Sacramento International Airport (SMF) recorded more than one million passengers in July 2022, making it the second-busiest month in SMF history. According to July figures from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), 1,195,870 passengers passed through the airport, nearly matching the 1,230,600 passengers in July 2019, the busiest month in SMF history.
As the holiday travel season approaches, the airport will continue to be busy, and travelers visiting SMF over Labor Day weekend, one of the busiest holiday travel weekends of the year, are encouraged to prepare by arriving early, expecting delays and checking parking availability on our website.
To ensure a smooth experience, all travelers are encouraged to be prepared by staying on top of communications from their airline and practicing patience upon arrival at SMF. Here are some additional tips for travelers departing this weekend:
Arrival time at the airport
One of the best ways to save time before your flight is to plan your arrival in advance: SMF recommends travelers arrive at least 2.5 hours before for domestic flights and at least 3 hours before for international flights.
SMF Parking Lot
Parking at SMF can get a little busy during holiday travel, and the airport is temporarily closing parts of the East Economy Lot due to construction, so be sure to park in a parking lot that the airport will open if necessary and allow yourself plenty of time to catch the shuttle to your terminal.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to consider getting a ride from a friend or family member, taking public transportation, or using a taxi or app-based ride-sharing service.
Use the PassioGo app to track your shuttle bus
Travelers who park in the daily or economy lots can track the shuttle’s status by downloading the PassioGo app on their smartphones.
Public transportation: Sacramento Regional Transportation Authority Route 142 provides express service between the airport and downtown seven days a week. YoloBus also operates daily throughout the region. App-based ride-sharing: Lyft, Uber, and Wingz all operate from SMF and have designated pickup locations at both terminals. Taxis: Taxi service is provided by the Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association. Travelers can make reservations by calling 916-444-0008. Taxis are located outside baggage claim at both terminals.
Current parking rates at SMF
Hourly: Hourly parking near Terminal B is $2 per 30 minutes with a daily maximum of $29. Day Use: Day use parking is conveniently located at both terminals and is $2 per 30 minutes with a daily maximum of $18. Economy East: Economy parking is $10 per day. Shuttles run every 25-30 minutes, but please be aware that it may take 60 minutes from parking to reaching your terminal. There are no sidewalks. Economy West: This economy option, also known as “overflow parking,” is $10 per day. Travelers must enter their license plate number at the pay booth (inside the bus stop) when parking and make an electronic payment. Shuttle service runs every 25-30 minutes. It may take 60 minutes from parking to reaching your terminal. Parking lot cashier booths do not accept cash. If travelers need to pay in cash, they must pay at the self-service kiosks located in parking lots and in some terminal lobbies before getting in their car.
Another insider tip: Check-in kiosks are located throughout the terminal before security, not just near airline counters, so travelers can avoid crowds at the main desk.
Want to get through security faster?
The TSA Pre✓ Enrollment Center at SMF is now open. TSA Pre✓ expedited screening process for travelers reduces waiting time in security lines. Once travelers pre-register on the Pre✓ website, they can complete the entire process at SMF in under five minutes. The enrollment center is located in the baggage claim area in the southeast corner of Level 1 of Terminal B. Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Walk-in customers are accepted and will be accommodated for scheduled appointments. SMF has an expedited lane for CLEAR subscribers that speeds up the identity verification process at security lines. CLEAR uses visual identification to speed you through the line. However, there is an annual fee and you must join before arriving at SMF.
