SMForward – What Sacramento Airport's $1.4 Billion Expansion Means for Your Pickup This Year

This year, you may see construction, new facilities and changes around parking/ground transportation at Sacramento International Airport. The airport's SMForward expansion is changing how we move through SMF, including how we approach parking, terminal access and airport pickups.
✈️ What is SMForward at Sacramento International Airport?
SMForward is Sacramento International Airport's biggest expansion and modernization program. The multi-year program is a total investment of approximately $1.4 billion in several airport projects. These projects include the expansion of airport capacity and improving the experience across terminals, parking and ground transportation.
For you, the changes are not only about what SMF will look like once construction is complete. Ongoing work can affect how you plan your airport arrival or pickup this year.
That matters when you are traveling for business, meeting family after a flight or arriving in Sacramento for a holiday. Our chauffeured service makes your Sacramento airport pickup smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.
📈 Terminal B Expansion Adds More Capacity
One of the key SMForward projects is the Concourse B expansion. The project will introduce approximately 70,000 square feet of new space, six new gates for aircraft and additional passenger spaces and other enhancements.
The expansion is part of a wider strategy to position SMF for future growth. With an increased number of passengers using Sacramento International Airport, there is a need for more airport space to comfortably accommodate passengers and flights.
During construction, however, some areas may look different compared to your last visit. Changes in route, sign and access may occur as each project develops. If you haven't been in SMF for a while, it's a great idea to take the time to get used to the airport.
📅 When Will the New SMF Parking Garage Open?
The new Terminal B parking garage is expected to open in fall 2026. The six-level garage will provide approximately 5,500 parking spaces and will be designed to provide guidance, reserved parking and charging facilities for EVs.
For now, the airport's existing parking facilities continue to be a part of the airport experience. If you're being picked up, however, you might not need to worry about parking at all. A professional airport ride can eliminate the hassle of parking. Rather than circle around for a spot or end up in an incorrect parking zone, you can plan ahead and concentrate on making the trip.
📊Did SMF set a Passenger Record in 2025?
Yes. Sacramento International Airport served approximately 13.9 million passengers in 2025, continuing the trend of record usage for the airport.
This is the same as the last year (around 13.63 million passengers). An increase in numbers can lead to more congestion at the airport for travelers, especially during holiday, weekend and other periods of high travel demand.
This makes the process of arranging for a car at the airport a little more significant.
⚠️Should You Plan Your Pickup Differently During Construction?
Yes. A little extra planning can make your arrival a lot easier. It doesn't have to be a drastic change in travel plans. However, it helps to allow some flexibility and know what to expect before you reach SMF.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Check your terminal: Be sure to find out if you're arriving at Terminal A or Terminal B before you get on the plane.
Share your flight details: Sharing your flight number with your driver can enable him to make adjustments to his schedule based on your anticipated time of arrival.
Add buffer time: It's not just traffic that may be heavy on those travel days, but airport traffic as well, so don't schedule your pickup for the last moment.
Keep an eye on the signs: Work zones and traffic flows are subject to change. Pick up your passengers as the latest airport signs instruct you on approaching your pickup location.
Don't wait on the curb unnecessarily: Airport curbs are intended for active loading and unloading. Waiting in the wrong area can create unnecessary delays.
These small details can make a noticeable difference after a long flight.
🚘How Can a Chauffeured Service Help?
Being picked up at a growing airport doesn't need to be complicated. When you hire a chauffeured service, you can plan your airport travel in advance, and skip the hassle of parking or the confusion of airport driving directions.
Your driver can accommodate your flight details and help you get from the airport to your next destination, easing the burden on you to write in another item on your travel list. This is particularly helpful when travelling with children, if you've got multiple bags to carry or if you're running to a business meeting. It also gives you one less thing to think about when your flight lands.
💡What to Expect as SMF Continues to Grow
SMForward is not a single construction project. It's an all-encompassing airport development initiative that includes multiple projects which are progressing over the years. The Concourse B expansion will be adding capacity. There will be increased parking in the new Terminal B parking garage. The airport also has plans for ground transportation improvements.
This means SMF is going to keep growing for travelers.
In the short term, that can mean temporary changes and more activity around the airport. In the longer term, these enhancements will be planned for to accommodate Sacramento's increasing travel demand. The simplest way is to think about picking up your stuff prior to landing, not a moment after.
🌐 Make Your SMF Pickup Simple
Your airport transfer doesn't need to be complicated as construction work is taking place in some parts of your trip to the airport.
Book your airport ride in advance and let us handle the driving while you focus on your plans. Whether you are travelling for work, visiting Sacramento or heading home after a long trip, we can help make your journey from Sacramento International Airport more comfortable.
You can also book and manage your ride through our Android and iOS app, giving you a convenient way to arrange your transportation before or during your trip.
📲 Ready for Your Sacramento Airport Pickup?
Plan ahead, book your ride and skip the hassle of airport parking and unnecessary waiting.
Book your limo to Sacramento International Airport today and make your next pickup easier from the moment you land.


