Lake Tahoe, Placer County → Sacramento International Airport
Lake Tahoe to Sacramento Airport Shuttle
Sacramento International is about 115 miles from the north shore, over Donner Summit on I-80. It is the California-side airport for Tahoe trips — often chosen for its fares and flights — and we drive the whole way.
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
Lake TahoeSacramento (SMF)
- Distance
- about 115 mi
- Usual drive
- 2 hr–2 hr 30 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 Lake Tahoe to Sacramento (SMF)
Two skiers take the SUV; a lodge group of eight the Ford Transit.
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
SMF up I-80 to the north shore.
- 1
Donner Summit
I-80.
- 2
Ski gear
Room.
- 3
Eight seats
Groups.
- 4
Lodge door
Drop-off.
The route
The drive from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento (SMF)
SMF is about 115 miles from Tahoe City — two hours in good conditions, two and a half or more in winter weather or Sunday ski traffic.
I-5 and I-80 east past Roseville and Auburn, up over Donner Summit to Truckee, then CA-89 or CA-267 down to the north shore.
SMF
Terminal A or B
I-80 east
Roseville and Auburn
Donner Summit
Over the Sierra
Truckee
CA-89 or CA-267
North shore
Your lodge or home
Pickup time planner
| Flight from SMF | Type | Pickup in Lake Tahoe |
|---|---|---|
| 6:40am | Domestic | 2:40am |
| 10:10am | Domestic | 6:10am |
| 4:00pm | Domestic | 12:00pm |
| 1:15pm | International | 8:15am |
We collect Lake Tahoe passengers roughly four hours ahead of a domestic departure and five ahead of an international one. Give us your flight number and we confirm the exact time.
Local know-how
Over Donner Summit
The drive from SMF climbs from the valley floor to Donner Summit on I-80, then drops into Truckee.
Winter storms bring chain controls on the summit; we watch Caltrans conditions and adjust the start time.
Sunday afternoons in ski season, westbound I-80 is very busy — leave extra time for flights home.
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
Collected at SMF
Terminal A or B.
- 02
I-80 to Truckee
Then CA-89 or CA-267.
- 03
North-shore lodge
Gear unloaded.
Compare your options
Ways to get from Lake Tahoe to Sacramento (SMF)
Private shuttle
SMF to your north-shore lodge or rental.
Price
One flat rate per vehicle, shown before you book
Best for
Ski weeks, summer stays
Amtrak California Zephyr
Sacramento to Truckee by train, then a short ride.
Price
Rail plus ride
Best for
Light luggage
Train to Truckee
Amtrak Zephyr, then a ride to the lake.
Price
Rail plus ride
Best for
Light luggage
Rental car
Donner Summit and lake roads yourself.
Price
Rental, fuel, winter equipment
Best for
Exploring the lake
Uber publishes no average for this trip.
Both ends of the trip
Pickup in Lake Tahoe, drop-off at Sacramento (SMF)
North-shore pickups
Tahoe City, Incline Village, Northstar and Kings Beach.
- Tahoe City
- Incline Village
- Northstar
- Kings Beach and the north shore
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
Lodge or rental drop
Kings Beach to Tahoe City.
Ski bags
Fit.
Fixed price
Per vehicle.
Arrival tracked
No delay charges.
Free first hour
At SMF.
Cancel free
4+ hours ahead.
Who rides with us
Who books this ride from Lake Tahoe
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 Lake Tahoe
Questions
Lake Tahoe to Sacramento (SMF): common questions
How far is Sacramento Airport from Lake Tahoe's north shore?+
About 115 miles to Tahoe City, two to two and a half hours.
Which airport do you recommend from Lake Tahoe?+
For most domestic flights, Sacramento International; for international flights, SFO.
How much is SMF to the north shore?+
One flat rate for the whole vehicle, shown before you pay.
Book your Lake Tahoe to Sacramento (SMF) ride
One flat rate per vehicle, confirmed before you book. Flights tracked. Car seats free.