Sleeping in Sacramento Airport

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) offers several options for travelers needing to rest during layovers or overnight stays. This guide provides expert suggestions based on traveler reviews for both daytime and overnight sleep locations at SMF based on reviews on sites such as sleepinginairports.net

Daytime Sleep Locations at SMF

Terminal B: Full Couches

Description: Throughout Terminal B, there are full couches without armrests that provide ample space to lie down comfortably.
Pros: Comfortable seating, good Wi-Fi connectivity, and conveniently located restrooms.
Cons: Can be in high demand during peak travel times.

Terminal B: Leather Sofas (Landside, Southwest Airlines Arrival)

Description: Located landside in the Southwest Airlines Arrival area, these leather sofas offer a comfortable place to rest.
Pros: Comfortable and spacious, available even during the day.
Cons: Limited seating availability during busy periods.

Terminal A: Quiet Room

Description: Situated just outside the security checkpoint, this room provides a quieter environment for rest.
Pros: Quieter area despite limited seating options.
Cons: Chairs with armrests are not ideal for lying down, and occasional disturbances from foot traffic and announcements.

Overnight Sleep Locations

Terminal B: Double Seats Near Restrooms

Description: Double seats near restrooms in Terminal B provide a place to stretch out and rest.
Pros: Close to restrooms and power outlets, frequented by other overnight travelers, ensuring a sense of security.
Cons: Lack of flat surfaces for lying down and potential noise from nearby restrooms.

Terminal B: Level 3 Divans

Description: Less crowded and quieter, Level 3 of Terminal B offers divans for rest.
Pros: Quiet environment, relatively comfortable for lying down.
Cons: Fewer security patrols, which might be a concern for some travelers.

Terminal A: Couches at the Bottom of Escalators

Description: At the bottom of the escalators in Terminal A, there are comfortable couches.
Pros: Patrolled by security, providing a safe environment for rest. Nearby restrooms, water fountains, and vending machines.
Cons: Frequent announcements about unattended luggage can be disruptive.

General Tips for Sleeping at SMF

Noise Levels: Areas near loudspeakers, especially in Terminal A, can be noisy due to loud music and frequent announcements. Consider using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.
Bright Lighting: Some seating areas maintain bright lighting throughout the night. Bringing an eye mask can help block out the light and improve sleep quality.
Temperature Control: Landside areas, particularly near entrance doors, can experience temperature fluctuations. Carrying a sweater or travel blanket can help maintain comfort.
Food and Beverage: Most food concessions close by 11 PM. Plan ahead by purchasing snacks and beverages before late-night hours.
Security: Choose locations that are patrolled by security or have other travelers around to enhance safety.

By following these recommendations and choosing appropriate locations, travelers can ensure a more comfortable and restful experience at Sacramento International Airport.

Can you sleep in SMF Airport Overnight?

Yes, you can sleep overnight at Sacramento International Airport (SMF). The airport is open 24 hours, allowing travelers to stay overnight. While the TSA security checkpoints close from 12:30 AM to 4:00 AM, limiting access to airside areas, landside areas in Terminal B offer comfortable options such as full couches, leather sofas, and double seats near restrooms.

These areas are equipped with power outlets and good Wi-Fi connectivity. Although occasional cleaning activities and announcements may cause minor disturbances, the environment is generally safe and conducive to rest. Planning ahead for food and warm clothing can further enhance the overnight experience at SMF.

Sleeping Facilities at Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

1. Full Couches (Terminal B)

Location: Throughout Terminal B
Description: Comfortable couches without armrests, ideal for lying down.
Suitability: Best for overnight stays due to comfort and available space; however, these can be in high demand.

2. Leather Sofas (Landside, Southwest Airlines Arrival)

Location: Landside in the Southwest Airlines Arrival area
Description: Spacious and comfortable leather sofas suitable for resting.
Suitability: Great for daytime naps and available even during busy periods.

3. Double Seats Near Restrooms (Terminal B)

Location: Near restrooms in Terminal B
Description: Double seats provide enough space to stretch out and rest.
Suitability: Suitable for both day and night as it is close to restrooms and power outlets, frequented by other travelers.

4. Quiet Room (Terminal A)

Location: Just outside the security checkpoint in Terminal A
Description: A quieter environment with chairs equipped with armrests.
Suitability: Ideal for short naps, though less comfortable for lying down. Good for travelers needing a quieter space.

5. Divans (Level 3, Terminal B)

Location: Level 3 of Terminal B
Description: Less crowded divans providing a relatively quiet and comfortable area for resting.
Suitability: Suitable for overnight stays due to the quiet environment; however, fewer security patrols may be a concern for some.

6. Couches at the Bottom of Escalators (Terminal A)

Location: At the bottom of the escalators in Terminal A
Description: Comfortable couches, patrolled by security.
Suitability: Excellent for overnight rest due to security presence and nearby amenities such as restrooms, water fountains, and vending machines.

7. Double Seats with Power Outlets (Light Rail Area, Terminal B)

Location: Before the light rail area in Terminal B
Description: Benches with power outlets for charging devices and staying connected.
Suitability: Great for short rest periods while charging devices and using Wi-Fi.

8. Arm-Free Chairs (Various Locations)

Location: Various locations throughout the airport
Description: Chairs without armrests, providing more space to lie down.
Suitability: Suitable for short naps and resting during the day, though not ideal for long-term comfort.

By choosing the appropriate location based on these facilities, travelers can enhance their rest experience at SMF.

Summary of Sleep Reviews at Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) provides several options for travelers needing to rest, though experiences can vary widely. Based on various traveler reviews, here are the key insights:

Positive Experiences

Comfortable Seating in Terminal B
- Review Highlights: Full couches and leather sofas in Terminal B receive positive feedback for their comfort. One traveler noted, “Clean, full couches with no armrests, peaceful, heated and air-conditioned” while another appreciated the “comfy leather sofas without armrests” in the landside area.
Quiet Areas
- Review Highlights: The quiet room outside Terminal A’s security checkpoint is noted for its peaceful environment. A traveler mentioned, “There is a ‘quiet room’ right outside of the A gate security checkpoint. The security guard was nice enough to point me to it.”
General Safety and Security
- Review Highlights: Terminal B is often highlighted for its security and cleanliness. One traveler stated, “I saw no bums, homeless folks, or just plain dodgy people loitering about,” and another noted the presence of “conveniently located clean bathrooms, and easily accessible cheap public transit.”

Challenges and Negative Experiences

Noise Levels
- Review Highlights: Terminal A has been criticized for its loud music and frequent announcements. A traveler complained, “Music is so LOUD!!!!! And it’s Horrible music! Terminal A… forcing us paying customers to listen and actually suffer pain from the volume of it.”
Bright Lighting
- Review Highlights: Bright lighting in some seating areas can be disruptive. Although not explicitly mentioned, the general advice is to bring an eye mask to block out the light for better sleep quality.
Limited Food Options at Night
- Review Highlights: The lack of late-night food options is a common complaint. One review mentioned, “no food after 11 PM – and that’s the only con,” emphasizing the need to plan ahead for snacks and meals.
Comfort Limitations
- Review Highlights: While some areas provide comfortable seating, others fall short. One traveler in Terminal B mentioned, “There’s a few flat benches in the first level lined by the window but none on the second. You have to sleep awkwardly.”

Additional Insights

Wi-Fi and Charging Facilities: Terminal B is noted for good Wi-Fi and the availability of power outlets. “Benches with power outlets near the light rail area” are appreciated by travelers needing to stay connected and charge their devices.
Temperature Control: Some areas can be drafty, especially landside near entrance doors. It is recommended to carry a sweater or travel blanket.

Alternatives to Sleep in SMF Airport: Hotels Near SMF with Free Shuttle

1. Governors Inn Hotel

Price: $150 per night (includes taxes & fees)
Location: Downtown Sacramento
Rating: 8.8/10 based on 1,383 reviews
Amenities: Breakfast included, outdoor pool, fully refundable, complimentary airport shuttle
Pros: This budget-friendly hotel is highly rated for its comfortable beds and overall amenities. It’s ideal for short stays and overnight layovers, offering excellent value with complimentary breakfast and a convenient shuttle service to Sacramento International Airport.

2. Four Points by Sheraton Sacramento International Airport

Price: $156 per night (includes taxes & fees)
Location: North Natomas
Rating: 8.4/10 based on 1,001 reviews
Amenities: Pool, free Wi-Fi, on-site dining, complimentary airport shuttle
Pros: This hotel offers spacious rooms with comfortable beds, making it a great choice for travelers looking for a balance of comfort and affordability. The on-site dining and proximity to local attractions like the State Capitol Museum and breweries add to its appeal, while the free shuttle service ensures easy access to the airport.

3. Hyatt Place Sacramento International Airport

Price: $171 per night (includes taxes & fees)
Location: North Natomas
Rating: 8.6/10 based on 426 reviews
Amenities: Breakfast included, pool, fully refundable, complimentary airport shuttle
Pros: Known for its convenient location and friendly staff, Hyatt Place offers excellent amenities, including a complimentary breakfast and pool. The spacious rooms and reliable airport shuttle make it a popular choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience near SMF.

These hotels provide a combination of affordability, convenience, and essential amenities, making them ideal for travelers needing a budget-friendly place to stay near Sacramento International Airport.