Sacramento Travel Essentials

Our SacramentoTravel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in California, USA. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from Sacramento International Airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need?

We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips. You’ll also learn about the most popular landmarks in Sacramento such as the California State Railroad Museum, the California State Capitol Museum, and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park. It’s all compiled in this Sacramento Travel Essentials. After going through this short and easy-to-read guide, you’ll be a little more prepared to start your trip to Sacramento.

1. When is the best time to travel to Sacramento?

1. Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate where the summers are hot, dry, and sunny, and the winters are short, cool, and often wet. Average temperatures range from 39°F to 94°F.
2. Sacramento receives significantly less rainfall compared to other US cities. Even so, March is the wettest month in Sacramento with an average of 12 rainy days.
3. The summer period of May–September also happens to be peak travel time in Sacramento. July is the hottest and driest month. It’s when you can expect the common crowds and higher accommodation rates. Book a few months ahead of your visit for better rates.
4. The best time to visit Sacramento is in the summer months of May–July when most of the festivities, such as the California State Fair, take place. The fall months (September–November) are also a pleasant time to visit,when itstarts to get cooler.

2. Sacramento basics

1. Plug type: A and B
2. Electricity: 120 V
3. Currency: United States Dollar (US$)
4. International dialling code: +1 916
5. Emergency telephone number: 911

3. How to get to my hotel in Sacramento?

Sacramento International Airport is the main airport serving the city as well as most of Northern California. The airport lies about 10 miles or a 15-minute drive northwest of downtown Sacramento via the northern Interstate 5 highway.

By land, you can get to Sacramento by Amtrak train, arriving at Sacramento Valley Station 401 I Street between the Old Sacramento Waterfront and the heart of downtown. Budget travellers may also consider getting to Sacramento by Greyhound bus or other commercial coach services with the bus station on Richards Boulevard.

You can also easily drive into the city – Sacramento lies at the west end of the major U.S. Route 50 and it’s also conveniently positioned where the north-south Interstate 5 and east-west Interstate 80 intersect.

Sacramento International Airport

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Sacramento International Airport has nonstop and direct flights throughout North America as well as connecting flights to various other destinations such as Canada and Mexico. Flights from other countries may require flying to other major airports such as San Francisco International Airport, then getting to Sacramento via subway, then Greyhound bus or Amtrak train.

Ground transport options to get you to downtown Sacramento from SMF include the following:

1. taxis are available at the ground transportation area adjacent to the baggage claim. The white-coloured airport taxis are provided by the Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association (SITOA). You can call +1 916-444-0008 for reservations.
2. You can use ridesharing services such as Uber, Lyft, and Wingz at Sacramento International Airport. Pickup areas are to the west of Terminal A and on the Lindbergh Drive Curb at Terminal B.
3. The SacRT Route 142 airport express bus service runs every half hour, in partnership with the Yolobus bus services. Take the 42A bus to get downtown.
4. Paratransit is a special coach service for travellers with disabilities. You must make a booking to use their services +1 916-429-2744 at least 2 days before landing at SMF.
5. Car rental companies such as Avis, Alamo, Budget, and Thrifty, among many others are located at the rental car terminal beside the airport’s East Parking lot. They share an on-airport rental car shuttle that arrives at designated stops on SMF’s ground level curbs outside Terminal A and B every 10 minutes. Some car rentals also provide special vehicles for people with disabilities – reservations required.

Sacramento Valley Station

Amtrak has 3 trains that stop at Sacramento Valley Station, namely the Coast Starlight (from Seattle and Portland), the California Zephyr (from San Francisco), and the Capitol Corridor (from the Bay Area). The station on 401 I Street is within walking distance to downtown hotels and a short distance to the Old Sacramento Waterfront by the Sacramento River.

Sacramento bus stations and stops

Various bus services stop in separate locations around Sacramento. Getting to Sacramento by Greyhound bus, you’ll arrive at Sacramento’s bus station (+1 916-444-6858) on Richards Boulevard. The station is about a 6-minute drive north of the downtown hub. FlixBus buses stop at V Street and Front Street and both Flixbus and Megabus stop at 65th Street Light Rail Station at 6740 Q Street, near downtown Sacramento.

4. How to get around Sacramento?

Travel tips

Sacramento’s popular areas such as Downtown, Old Sacramento, and its Waterfront are all within a 5-minute stroll and are easy to navigate on foot. The city features a convenient grid layout and is mostly flat with the streets numbered and lettered. Most streets throughout Central Sacramento are tree-lined, providing ample shade for pedestrians.

Getting around downtown Sacramento is also easy and affordable thanks to Sacramento Regional Transit’s network of light rails and inter-urban buses. For more freedom of travel, getting around Sacramento by car is a good option. Cycling is a cheap, fun, and healthy option – the Californian capital is one of the state’s most bike-friendly cities.

Sacramento Regional Transit (RT) Light Rail

The Sacramento Regional Transit Light Rail is the city’s mass transportation system, which spans 42.9 miles long and Covering over 400 square miles of the city with its Gold, Blue, and Green lines. It has connections to other inter-urban buses as well as surrounding areas.

There are 50 light rail stations throughout the city, enabling you to get virtually anywhere in Sacramento. You can simply get off and transfer to buses that serve most of downtown. Buses also run multiple colour-coded lines throughout the city and are mostly timed to match the arrivals of the light rail trains.

Taking a taxi

Hundreds of metered taxis operate in Sacramento and you can most easily hail one around downtown, but it’s easier to call and arrange for one beforehand. Furthermore, some of the major taxi companies in Sacramento have ride-hailing apps, adding to the convenience.

The 5 major taxi companies serving the city are Sacramento Taxi Yellow Cab (+1 916-888-2222), Kmm Cab Co (+1 916-821-4471), Sacramento Independent Taxi Owners Association or SITOA (+1 916-444-0008), and Yellow Cab of Sacramento (+1 916-444-2222). You can easily find taxis waiting in front of Sacramento Valley Station, as well as downtown hotels and the city’s popular attractions.

Uber and Lyft are the main ride-hailing apps used in Scottsdale. Their rates are slightly cheaper than standard taxicabs. Wingz is another app-based option if you require a scheduled and personal ride. They accept payments by credit card.

Renting a car in Sacramento

Renting a car is a good option for getting around Sacramento, especially if you want the freedom of travel and also plan to visit outlying attractions. Metered parking is free on weekdays after 4.30 pm and all day on weekends. Download the mobile parking app Parkmobile for maps and options to pay for parking at select locations in Sacramento.

Besides being available at the Sacramento International Airport, among the car rental companies with offices throughout the city are Avis (+1 916-446-2695), Enterprise (+1 916-444-7600), Hertz (+1 916-448-2228), and Budget (+1 916-973-8122).

Cycling around Sacramento

Sacramento is considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in California. The city is sunny with low rainfall, and there are great trails around the city for you to explore on 2 wheels. These include the American River Bike Trail for a leisurely ride, though in limited areas, as well as the scenic Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail by the American River. The downtown area has additional bike lanes, and even the suburban areas have bike areas for intercity commuting.

Furthermore, Sacramento has introduced bike and scooter-sharing schemes such as Lime (previously known as JUMP) with its e-mopeds, e-bikes, and electric scooters, and Spin with its electric scooters. You simply download their respective mobile apps to your smartphone to discover the nearest available vehicles or charging stations, scan the QR code to unlock, then ride away. Whatever 2-wheeler you ride, always wear a helmet, use bike lanes where legally permitted, and ride responsibly.

5. What are the main annual events in Sacramento?

Sacramento Music Festival

1. May
2. One of Sacramento’s biggest celebrations held every Memorial Day Weekend since 1974. Formerly the Dixieland Jazz Jubilee, it now includes various music genres.
3. Where: Old Sacramento and other Downtown venues

California State Fair

1. July–August
2. A major annual celebration for the state of California, held in Sacramento over 17 days. It showcases the best of California’s industries, agriculture, and cultural diversity.
3. Where: Cal Expo

Sacramento Harvest Festival

1. November
2. An annual 3-day event that highlights tens of thousands of unique and handmade items ranging from original art, jewellery, fashion, foods, toys, home décor, and more.
3. Where: Cal Expo

6. What are the main landmarks in Sacramento?

California State Railroad Museum

One of Sacramento’s top museums that’s home to the famous train, The Polar Express, and which exhibits 21 intriguing ‘iron horses’ from yesteryear.

California State Capitol Museum

A museum as well as the working seat of the Californian government. Visitors can tour the changing exhibits and the historical rooms for a glimpse into Sacramento’s past.

Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park

A reconstructed 19th-century agricultural and trade colony that served a vital role during the California Gold Rush following the discovery of nuggets in Sacramento Valley.

Old Sacramento Waterfront

A unique national historical landmark spanning 28 acres along the Sacramento River, replete with shopping, dining, entertainment, and among the city’s major historical attractions.

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