Rental car at airport? or someplaceelse

Question

We will be flying into SMF on a Thursday evening for a Saturday wedding i n the napa ca. We need to rent a car and then stay someplace between SMF and Napa the first night. Any recomendations assuming we rent a car at the airport?

Answer

Flying into Sacramento (SMF) for a Napa wedding is very straightforward, and renting a car directly at the airport is the easiest and most convenient option. SMF has an excellent on-site rental car center connected by a quick shuttle, and evening pickups are easy. Since you’re arriving Thursday night and only need to reach Napa by Saturday, you have plenty of flexibility on where to stay that first night.

The best strategy is to stay somewhere *en route* between Sacramento and Napa so you don’t have to drive too far at night but also shorten your drive the following day. Several towns between SMF and Napa offer safe, convenient hotels and good access to food and services.

Below are the best options with explanations:

Davis – Only about 25 minutes from SMF. A lively college town with lots of restaurants, walkable downtown streets, and many mid-range hotels. This is one of the most convenient stops if you want something easy after a flight.
Vacaville – Around 40–45 minutes from SMF and directly on the way to Napa. Plenty of hotels near the Vacaville Outlets and many dining options. A great choice if you want an easy jump-off point for Napa the next morning.
Fairfield – Roughly 50 minutes from SMF and about 30 minutes from Napa. This is the most strategic stop if you want to be close to Napa without staying there yet. Fairfield has many reliable hotel chains, plus breweries and casual restaurants.
Downtown Sacramento (if you prefer a city vibe) – About 15 minutes from SMF. If your flight gets in early enough and you’d enjoy dinner, a drink, or a walk by the river, downtown Sac has lots to offer. You’ll add a little driving Friday, but it’s a fun option.
Woodland – Just 10 minutes from the airport and a very easy stop if you just want to sleep right away. Limited attractions but plenty of good, clean hotels—perfect if you’re arriving late and don’t want to drive far.

If you want recommendations based on your travel style, here are a few specific combinations:

For the easiest and quickest option after landing: Stay in Woodland. Fastest from SMF, simplest, and good for late-night arrivals.
For the best food and most pleasant town atmosphere: Stay in Davis. Walkable, safe, and lively—ideal if you want a nice dinner and relaxed evening.
For convenience and shortest drive into Napa on Friday: Stay in Fairfield. You’ll be almost at the doorstep of wine country the next morning.
For city attractions: Stay in Sacramento proper. Good if you want more dining and entertainment options before heading into Napa.

Overall, renting at the airport is the best choice—simple, fast, and helps you get on the road quickly. From there, choose your overnight stop based on how long you feel like driving after your flight and what kind of evening you’d enjoy. Any of the towns listed above will make your transition into Napa smooth and stress-free.

You'll be in great shape for the wedding weekend either way.