Sacramento Airport gives you more transport choices than most mid-size US airports. The real question is which option matches your situation — not which is objectively "best."
Ride-hailing (Uber / Lyft)
This is what most people use at SMF, and for good reason. It is typically the cheapest car-based option (20 to 35 USD to downtown), pickup is organized through the app, and vehicles arrive within minutes. The downsides: surge pricing can double the cost without warning, and pickup requires walking to a designated zone in the parking structure rather than stepping into a car at the curb.
Ride-hailing works best for solo travelers, couples, or small groups heading to downtown or midtown Sacramento during off-peak hours.
Taxis
Taxis queue at the curb outside baggage claim — no app needed, no walking to a parking structure. You get in and go. The fare is metered, which means no surge pricing but also no bargains: 35 to 45 USD to downtown is the going rate. Taxis are the choice for travelers who want simplicity and are willing to pay a modest premium for curbside pickup.
One advantage: taxis can be faster during peak hours. While ride-hail users wait for a car to navigate the pickup zone, a taxi is already there.
Pre-booked private transfers
A private transfer costs more (50 to 70 USD to downtown for a sedan) but offers the most controlled experience. Your driver knows your name, tracks your flight, meets you at baggage claim, and drives you directly to your destination at a price agreed before your trip. No surge, no meter, no surprises.
This option makes the most sense for business travelers on expense accounts, groups with lots of luggage, families needing specific vehicle types, or anyone heading to a distant destination like Lake Tahoe where ride-hail pricing becomes unpredictable.
Light rail as the outlier
At 2.75 USD, the SacRT Blue Line is in a different category entirely. It takes longer (40 to 50 minutes to downtown) and requires you to manage your own luggage on public transit, but for budget-conscious travelers heading to downtown Sacramento, it is the clear winner on price.
The practical verdict
For most Sacramento arrivals, ride-hailing is the default for a reason — it balances cost, speed, and convenience. Choose a taxi when you want curbside simplicity. Choose a private transfer when you want certainty and comfort above all else. And choose light rail when your wallet matters more than your time.