Car hire at Sacramento Intl Airport
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Cheap car hire at Sacramento Airport
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Top tips for hiring a car at Sacramento Airport
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) sits about 10.5 miles from the city center, and a car ride is the quickest means to travel between the two locations. Public transportation can take a travel time of roughly 44min, while driving a vehicle to the city center significantly minimizes the time to approximately 11min. We recommend that you consider a car rental at Sacramento International Airport if you're pressed for time or would like to get to your destination in the shortest possible time.
- There are multiple car types available at SMF Airport for you to choose from. For example, a passenger van rental can accommodate around 12-15 people and is ideal if you're in town to explore. An SUV will come in handy if you're an outdoor person looking for adventure. It can carry about 5-7 people, with ample cargo space left for your outdoor gear. You can also select a long-term car rental, such as the monthly option if you'll be staying in Sacramento for long. You're likely to get better rates if you rent for long and it's also possible to change vehicles.
- When your rental period is over, and you would like to return the vehicle at SMF Airport, it's best to refill the gas per the rental agency's policy to avoid unnecessary setbacks. Companies usually offer a full-full and a same-same fuel policy. It's also wise to check whether the car is in the same condition as you found it to prepare for any repair costs for damages if needed. Once you're ready, head over to the point of pickup by following the "Rental Car Return" signs to complete the return process (it's best to mark the location when renting). Afterward, a rental car shuttle will drop you off at the airport terminal.
- If you're considering a car rental at Sacramento International Airport, keep in mind that you might find it hard to pick up or drop off your vehicle during peak hours. The airport's rush hours are generally in the mornings and evenings when people commute for work. It's best to schedule your arrival at the airport before such times to ensure that you don't experience long shuttle wait times to the rental car center. Drop off your vehicle during off-peak hours to avoid the traffic on Interstate 5 as you head toward Airport Boulevard.
- Book your car hire at Sacramento Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about hiring a car at Sacramento Airport
Which type of documents will I need to rent a car at Sacramento International Airport?
For a car rental at Sacramento International Airport, you must submit a valid driver's license at the time of pick up. If your license isn't U.S.-issued, you'll have to present your foreign driver's license, and some car rental agencies may require your passport. If you're renting a car for more than 90 days, an International Driving Permit must accompany your foreign driver's license. You'll also require a debit or credit card in your name, per the rental company requirements. Most car hire agencies require that you be at minimum 21 years old to rent a car, but drivers under 25 may experience a young driver's surcharge.
How can I get to the rental car center at Sacramento International Airport?
Once you disembark from your flight, follow the airport signs to the baggage claim location. Head outside to the designated shuttle stops and get on a rental car shuttle. If a shuttle isn't available, you'll have about a 10min shuttle wait time. The shuttle will take you to the rent-a-car facility, from where you can head over to the car rental agency counter you want. A staff member will direct you to the car lot adjacent to the facility once you pick up your keys.
Do rental car agencies at Sacramento International Airport offer disability-friendly vehicles?
Yes. People with disabilities or reduced mobility can rent disability-friendly vehicles from Sacramento International Airport car rental agencies. Some companies that provide cars for disabled travelers include Budget, Avis, National, and Hertz, and they all have convenient office locations in the airport vicinity. These companies typically require that you make reservations about 48-72h beforehand to ensure that equipped vehicles are available.
What is the best car hire company at Sacramento Airport?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies at Sacramento Airport are Hertz (7,2, 102 reviews), Payless (6,6, 63 reviews), and Budget (6,4, 129 reviews).
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Sacramento Airport?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Sacramento Airport to off-airport locations include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Europcar, E-Z Rent-A-Car, Hertz, and National.
Sacramento Intl Airport car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
7,2
Good
282 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.0
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2022
6,0 Okay
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
8,0 Very Good
Jan 2022
Payless
6,6
Okay
254 reviewsCleanliness
6.5
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.7
Value for money
6.8
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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8,0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Cons:
Should know you're dealing with miscellaneous counter people and they don't answer the local phone number, but will help you when you get to the counter.2,0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
There was no truck available. I was offered a small SUV. I waited for the truck. It was not clean inside or out. It was very dusty inside, and the truck had a smokey odor. I had to go back to the counter to request another truck. I waited over a hour.2,0 Poor
Aug 2020
Pros:
N/aCons:
We placed a reservation, went to pick up only to immediately be told by a lady there were NO CARS available. She told us to call and TRY to get our money back.6,0 Okay
Jun 2020
Pros:
That there was someone at the counter when I arrived.Cons:
I reserved a mid-sized sedan due to my wife being handicapped, upon arrival I was informed that there where none available and was informed that I could take a truck or check with the other agencies. :(2,0 Poor
Apr 2020
Pros:
Before my flight I have make a phone call to let them know if I can pick up the rental in Las Vegas cause my flight to Sacramento was canceled through the coronavirus no one want to help me at all..Cons:
Help out people who needed help2,0 Poor
Feb 2020
Cons:
They wouldn't rent us the car cause we didn't have a return flight ticket and you guys owe us the 33$ insurance that we pre paid and I want it on the card we used immediately.???Budget
6,4
Okay
220 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
6.5
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
8,0 Very Good
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
May 2022
2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Full size car not available. Have a car with nasty stale cigarette smell. Then changed to a very small SUV calling it an upgrade. Line waiting at Sacramento was half hour with 3 customers in line. Budget needs to streamline the process and provide a clean car as promised. I paid $317 for 4 days rental. Expect better.10,0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
It was easy to get, great room, road easy, good on gas.Cons:
Nothing that I can think of.Dollar
6,4
Okay
291 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
6.8
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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2,0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
When I arrived at the airport to pick up my car there were almost 80 people in line with one person working the counter. It took me over an hour and a half to get to the desk. Will never do this again.2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Nothing,Cons:
Should have had my car ready when expected, They gave me a car where you couldn't start the car. Gave me something I didn't really want or would have had to wait another 45 min on top of what I had already waited.6,0 Okay
May 2021
Cons:
If I got the car I ordered8,0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
The car was very clean. The shuttle service was convenient and easy to use.Cons:
I did not know return procedure for after hours return. It was unclear if I was to leave the key in the car or inside. The office was closed and I finally learned from another customer about the drop box.6,0 Okay
May 2021
Pros:
Only one person was working and the line took more than an hour8,0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Cons:
There was a long line at pick up. I waited about 75 minutes. There were three to four agents. So maybe it’s just the nature of the business. Also, I’m not a fan of interior deodorizer smells. But it was tolerable.Thrifty
6,0
Okay
193 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.6
Value for money
5.9
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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6,0 Okay
May 2021
Cons:
Waited in line for an hour to get to the counter due to a lack of counter personnel. Hertz customers were getting their rentals with only a reasonable wait. Counter person sent us to the wrong space for our car. Found it using the remote8,0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was extremely friendly, however it was a hertz employee because you guys only had one representative. I felt bad because the line was long and a lot of ppl were upset at her but clearly it was not her fault.Cons:
Have more employees! An hour plus wait is unacceptable specially when some ppl have children.2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nothing.Cons:
Communication2,0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
I asked for a AWD cal and was told I was given a AWD car and instead they gave me a 2 wheel drive car.2,0 Poor
Feb 2021
Pros:
Drop off was easy.Cons:
The gentlemen I picked the car up from did not explain the insurance. Basically I paid for insurance that I did not need. Very frustrated!!6,0 Okay
Jan 2021
Cons:
Charged a different amount than I was shown on here by a significant amount. When I went to pickup the car I had to wait in line for 20+ minutes despite there being 2 people ahead of me.Alamo
8,3
Very Good
55 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.5
Value for money
7.9
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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9,2 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
Nice car with all the latest bells and whistlesCons:
$72 per day is unreasonably high.8,0 Very Good
Apr 2017
Pros:
Quick rental processCons:
Mini van or pick-up truck were the only option. Traveling alone for business these options were not too appealing8,0 Very Good
Apr 2017
Pros:
i like the easy of getting the car. the guy that checked us in to get the car was ok. the drop off was much friendlier. the ease at dropoff was very easy. Brian8,0 Very Good
Apr 2017
Cons:
Had a smell when we picked up.7,6 Good
Mar 2017
Pros:
I requested a specific model of car and was able to get it. There was no line at the pickup counter.Cons:
The windows and mirrors were not very clean.10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2017
Pros:
ease of use and good pricingEnterprise Rent-A-Car
8,0
Very Good
30 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
7.7
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2017
Pros:
Excellent customer service!10,0 Wonderful
May 2017
Pros:
They recommended a Ford Fusion hybrid which was totally new to us. They said it was a very comfortable ride. We spent hours a day in it driving all over California and it was exceptionally comfortable. Saved gas money due too hybrid. Had plenty of power for our needs and no problems with it whatsoever.Cons:
Trunk space is limited but worked out find for us since only two of traveling10,0 Wonderful
May 2017
Pros:
Eric, the agent in Sacramento was very professional and polite! The type of car I reserved was not available so he immediately got another car for me...and all this while training a new employee! Enterprise is lucky to have him.6,8 Okay
May 2017
Pros:
Car was clean and ready to goCons:
I reserved a "Suppliers Choice" price and was disappointed. When I called the Sacramento office the day before, the rep said most likely I would get a small SUV or mini-van as that's what they had the most of...and that's what I would most likely get... If I had know it was going to be an economy car (Accent), I would have booked it directly in that class and saved some money! Never again!10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2017
Pros:
Customer service. The lady who showed us our car. Very pleasant and professional10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2017
Pros:
friendly staffAvis
6,4
Okay
70 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
6.4
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Apr 2021
Cons:
They gave us one price on the website then when we checked out at the end of our trip it was more than double. This is not right and a mega scam will never use you guys again.8,0 Very Good
Mar 2021
Pros:
Pick up and drop off we’re easyCons:
Car had some melted chocolate on drivers seat. Could have been cleaner.8,0 Very Good
Jan 2021
Pros:
Staff, vehicleCons:
At Sacramento airport, they did not honor the amount I had with online reservation. I have $11.00 something on insurance and they sid they have their own insurance at $ 17.00 so I have to get their higher insurance.2,0 Poor
Jan 2021
Cons:
I mistakenly reserved a car in SAC rather than SAL. The Avis lady was very nice in SAL giving me a new rental at a reasonable price and cancelling my SAC reservation. But Kayak nevertheless charged me a $50 fee for not cancelling the SAC reservation. When I called Avis they said they could not do anything about it because it was a Kayak charge. I don’t know how to contact Kayak other than this.E-Z Rent-A-Car
6,6
Okay
1 reviewCleanliness
7.0
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
6.6
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Airport Van
3,7
Poor
18 reviewsCleanliness
3.7
Comfort
3.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.7
Value for money
3.5
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
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2,0 Poor
Jul 2020
Pros:
I never rented as when I called to be picked up from the airport they said they close earlier than the time we agreed for me to drop the car and suggested I should rent from somewhere else2,0 Poor
Jun 2020
Pros:
The office was closed without explanation and made us late for our trip as we had to find another rental. Their phone numbers are mostly disconnected. Super unprofessional.Cons:
Everything.2,0 Poor
Jun 2020
Cons:
Staff was extremely unprofessional and does not take accountability for their lack of thoroughness with their product. The van we rented was in severe need of a check-up - tail lights not working, oil change, alignment, electrical, etc.... when this brought to their attention they only made excuses and told us “well, you rented a van.” They didn’t care. Don’t rent a van from this company.2,0 Poor
Jun 2020
Pros:
Nothing. Place appears to be close.Cons:
They don't exist and they need to stop being advertised on the site. Their phone is disconnected and they don't answer. I even looked them up online and called a different number.10,0 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Cons:
I don’t think anything could have been better. I was perfectly happy!2,0 Poor
Jun 2020
Pros:
I waited at the rental company for two hours and no one ever arrived to rent me a vehicle. I tried reaching them by phone and email, but still haven’t heard back from them.Cons:
I needed a car, but ended up going to another company the following day.National
9,4
Wonderful
No reviews available
Cleanliness
9.6
Comfort
9.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.6
Value for money
8.8
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Europcar
6,2
Okay
No reviews available
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
Sacramento Airport International SMF
+1 916 993 3500
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One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
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Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
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One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
6327 Aviation Dr Suite A, Sacramento, Sacramento County, California
+1 916 993 3500
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One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
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Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
5100 Chiles Road, Suite 207, Davis, CA
+1 916 890 9758
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Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
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Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
6320 Mcnair Cir, Sacramento, , USA California
+1 914 368 0091
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One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
1425 North Market Blvd.
+1 800 940 9332
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Car rental locations at Sacramento Intl Airport
Good to know
Most popular car type | Standard |
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