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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental car prices from leading providers at Sacramento International Airport (SMF) with Road Genius. From small economy cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up your ride at the on-site SMF rental car center and be on I-5 or I-80 in minutes for easy drives to downtown Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley and beyond.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SMF Rental Car Center | Immediate availability upon arrival; All major companies represented; 24-hour service | Airport fees (approximately 11% tax plus airport charges); Can have lines during government and convention travel periods |
| Sacramento City Locations | Lower rates without airport fees; Good for travelers already in the city | Requires transportation from airport; Limited hours; Smaller selection |
| Nearby Cities (Roseville, Davis) | Potentially lower rates; Less traffic | Need transportation from airport; Restricted hours; Limited selection |
Transport to Rental Car Center: SMF's rental car center is located on-site, a short walk from both Terminal A and Terminal B. Follow signs from the baggage claim areas. No shuttle is required.
On average, car rentals at Sacramento International Airport cost around $69 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $19 per day.
Compare airport vs. city pickups: Downtown Sacramento or Roseville desks skip the 11% airport concession fee. If you're already in town, an $18 rideshare can wipe out that surcharge and still leave cash in your pocket.
Dodge "legislative surge" pricing: Rates jump when the state capitol is buzzing (Jan–Sep, Mon-Thu). Pick up on a Friday or travel during recess weeks for quieter counters and cheaper cars.
Tweak the rental length: In many quotes a 5-7-day "weekly" rate beats 3-4 days. Add or remove a day in the search and watch totals drop.
Choose class over flash: Sacramento's valley roads are flat. A compact or midsize usually costs far less than the SUVs that get snapped up for Tahoe runs; upgrade only if you're heading into the mountains in winter.
| Area | Parking Availability | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Sacramento | Good | Multiple garages; Metered street spaces; Free street spaces on Sundays |
| Old Sacramento | Moderate | Dedicated garages and lots; Fills quickly on weekends and special events |
| Shopping Centers | Abundant | Major malls and shopping areas have large, free lots |
| Lake Tahoe Areas | Limited during peak seasons | Arrive early at popular beaches and ski areas; Some require permits |
Local Driving Rules:
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
Downtown Sacramento – State Capitol, Old Sacramento
Lake Tahoe – beaches, ski resorts
Napa Valley – wineries
Gold Country – mining towns along CA-49
What documents do I need to rent a car at SMF?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. You don't have to show proof of insurance, but if you plan to use your own, bring your insurance card as some companies might ask for it. If you're visiting from another country, you can use your foreign license. We recommend you get an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your license isn't in English, but it's not legally required.
Is it better to rent from SMF or a city location?
Renting at SMF is convenient and gives you a bigger selection of cars, but the airport adds extra fees. You'll pay about 11% in tax plus facility charges. If you're already in Sacramento, you can save money by renting from a location in the city. You should figure out if the airport's convenience is worth the extra cost for your travel plans.
What should I know about driving to Lake Tahoe from SMF?
The drive is about 115 miles (185 km) and takes 2 to 2.5 hours in good weather. In winter, from November to April, you should check the weather and chain rules before you start. Most rental companies don't allow you to put chains on their cars, so think about renting an AWD or 4WD vehicle if you're traveling during those months.
Are there any seasonal driving concerns from SMF?
In summer, it gets very hot (95–105°F), so you should make sure the air conditioning in your rental car works well. Winter often brings thick ground fog ("tule fog") that makes it very hard to see, so you will need to drive slower and use your low-beam headlights. The roads can get slick in the rainy season, especially after a long time without rain.
What's the best vehicle type for exploring from SMF?
If you're driving in the city or exploring the valley, a standard sedan is all you need. For trips to Tahoe or Gold Country, you might want an SUV because it handles better on mountain roads. In winter, we strongly suggest you get an AWD or 4WD vehicle for mountain trips to meet possible chain rules.
How far in advance should I book a rental from SMF?
If you need a standard car during a normal travel time, booking 2–3 weeks ahead is usually enough. For summer travel, holidays or if you need a specific type of car (like a convertible, large SUV or luxury vehicle), you should book 4 or more weeks in advance. We also recommend you reserve AWD/4WD vehicles well ahead of time for winter travel.
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