Sacramento International Airport guide
Sacramento International Airport Terminals and Arrivals
Sacramento International Airport has two passenger terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, so check your booking confirmation for the terminal your flight uses before you travel. Both terminals have arrivals areas with clear signs to baggage reclaim and ground transportation. Knowing your terminal in advance helps you find the right pick-up point quickly after landing.
After collecting your bags, follow the ground transportation signs. These lead to the taxi queue, the rideshare pick-up area and the public transport stop, all located outside the terminal building at the arrivals kerb. If you have a pre-arranged driver, check the arrivals instructions in your booking so you know where to meet them.
How to Get from Sacramento International Airport to Sacramento
The most common ways to travel from Sacramento International Airport to Sacramento are a taxi, a rideshare vehicle, light rail or a private transfer. Each option suits a different budget, amount of luggage and schedule. The right choice usually depends on how many people are travelling and how flexible your timings are.
Taxi from Sacramento International Airport
Licensed taxis wait in a marked queue at the arrivals kerb. Ask the driver for the fare or agree on a price before you set off, and confirm the destination address clearly. Taxis are a practical option when you land and want to leave straight away.
Rideshare and light rail
- Rideshare: apps operate from a designated pick-up area at the airport. Follow the signs and confirm your vehicle and driver before getting in.
- Light rail: Sacramento Regional Transit light rail serves the airport. It is a low-cost option for travellers with light luggage who are heading towards the city centre, though the route and stop may not suit every destination.
Check current schedules and routes with Sacramento Regional Transit before you travel, as services can change.
Sacramento International Airport Private Transfer and Taxi
A pre-booked Sacramento International Airport transfer lets you agree the journey before you land, rather than negotiating at the kerb. Vonaride arranges private transfers from SMF to Sacramento, and the fare is agreed at booking, so there are no surprises for traffic on the way. The driver follows your flight, so if it arrives early or late, the pick-up time can be adjusted to match.
Drivers who speak English meet you in the arrivals area holding a name sign, which makes the handover simple after a long flight. Free waiting time is included, and its length depends on the airport and provider and is shown before you book. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before pick-up, and 24/7 customer support is available if your plans change.
Arriving in Sacramento: What to Know
Sacramento is the capital of California, and the State Capitol sits in the downtown core. Old Sacramento, on the river, is a historic district with shops and restaurants. Midtown offers a lively mix of dining and nightlife, and the city has hot, dry summers, so carry water and plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
Most visitors find the city easy to explore on foot in its central districts. Sacramento is spread out beyond downtown, so a car, taxi or rideshare is useful for longer journeys. Check the weather before you travel and dress for warm days.
Facilities and Services at Sacramento International Airport
Sacramento International Airport offers shops, cafés and restaurants in both terminals, so you can eat or buy essentials before leaving. Rental car companies also operate from the airport, and it is worth checking their current locations before you arrive. Staff can help with accessibility requests, and the airport's website lists current services for each terminal.
Restrooms, seating and charging points are available throughout the terminals. If you need help with luggage or a mobility request, speak to airport staff or your airline before you reach the arrivals area.
To check prices or request a quote for your Sacramento transfer from Sacramento International Airport, use the Vonaride booking form for SMF. Enter your flight details, pick-up time and destination, and you will see the fixed fare before you confirm.
Updated November 2, 2026
