KAYAK’s insights & trends for Sacramento Intl Airport car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Sacramento Intl Airport with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport?
You should book your car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport around 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Sacramento Intl Airport?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Sacramento Intl Airport is January at an average cost of $63/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Sacramento Intl Airport when prices are $90/day on average, which tends to be 74% above the yearly average hire price for Sacramento Intl Airport.
Sacramento Intl Airport car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$51 - $76
All Car Types
$84 - $110
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Sacramento Intl Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Sacramento Intl Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Sacramento Intl Airport?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Sacramento Intl Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Sacramento Intl Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Sacramento Intl Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Sacramento Intl Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Sacramento Intl Airport?
Small car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport typically costs around $62 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average $51 per day, which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 37% cheaper than the average car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport typically costs around $85 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $73 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 14% cheaper than the average car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport typically cost around $90 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $81 per day, which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 9% cheaper than the average car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Sacramento Intl Airport typically costs around $102 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average $86 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 4% more expensive than the average car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Sacramento Intl Airport typically costs around $149 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $119 per day, which is about 21% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 35% more expensive than the average car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Sacramento Intl Airport typically costs around $72 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $61 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 27% cheaper than the average car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport typically costs around $129 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average $96 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 25% more expensive than the average car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Sacramento Intl Airport typically costs around $119 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $59 per day, which is about 51% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 18% more expensive than the average car hire in Sacramento Intl Airport but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
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.
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
The car I reserved wasn’t available at pickup. And after I did everything online to pick up my car, I still had to wait in line. Then the service agent wanted to me re-register online even though their site wasn’t working. It was a mess and took forever. Super inefficient staff.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, May 2024
Economy
All car rentals are too expensive. Affordable only for the upper middle class, discriminates. Suggestion: consider a different charge for single drivers.
10.0 Wonderful
Ingrid, Apr 2024
Intermediate SUV
Fantastic! The employees couldn’t have been more kind.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Economy
Very professional
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
I was charged more than I was quoted when I reserved the car, then they charged me a cleaning fee for sand that would easily vacuum up with the standard interior cleaning they do to every returned car (no mud, staining, or anything that would require scrubbing or a cleaning agent). I rent a lot of cars and have never had these problems. This seems like a blatant rip-off.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sept 2023
Compact
Time sto th he clerk window to pick car could have been shorter Kayak should ask fir hertz account number in reservation so Hertz has profile already at checkin. Hertz normally upgrades at pickup as a President circle renter. Through Kayak, no upgrade came. Do I will book directly with hertz later not Kayak!
Pickup at Sacramento airport took a bit longer than expected. The representative was great. The Jeep Compass was a bit small to be considered a mid size SUV. My husband was barely able to see under the top edge of the windshield because it was so small and there was mo way to lower the seat. The trunk space was small as well. Drop off at Reno was extremely easy and the attendant was very friendly and efficient.
2.0 Poor
Casey, June 2026
Passenger van
I’ve rented hundreds of vehicles working in transportation over the last 20 years. This is the only terrible experience I’ve ever had. And after all the problems I was charged double. And told I would get 10% off my next rental. Zero stars
2.0 Poor
Anthony, Feb 2026
Intermediate
Car was filthy inside and out when I got it. Food on the floors
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2026
Compact SUV
Just purfect.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2025
Intermediate
Availability of cars seemed very strained during the time we were there.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2025
Compact SUV
Didn't have my reservation when arrived. Tried to give me an electric car Chevy bolt even though I reserved an SUV. When I asked why they were very rude and combative. Asked to speak with manager and eventually he said he would provide an SUV but then waited an hour and had to go back up to the counter and finally just settled on a sedan that was available since there was still no SUV. Even though I heard them "upgrade" another customer for free to a rav 4 suv who came in after us.
I rented the mystery car. They wanted to give me a 12 person van. My other choice was the Genesis G 80 all electric I chose that car. I asked The Avis representative to show me anything about the car and he said it’s just like driving a gas car turned out there was a lot of stuff that is different and I knew nothing about how to charge the vehicle that became very difficult to do. The car had no adapter so I could not use a Tesla charging station. I only had 6 miles left on the battery and anyway that was very scary and challenging to try to get it charged and when I called Avis to ask about it, they hung up on me. I don’t believe that was accidental.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2025
Full-size
It was Alamo not Avis but the team was impeccably good from start to finish. Made us a Big Alamo Fan!!!
2.0 Poor
Nick, Apr 2025
Full-size SUV
Horrible customer service. They never inspected the car when I picked it up. The car was old with 40,000+ miles on it and with all kinds of damages. After I dropped it off two days later, they charged me for a broken window.
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Passenger van
Good deal…
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Economy
Excellent service, even upgraded my car for free just because I was having a rough day. Sure helped to make it better
10.0 Wonderful
Will, Oct 2022
Pick up and drop off were both quick and simple, staff was helpful and friendly each time.
Katherine and her Indian Punjabi coworker were amazing Even helped me get to the gate Very great employees at checkout
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Nov 2024
Compact
Skip the line did not work.
2.0 Poor
Stoyan, Sept 2024
Full-size SUV
They added fees that doubled the rental price. Never again will be booking car through kayak.com
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Full-size SUV
Car with filthy
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Convertible
After waiting for 10 min they said my car wasn't available. Waited another 10 min and then canceled. Staff was not customer friendly and did not respond well to or resolve my complaints. When I said I was going to Alamo one staff member said"good luck" sarcastically.
4.0 Mediocre
Rob, Jan 2024
Intermediate SUV
Pickup was easy but later we discovered the driver side front lock did not work and when you started the car up and backed up, the brakes made an awful sound. Brought these to the attention of the manager when we brought the car back. They did an investigation but we have not heard back from them.
Did not have the car we requested. Got a small suv that would not hold all our luggage.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Intermediate
Excellent
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.3
Very Good
Cleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
8.7
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
6327 Aviation Dr
+1 833 823 5639
Monday
07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:59
Thursday
07:00 - 23:59
Friday
07:00 - 23:59
Saturday
07:00 - 23:59
Sunday
07:00 - 23:59
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Lorrie, July 2024
Economy
Fast easy customer service. No hikes, gimmicks or hassles. In and out.
8.0 Very Good
Rob, July 2024
Standard SUV
Car was awesome but smelled really badly like smoke
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, June 2024
Compact
Reception was Fantastic... Sales Rep. took me to the car, did a walk around, answered all questions and was a Perfect Gentleman... Very impressed...
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Intermediate
Staff was inconsistent in the information they gave me. It cost me hours of time, and I missed the event I was in town to see. I made an error, and didn’t have what I needed to pick up my rental. Instead of telling me in the beginning the pickup would be impossible, I ran around wasting time trying to complete their suggested work around. After paying for and providing a printout of what I was told by their staff I needed, they still did not allow me to pick up my rental. The situation I was in was my fault, but the way their staff handled was extraordinarily disappointing.
Europcar
6.1
Okay
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
Please Go To The Advantage Counter
+1 916 993 3500
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Airport Van
4.4
Mediocre
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
731 North Market Blvd Unit W
916-913-8233
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Elita Rent A Car
2.0
Poor
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
Sacramento Airport International SMF
+1 916 993 3500
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
Sacramento International Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Advance Car And Truck Rental
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
6327 Aviation Dr Suite A, Sacramento, Sacramento County, California
+1 916 993 3500
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Avr
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
Sacramento Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
E-Z Rent-A-Car
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
6327 Aviation Dr
+1 916 924 5918
Monday
07:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:59
Thursday
07:00 - 23:59
Friday
07:00 - 23:59
Saturday
07:00 - 23:59
Sunday
07:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Its Rent a Car
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
5100 Chiles Road, Suite 207, Davis, CA
+1 916 890 9758
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
Please Go To The Advantage Counter- 6327 Aviation Dr
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
North Car Rental
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
6327 Aviation Drive
+1 916 920 6400
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
6327 Aviation Dr
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
6320 Mcnair Cir, Sacramento, , USA California
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
07:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 22:00
Thursday
07:00 - 22:00
Friday
07:00 - 22:00
Saturday
07:00 - 22:00
Sunday
07:00 - 22:00
Filters
No reviews available
Zeeba Rent-A-Van
No score available yet
One location in Sacramento Intl Airport
Locations in Sacramento Intl Airport
1425 North Market Blvd.
+1 800 940 9332
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
336 travellers who hired a car in Sacramento Intl Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9
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