Sacramento Airport Guide

SMF Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Sacramento International Airport.

What to Expect

Sacramento Airport (code: SMF) has two modern terminals (A and B) with a combined 32 gates and plenty of dining and shopping options on both the air and land sides. Inter-terminal transportation is provided by free shuttle service. WiFi is available, and charging outlets can be found in various locations throughout the airport. There are no private lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Sacramento Airport

After security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas, and security must be re-cleared the next day when the checkpoints open. Reviewers report that the terminals are clean and conducive for sleeping, with comfortable chairs located in various landside spots. There are reportedly armrest-free benches and some comfy couches near the light rail station in Terminal B. Some travellers found sanctuary in a “quiet room” near the security checkpoints in Terminal A, while others found comfortable couches near the escalators. While terminal lighting is dimmed during late-night hours, travellers suggest having earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the continuous public service announcements. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels within a quick shuttle ride of the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Sacramento Airport Guide.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours. TSA security checkpoints are open from approximately 4:00 AM until the last departing flights (generally around 12:30 AM, based on flight schedules). Concourses close 30 minutes after the last flight arrives (usually between midnight and 1:00 AM).

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Sacramento Airport that provide free airport shuttles:

• Four Points by Sheraton Sacramento International Airport  » Check Rates
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Sacramento Airport Natomas  » Check Rates
• Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento-Airport-Natomas   » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels in Sacramento, search for deals and read traveller reviews.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door.

Escape Lounge – Locations: Terminal A, Airside, next to Gate 10  • Terminal B, Airside, turn left just after security. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door.

Drinking Water

A reader tells us, “Terminal A and B have newly updated water fountains. I’ve been using them for 11 years flying out of SMF almost weekly.” (Mororom, December 2025)

Food & Drinks

Food concessions operate on varying schedules, with some opening as early as 4:00 AM and most closing by 11:00 PM. At the time of this update, Illy kiosks are available 24/7. Vending machines are available in both terminals.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets are available at many gate seating areas, including outlets located under some seats. (July 2019)

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “FlySacramento” network. Internet kiosks are also available in the terminals.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

• Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
• Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
• Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information