SMF Airport Parking: Live Availability, Rates & Which Lot to Pick
Live lot status from Sacramento International Airport's own parking system, updated every 15 minutes, plus every lot's price and how you get to the terminal.
Is SMF parking full right now?
4 of 5 lots open · updated
-
Garage 1$21/day 78 left
-
Daily Lot$14/day 85 left
-
South Economy Lot$12/day 1,401 left
-
East Economy Lot$12/day 593 left
-
West Economy Lot$12/day Closed
From SMF's own parking system, refreshed every 15 minutes. Availability changes quickly; check signs on arrival.
Which SMF lot should I pick?
How much does parking cost at SMF?
Drive-up daily maximum at each official lot.
| Lot | Per day | To the terminal |
|---|---|---|
| South Economy Lot | $12 | Shuttle every 30 min |
| East Economy Lot | $12 | Shuttle every 30 min |
| West Economy Lot | $12 | Shuttle every 30 min |
| Daily Lot | $14 | Shuttle every 20 min |
| Garage 1 covered | $21 | Walk |
Checked Sep 29, 2026 · flysmf.gov. Rates change; the airport's site is authoritative.
Do I need to reserve parking at SMF?
No. SMF doesn't take parking reservations: every lot is first come, first served. Check live status above before you leave.
Cheaper parking near SMF
- On Air Parking (unnamed partner lot, location shared after booking) 5 mi from $9/day
- Wyndham Garden Sacramento (hotel parking) 5.8 mi from $6/day
- Aloft Sacramento Natomas (hotel parking) 5.2 mi from $6/day
- Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Airport Natomas (park-sleep-fly) 7.5 mi price on their site
Private operators, not affiliated with SMF. "From" prices as listed when checked Sep 29, 2026; not live.
SMF parking tips
Picking someone up?
Called the Free Waiting Area. Near the I-5 entrance/exit with access to both terminals. 3-hour limit; vehicles must be attended. Portable restrooms. SMUD fee-based DC fast charger and Level 2 chargers on site.
Good to know
- All SMF parking is first-come, first-served; reservations are not available (flysmf.gov/to-and-from/parking)
- Every lot charges $2 per 30 minutes until the daily max: Garage 1 $21, Daily Lot $14, Economy lots $12 per 24 hours (flysmf.gov/to-and-from/parking)
- Cash is not accepted at exit booths; cash payers must use pay-on-foot kiosks in Garage 1 or outside Door 1 at Terminal B. Visa, AMEX, MasterCard and Discover accepted (flysmf.gov/to-and-from/parking)
- Take a ticket on entry to any paid lot and pay on exit (flysmf.gov/to-and-from/parking)
- If a lot fills and closes you must pick another lot and pay its posted rate; lots may close when availability shows about 250 spaces. When Economy fills, drivers are directed to the Daily Lot (flysmf.gov/to-and-from/parking)
When should I leave for SMF?
Parking adds time: a shuttle lot can add 15–30 minutes before you reach security. Enter your flight and we'll time your departure with live traffic and today's TSA waits.
SMF parking FAQ
How much does parking cost at SMF per day?
From $12 per day at South Economy Lot to $21 at Garage 1, as drive-up daily maximums (checked Sep 29, 2026).
What is the cheapest parking at SMF?
On airport, South Economy Lot at $12 per day (shuttle every 30 min to the terminal). Off airport, Wyndham Garden Sacramento (hotel parking) lists rates from $6 per day.
Is 3 days considered long-term parking at SMF?
There's no official cutoff, but price makes the call: for 3 days Garage 1 costs about $63 and South Economy Lot about $36. The longer the trip, the more the cheaper lot saves.
Can I park at SMF without a reservation?
Yes. SMF doesn't take reservations; all parking is first come, first served.
How do I get from South Economy Lot to the terminal?
Shuttle every 30 min.
Is SMF parking full right now?
4 of 5 lots open, per SMF's own parking system. This page updates every 15 minutes.
Is there a cell phone lot at SMF?
Called the Free Waiting Area. Near the I-5 entrance/exit with access to both terminals. 3-hour limit; vehicles must be attended. Portable restrooms. SMUD fee-based DC fast charger and Level 2 chargers on site.