Airports can feel like a maze, especially if you’re not familiar with them or don’t visit often. Navigating through transportation, security checks, or finding dining options can become overwhelming. But don’t worry if you are at the San Francisco Airport — we have it all covered in this guide.
About San Francisco Airport
San Francisco International Airport was opened on May 7, 1927, and operated by the City and County of San Francisco. This public airport is currently the hub of Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Its location is in San Mateo County and has four terminals with seven concourses. The airport had over fifty million passengers in 2023 and was the 14th busiest airport in the U.S. and the 30th busiest in the world in terms of passenger count.
SFO Airport History
The wooden Administration Building was constructed on a cow pasture that cost less than $9000. The airport served 19 passengers during its initial month, while today, it’s a gateway to more than 125 destinations. San Francisco International Airport was originally named Mills Field Municipal Airport of San Francisco. After the City & County of San Francisco purchased the land in 1930, the name was changed in 1931 to San Francisco Airport. After WWII, the name was changed again to San Francisco International Airport to make way for the flourishing international air service at SFO.
Where is SFO Airport?
SFO Airport’s address is San Francisco, CA 94128. It is in San Mateo County and serves the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The airport is approximately 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. It is one of the largest airports in North America and is located on 1.8 million square feet of land.
SFO Airport Map
The San Francisco Airport map will help you locate the terminals and gates.
SFO Parking & Transportation
When it comes to parking, the San Francisco Airport provides onsite parking. However, the chances of you getting a parking spot depend on the traffic at the airport. Additionally, there are offsite parking lots close to the airport that provide good and safe parking. Global Airport Parking provides San Francisco Airport parking at affordable rates without betting on the quality of parking.
When it comes to transportation, AirTrain service is available to get around the airport. You can go by the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Lyft/Uber, or Taxi and Chartered Services to get to and from the airport. Use the all-in-one transit card Clipper Card to save time and skip the line for the ticket. You can use Clipper Card on Bay Area transit systems like BART, Caltrain, Muni, SamTrans, Golden Gate Ferry, and San Francisco Bay Ferry.
AirTrain
Getting around the SFO Airport is easy and free with AirTrain service. The Red Line connects the terminals, terminal garages, BART station, and the Grand Hyatt at SFO, while the Blue Line connects the parking garages and rental car center. It is free to ride and runs 24 hours a day.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
The BART trains can connect SFO Airport with downtown San Francisco Airport, downtown Oakland, and more Bay Area locations. The station is situated in the International Terminal, which will only take a short walk from Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
There is an AirTrain from all the SFO terminals that go directly to the BART station. A one-way ticket from downtown San Francisco to SFO Airport costs $10. There is no charge for children under four or under. If you are looking to avoid traffic, BART could be the best option. It would take 30 minutes to get to downtown San Francisco.
Lyft/Uber
You can use Lyft/Uber to get to and from the airport. Lyft/Uber can drop off curbside at the SFO Airport Departures or Arrival levels or Level 5 of the domestic garage. Uber rides approximately costs $42.
Taxi
Taxi zones are at roadway center islands on the arrivals/baggage claim level in all terminals. Metered rates are applied, and a surcharge may also apply.
Chartered Services
Charter service should be pre-arranged with the service operator. The pick-up points are at the courtyards of the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level. Some of the charter services at the airport are Airport Express, Bauer’s Limousine Service, Classic Charter, Coach 21, and MSN Door to Door.
Other public transit options
- Caltrain Commuter Rail
- SamTrans Public Bus Service
- Airporters
Car Rental Services
The car rental companies at SFO Airport are below:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- Sixt
- Hertz
- National
- Thrifty
SFO Airport Hotels
If you are planning to take some rest or need a break, you might want to check out the hotels near SFO Airport. These are some of the hotels near the San Francisco Airport:
AC Hotel
Address: 1333 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Distance from the airport: 4.7 miles
Address: 250 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
Distance from the airport: Approx 5 miles
Grand Hyatt at SFO
Address: 55 South McDonnell Road, San Francisco, CA 94128
Distance from the airport: Approx 1 mile
Address: 373 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Distance from the airport: Approx 3 miles
Home2 Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport North
Address: 550 Gateway Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Distance from the airport: Approx 4 miles
Hotel 1550
Address: 1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
Distance from the airport: Approx 4 miles
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
Address: 1333 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010
Distance from the airport: Approx 3 miles
Address: 701 Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Distance from the airport: Approx 5 miles
Address: 20 Airport Boulevard, S. San Francisco, CA, 94080-6515
Distance from the airport: Approx 3 miles
Distance from the airport: Approx 4 miles
Address: 151 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
SFO Airport Lounges
Inside the airport early or landed for a layover? You can go check out some of the lounges at SFO Airport.
| Lounge | Location |
|---|---|
| Admirals Club | Harvey Milk Terminal, Near Gate B13, Level 2, Post Security, Terminal 1 |
| Alaska Lounge | Retail Street, Level 2, After security D checkpoint, Terminal 2 |
| United Club | Concourse E, Mezzanine, near Gate E2 and Concourse F, near Gate F11, Terminal 3 |
| The Club | Near Gate B4, Terminal 1 |
| Air France – KLM Lounge | Near Gate A1, Level 4 (Post-Security), International Terminal A |
| United Airlines Polaris Lounge | Right side after security, International Terminal G |
| The Club | Near Gate B4, Terminal 1 |
| Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge | Sector 4, Fourth Floor, Post-Security, Terminal 2 |
| Centurion Lounge | Near Gates F1 and F2, Level 2, Post-Security, Terminal 3 |
| British Airways Club Lounge | Between Gates A5 and A9, Post-Security, International Terminal A |
| United Airlines United Club | Between Gates G6 and G9, International Terminal G |
| USO Lounge | Above the American Airlines ticket counter, before security, Terminal 1 |
| Delta Sky Club | Near Gate C3, Level 2, Post-Security, Terminal 2 |
| Cathay Pacific First and Business Lounge | Near Gate A1, Level 4, left after security, International Terminal A |
| China Airlines Dynasty Lounge | Near Gate A1, Level 4, Post-Security, International Terminal A |
| Emirates Lounge | Between Gates A2 and A6, Level 3, Post-Security, International Terminal A |
| Japan Airlines JAL Sakura Lounge | Left after security, above the escalators, International Terminal A |
| Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse | Left, outside security, level 5, International Terminal A |
SFO Airport Food and Dining
There are plenty of food options at the SFO Airport. If you want a grand dining or a quick snack, you can check out the restaurants and cafes at the SFO.
| Restaurant | Location |
| Drake’s Flyaway | Near Gate B20, Terminal 1 |
| Dolores Park Cafe | Near Gate C5, Terminal 2 |
| Starbucks | Arrivals Level, Terminal 3 |
| Valencia Street Station | Near Gates A12, International Terminal A |
| Napa Farms Market | Near Gate G3, International Terminal G |
| Mama Go’s Filipino Cuisine | Near Gate B18, Terminal 1 |
| Cat Cora | D Gates, Near Gate D9, Terminal 2 |
| Pronto! | E Gates, Near Gate E3, Terminal 3 |
| Black Point Cafe | Near Gate A4, International Terminal A |
| Tomokazu | Near Gate G7, International Terminal G |
| Bourbon Pub | Near Gate B7/B8, Terminal 1 |
| Burger Joint | D Gates, Near Gate D15, Terminal 2 |
| Mission Bar & Grill | E Gates, Near Gate E5, Terminal 3 |
| Boudin Bakery | Near Gate A2, International Terminal A |
| Asian Box | Near Gate G4, International Terminal G |
| GR Chocolate Boutique | Near Gate B13, Terminal 1 |
| Peet’s Coffee | D Gates, Near Gate D7, Terminal 2 |
| Klein’s Deli and Coffee Bar | F Gates, Near Gate F14, Terminal 3 |
| Gott’s Roadside | Near Gate A1, International Terminal A |
| Joe & The Juice | Near Gate G4, International Terminal G |
| Ritual Coffee | Near the B Gates, Terminal 1 |
| Vino Volo | D Gates, Retail Street, Terminal 2 |
| Sidewalk Juice | F Gates, Food Court Near Gates F11 to F22, Terminal 3 |
| Asian Market by Sky Terrace | International Terminal A |
| Sidewalk Juice | F Gates, Food Court Near Gates F11 to F22, International Terminal A |
| Mustards Bar & Grill | Near Gate G3, International Terminal G |
SFO Airport Amenities
These are the amenities at the airport:
- Showers
- Medical Clinic
- Yoga Rooms
- Museum Gallery
- Video arts room
- Aviation Museum
- Library
- SkyTerrace Observation Deck
- On-airport hotel
SFO Airport Art and Sculptures
The San Francisco Arts Commission and SFO Museum have partnered to make the art at SFO flourish. It helps reflect the diverse culture and vibrance of the Bay Area. It has 80 pieces by local, national, and international artists. The artwork is open and available to the public, free of charge. The permanent collection of art includes more than 100 paintings, mosaics, and other artworks.
Things to See Near SFO Airport
Museum
SFO Airport has a museum that collaborates with San Francisco’s Fine Arts Museums. It has about 25 sites around the airport. Some of them are permanent, and others will rotate periodically. The public can access some of them, and some are inside the security perimeter.
Aviation Museum and Library
If you are curious about airplanes, you might want to visit this place. The museum has model airplanes and old engines, propellers, etc. You can also get meals and beverages, posters, etc., from there. On the second floor is the library, which is free and open daily from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm (except holidays).
Plane Spotting
Sky Terrace is an observation deck from where you get a 180-degree view of the airfield, and you can watch planes take off and land. It’s free, open to anyone, and is also outside the security perimeter. Therefore, you won’t need to go through security or need a boarding pass. However, the attendant will check your bags and ID before you enter. The location is on the 4th floor in Terminal 2 (Near D Gates). The place is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Wag Brigade
This SFO initiative brings trained dogs to the terminal and makes the travel more enjoyable. Additionally, there is a cat, rabbit, and pig on the team. For identification, they wear “Pet Me!” vests.
The Mission District
The mission district is located 25 minutes away from the SFO Airport. You can hop off at 16th Street and 24th Street to explore San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood. You can try out some new restaurants and explore galleries here.
Civic Center
Twenty-eight minutes away from the SFO Airport, you can find the Civic Center. You may hop off at the Civic Center BART station to explore the city plaza, museums, performing arts, interesting discoveries, and government buildings.
Union Square
You can get off at Powell Street to enter the biggest names in retail. The location is just 29 minutes away from the SFO Airport.
Chinatown and North Beach
Explore the best of both worlds. Explore Chinatown, which encapsulates rich history, and North Beach, with its Italian heritage. Enjoy your time visiting jazz clubs, galleries, restaurants, gelato parlors, and more. The location is 30 minutes away from the SFO, and you can get off at Powell Street and then connect to Chinatown-Rose Pak Station via T Third line.
South of Market & Yerba Buena
If you want to hit some nightclubs, visit fancy restaurants, see art scenes, and go to the ballpark, you can get off at Embarcadero and Montgomery Street stations. South of Market, also known as SOMA, is located 30 minutes away from the airport.
Other places you can explore include Embarcadero & Financial District, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Mateo, and Burlingame.
SFO Airport Fun Areas for Kids
Kids Spots can be found in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The Kid’s Spots are located post-security. They feature artwork and interactive displays for children. The terminal 2 location is post-security near Gates D7 and D15. Its location is near the checkpoint recompose area, across from Gate B23 in Terminal 1.
Accessibility in SFO Airport
SFO Airport offers accessible facilities. Passengers who need wheelchair assistance or special service requests have to inform the airline prior to their arrival to make arrangements. Once you arrive at SFO, you may contact the airline representative for assistance.
Security at SFO Airport
There are seven security checkpoints at the SFO Airport. The following are the locations of them:
- Security Checkpoint A – 4:30 am to 1:00 am
- Security Checkpoint B – 3:30 am to 12:30 am
- Security Checkpoint B (Mezzanine Level)
- Security Checkpoint D – 3:30 am to 12:30 am
- Security Checkpoint F1 – 3:30 am to 12:30 am
- Security Checkpoint F3 – 6:45 am to 10:00 pm
- Security Checkpoint G – 4:30 am to 1:00 am
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is available at all the security checkpoints at SFO Airport. Its location is in the International Terminal, Pre-Security, G-side, near the BART station. Monday to Friday, it’s open from 7:30 am to 11:30 am and 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Global Entry
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program speeds up the clearance of pre-approved, low-risk passengers. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program speeds up the clearance of pre-approved, low-risk passengers on SFO Airport arrivals. You must make an appointment before getting there since walk-ins are not allowed. The Global Entry office is at the International Terminal, Pre-Security, Arrivals Level. 7:30 am – 9:30 pm (Monday to Friday) are the operating hours.
Mobile Passport
SFO Airport offers a mobile passport facility that allows guests to submit passport and customs declarations rather than traditional paper forms. Download the Mobile Passport App from Google Play or the App Store. Then, set up your profile with your passport data.
CLEAR
The following are the CLEAR Plus Lanes locations:
- International Terminal, Checkpoint A (Near Gates A1-A15) – 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
- International Terminal, Checkpoint G (Near Gates G1-G14) – 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Terminal 1, Checkpoint B (Near Gates B6-B18) – 4:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Terminal 2, Checkpoint D – 4:00am to 11:00pm
- Terminal 3, Checkpoint F (Near Gates E1-E13 and F1-F22) – 4:00 am to 12:00 am
- Terminal 3, Checkpoint F3 – 6:00am to 2:30pm
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at SFO
Free Wi-Fi is available at all terminals in the airport. You connect by selecting the Wi-Fi network named #SFO FREE WIFI and launching a browser. You can find charging stations in the Pre-Security terminals. In the International Terminal, they are in the Main Hall, A Gates, and G Gates concourses.
San Francisco Airport FAQs
Where is San Francisco Airport?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in San Francisco, CA 94128, and serves the San Francisco Bay Area in California.
How early do you arrive for the international flight SFO?
You should arrive three hours prior to your international flight at SFO Airport.
How big is the San Francisco Airport?
The San Francisco Airport has four terminals. It has the largest international terminal at 1.8 million square feet. In an hour, the customs facility can process 5000 arrivals. The airport is able to withstand earthquakes with an 8-quake magnitude.
Does SFO Airport have a hotel attached?
Yes, the SFO Airport has a hotel. The hotel is airport-owned and privately managed by Grand Hyatt. It is located at the entrance of the airport, close to the terminal buildings and parking garages. It has access to U.S. Highway 101 and AirTrain.
What does SFO stand for?
SFO stands for San Francisco Airport, and it is the airport’s IATA code.
Does San Francisco have two airports?
San Francisco has three airports: San Jose Airport (SJC), San Francisco Airport (SFO), and Oakland Airport (OAK).
Is SFO a large airport?
Yes, it is the largest airport in the Bay Area and also the second busiest in California.
Is SFO Airport publicly or privately owned?
San Francisco Airport (SFO) is a publicly owned airport. The City & County of San Francisco owns it.
