Chico, Butte County → Sacramento International Airport
Chico to Sacramento Airport Shuttle
Sacramento International is Chico's main airport — about 86 miles south down CA-99, roughly an hour and a half. Uber's published average for the trip is about $115; our price is fixed at booking and covers the whole vehicle.
10% off for cash or military ID — one discount per ride.
Live at SMF
—California time
Sacramento International Airport
- Terminal ACheck-in on the ground level
- Terminal BCheck-in on level 2
- Between A and BFree shuttle about every 10 min
ChicoSacramento (SMF)
- Distance
- about 86 mi
- Usual drive
- 1 hr 30 min–1 hr 50 min
- Passengers
- 1–8
- Pickups
- 24/7
CPUC licensed carrier
TCP 34179
Flights tracked
Pickup moves with your flight
Free child car seats
Fitted by your driver
Free cancellation
Up to 4 hours before pickup
Choose your vehicle
Vehicles for Chico to Sacramento (SMF)
Sedan for a student or couple; SUV for families heading home after graduation.
Midsize Sedan
Best for one or two travelers with standard luggage.
- 3 Ppl
- 4 Bags
Full-Size SUV
Six seats and six bags, or fewer people and more luggage.
- 6 Ppl
- 6 Bags
Ford Transit Van
The group vehicle: eight passengers and eighteen bags in one van. Wine tours, wedding parties, unit moves, the golf trip.
- 8 Ppl
- 18 Bags
Vehicle spotlight
Ford Transit passenger van
Chico to SMF down CA-99.
- 1
Campus pickups
Halls and apartments.
- 2
Graduation families
Eight seats.
- 3
Fixed price
No surge.
- 4
CA-99 south
Through the valley.
The route
The drive from Chico to Sacramento (SMF)
SMF is about 86 miles from Chico — Uber lists about 95 minutes. CA-99 is two lanes in places, so a slow truck or harvest traffic can add a little time.
CA-99 south through Durham, Gridley, Live Oak and Yuba City, then CA-99 and I-5 into Sacramento's north side and the airport.
Chico
Campus, downtown or home
CA-99 south
Durham and Gridley
Yuba City
Halfway
CA-99 to I-5
North Sacramento
SMF
Terminal A or B
Pickup time planner
| Flight from SMF | Type | Pickup in Chico |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00am | Domestic | 2:30am |
| 9:30am | Domestic | 6:00am |
| 2:15pm | Domestic | 10:45am |
| 12:30pm | International | 8:00am |
We collect Chico passengers roughly three and a half hours ahead of a domestic departure and four and a half ahead of an international one. Give us your flight number and we confirm the exact time.
Local know-how
Chico's airport is in Sacramento
For most flights, Chico travellers use Sacramento International, an hour and a half south.
The drive is CA-99 almost all the way — through orchards and rice country, with a few two-lane stretches.
Term breaks and graduation weekends tend to be busy; booking a few days ahead is wise.
How it works
Booked in three simple steps
No phone call needed, and no surprises on the day: the price, the pickup time and the driver are all settled before you travel.
- 01
Term breaks booked early
Students and families.
- 02
Down CA-99
About 95 minutes.
- 03
SMF curb
A or B.
Compare your options
Ways to get from Chico to Sacramento (SMF)
Private shuttle
Chico door to SMF terminal.
Price
One flat rate per vehicle, shown before you book
Best for
Students, families, early flights
Rideshare
From the app.
Price
Uber's published average: ~$115
Best for
Solo, daytime
Amtrak
Coast Starlight or a Thruway bus to Sacramento, then a ride to the airport.
Price
Rail plus ride
Best for
Flexible schedules
Drive and park
SMF economy parking.
Price
Daily fees
Best for
Short trips
The rideshare figure is Uber's published average for SMF–Chico (about 86 miles, 95 minutes; checked October 2026), not a quote.
Both ends of the trip
Pickup in Chico, drop-off at Sacramento (SMF)
Pickup across Chico
Campus area, downtown, North Chico and California Park.
- Downtown and campus
- Bidwell Park area
- North Chico
- California Park
Drop-off and pickup at SMF
- Terminal ACheck-in on the ground level
- Terminal BCheck-in on level 2
- Between A and BFree shuttle about every 10 min
Coming home, your driver meets you at the ground transportation area outside baggage claim, or inside baggage claim with a sign if you ask.
Good to know
What is included in the price
$0
surge, seat or cancellation fees
Fixed fare
No surge.
Flight tracked
Returns.
Free hour
After landing.
Dorm luggage
Room for it.
Cancel free
4+ hours ahead.
10% off
Cash or military ID.
Check us out
A licensed company you can verify
State of California · Public Utilities Commission
Licensed charter-party carrier
TCP 34179
Anyone can check our authority and insurance status: search “TCP 34179” on the CPUC carrier search.
Business address5488 Waterville Way, Sacramento, CA 95835
Other airports
Other airports from Chico
Questions
Chico to Sacramento (SMF): common questions
How far is Sacramento Airport from Chico?+
About 86 miles; Uber lists about 95 minutes.
How does your price compare with Uber?+
Uber's published average is about $115 and varies; our price is fixed per vehicle.
Can you pick up students from campus housing?+
Yes — tell us the hall or apartment.
How early should I leave Chico?+
About three and a half hours before a domestic flight.
Book your Chico to Sacramento (SMF) ride
One flat rate per vehicle, confirmed before you book. Flights tracked. Car seats free.