SMFSacramento·Sacramento International·Sacramento, United States
Recommended minimum50 minutes
Concourses
2
Terminal A, Terminal B
Max Transit
15m
via walking
Avg. Security
15m
~8m with PreCheck
Primary Hub
Domestic → Domestic
40min
Domestic → International
60min
International → Domestic
75min
International → International
75min
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Terminal A and Terminal B are connected airside by an automated people-mover tram that takes about 3-5 minutes, with walking to and from tram stations adding to the total. International arrivals (limited to a handful of Mexico flights) go through Customs and Border Protection in Terminal B before any connection, but there is no separate security re-screening for domestic-to-domestic transfers since both terminals sit inside one security perimeter.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
No hub carrier, mostly origin-destination traffic
Compact two-terminal layout with airside tram link
Low congestion, fast security
Limited international service simplifies most connections
How long do I need for a layover at Sacramento International (SMF)?

We recommend at least 50 minutes for a comfortable connection at Sacramento International. The minimum connection time is 40 minutes for domestic flights and 75 minutes for international flights. Transit between terminals takes up to 15 minutes.

What is the minimum connection time at SMF?

Domestic-to-Domestic: 40 min. Domestic-to-International: 60 min. International-to-Domestic: 75 min. International-to-International: 75 min. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell at Sacramento International.

Is SMF easy to connect through?

Sacramento International is a small, straightforward origin-and-destination airport with very little true connecting traffic, since no airline operates a hub here. Connections are generally easy thanks to a compact two-terminal layout linked by an automated tram, though infrequent flight schedules can make misconnections costly in time. Terminal A and Terminal B are connected airside by an automated people-mover tram that takes about 3-5 minutes, with walking to and from tram stations adding to the total. International arrivals (limited to a handful of Mexico flights) go through Customs and Border Protection in Terminal B before any connection, but there is no separate security re-screening for domestic-to-domestic transfers since both terminals sit inside one security perimeter.

Is 30 minutes enough for a layover at SMF?

Still under minimum connecting time even for a simple same-terminal domestic transfer. See full 30 min guide →

Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at SMF?

A bit of buffer over the standard MCT makes this feasible for most domestic-domestic connections. See full 45 min guide →

Is 1 hour enough for a layover at SMF?

Ample time even allowing for minor delays or a longer walk to a far gate. See full 1 hr guide →

Is 1 hour 15 min enough for a layover at SMF?

Comfortably covers domestic connections and most connections involving the limited international flights. See full 1¼ hr guide →

Is 1½ hours enough for a layover at SMF?

Generous buffer, more than enough even with a Customs clearance for an international arrival. See full 1½ hr guide →

Is 2 hours enough for a layover at SMF?

Very comfortable, though at a quiet airport like SMF this leaves significant idle time. See full 2 hr guide →

Is 2½ hours enough for a layover at SMF?

More time than needed given SMF's small size and light traffic. See full 2½ hr guide →

Is 3 hours enough for a layover at SMF?

Excess buffer for this airport, consider grabbing food or exploring nearby if flights allow. See full 3 hr guide →

Is 4 hours enough for a layover at SMF?

Far more time than necessary at a compact airport with quick terminal transfers. See full 4 hr guide →

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER