history tied to both aviation and the Air Force Base.