Sacramento Layover Guide (SMF)

What are you looking for in SMF?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Sacramento Airport (SMF) is an international airport located in Sacramento County, California. It’s situated about 16 km (10 miles) from downtown Sacramento. The airport officially opened in 1967. Sacramento is the capital city of California and is known for its rich history, especially during the Gold Rush era. The city offers a thriving culinary scene, scenic riverfront views, and a growing tech industry, making it a vibrant place to live and visit.

Can you leave Sacramento Airport (SMF) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes. If you clear U.S. immigration and customs at SMF, you can exit the airport during a layover. You must hold a valid U.S. visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) before entry. Check eligibility and apply through the online portal; application is mandatory. Processing times vary widely. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• California State Railroad Museum Explore meticulously restored locomotives and historic rail cars that showcase America’s golden age of rail travel. Immersive interactive exhibits bring stories of innovation, labor, and westward expansion to vibrant life. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Yolobus 142 bus ~1 hr from SMF)
• Old Sacramento Waterfront Wander cobblestone streets lined with wooden storefronts evoking 19th-century Gold Rush era. Discover unique shops, cozy cafes, historic artifacts, and charming riverfront promenades overlooking the Sacramento River’s gentle, serene flow. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Yolobus 142 bus ~1 hr from SMF)
• California State Capitol Museum Tour the neoclassical Capitol building housing California’s legislative chambers, ornate rotunda, and lush park grounds. Free guided tours reveal political history, art-filled halls, and panoramic city vistas from dome walkway. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Yolobus 142 bus ~1 hr from SMF)
• Crocker Art Museum Marvel at premier collection of Californian art, European masterworks, and globally significant contemporary pieces. Elegant galleries blend historic Victorian mansion and modern expansions showcasing sculpture, painting, and rotating special exhibitions. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Yolobus 142 bus ~1 hr from SMF)
• Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park Step inside this reconstructed 19th-century adobe fort where early settlers traded, socialized, and forged California’s pioneer legacy. Vibrant period-costumed interpreters demonstrate crafts, cooking, and frontier life amid shaded courtyard gardens. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or Yolobus 142 bus ~1 hr from SMF)
• Tower Bridge & Waterfront Promenade Admire the iconic gold-painted vertical lift Tower Bridge spanning the Sacramento River. Stroll the adjacent Waterfront Promenade featuring spectacular scenic river views, public art installations, and convenient benches for relaxation. (Time required: 30 min–1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or light rail Blue Line to Tower Bridge Stn ~40 min)
• Midtown Farm-to-Fork Crawl Indulge in Sacramento’s acclaimed Farm-to-Fork scene by sampling seasonal artisanal dishes sourced from local farms. Trendy eateries, bustling markets, and innovative vibrant chefs celebrate fresh produce with flavorful culinary creations. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or light rail Gold Line to Midtown Vic Park ~45 min)
• American River Bike Trail Escape into nature along this 32-mile paved trail paralleling the American River. Rent a bike to explore shaded canopies, wildlife sightings, and scenic riverbanks perfect for adventure or leisurely ride. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min from SMF)

Things to Do in Sacramento Airport (SMF)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Escape Lounges operate in Terminal A (near Gate 10) and Terminal B (immediately after security), open from 5 – 22:00 daily. Independent of airline or class, entry is available via Priority Pass, American Express Platinum, Delta Reserve or pay-at-door. Complimentary snacks, beverages, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating create a serene pre-flight retreat ambiance. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels cluster within a 10-minute drive of SMF, including Hyatt Place, Hilton Garden Inn, Four Points by Sheraton and Homewood Suites. Most provide free airport shuttle, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness centers and 24-hour front desk. Downtown Sacramento is accessible in 15–20 minutes by car, offering additional lodging choices nearby. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
SMF lacks dedicated sleep or quiet zones; terminals close 30 minutes after the last flight (around midnight). Travelers can rest on bench seating near stairwells, windows in both concourses, where power outlets are available. Remember TSA screening opens at 4 AM, so overnight stays require landside access, relocation before daily reopening.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi (‘FlySacramento’) spans terminals A and B, concourses, rental car center and cell-phone lot without password or time limits. Internet kiosks are available landside and airside. Unsecured connections suggest using VPN for sensitive activities. Speeds accommodate web browsing, email and messaging; HD streaming and large downloads might be slower.

SIM/eSIM Card: SMF lacks on-site mobile carriers; no telecom kiosks or stores exist. For local service, purchase an eSIM online pre-arrival or buy a physical SIM from nearby convenience stores or carrier shops (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) off-airport. Ensure device compatibility and plan ahead, as activation may require ID, password and registration. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Designated taxicab stands on the ground transportation level serve SMF 24/7. Flag drop is $4 with $3 per additional mile; waiting time $25/hour. Round-trip to downtown Sacramento costs about $60. Senior and military passengers receive a 20% discount. Hail taxis curbside, call ahead, or book via mobile taxi app.

Train: SMF currently lacks direct rail service; no light rail reaches the terminals. A future SacRT Green Line extension and Natomas/Sacramento Airport station (scheduled by 2026) aim to connect the airport with downtown via shuttle. Until then, passengers rely on bus links to convenient nearby light rail stations for onward service. (more info)

Bus: SacRT Express Route 142 and Yolobus Routes 42A/42B provide regular service between SMF and downtown Sacramento, Woodland, Davis and Natomas. Buses run daily every 30–60 minutes; single fare $2.50 during peak, $1.25 off-peak. Buses board curbside on the lower level; exact change or Clipper card accepted. (more info)

Shuttle: Free shuttle buses circulate between Terminals A and B’s Daily Lots and the Rental Car Facility every 15–20 minutes. Hotel courtesy shuttles operate 24/7 from terminals; schedules vary by property. SuperShuttle and Lyft/Uber pickups are designated on the lower level. Ground Transportation Center construction is underway to streamline all shuttles.

Car rentals: A consolidated Rental Car Facility north of Terminal B houses Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Dollar and Thrifty. Complimentary shuttles run every 10–15 minutes from arrivals. Rental desks open around 4 AM and close near midnight. Drivers must present valid license, credit card and reservation. Return instructions vary by company. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: SMF offers Short-Term Garages A & B adjacent to terminals ($2 per half-hour, $20/day max), East, West and South Economy Lots ($11/day) with shuttles every 15–30 minutes. West Lot is pre-pay by license plate. Electric vehicle charging stations are in the Free Waiting Area near I-5 access. Credit cards accepted.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

SMF does not provide on-site luggage storage or lockers. For secure baggage holding, use off-airport services such as Bounce or Vertoe in downtown Sacramento. Bell services at nearby hotels may store bags for guests. Pack valuables in carry-on; oversized items might require special arrangements or storage shipping. Additional fees apply. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Sacramento Airport (SMF) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks