San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco, United States · Since 1927
Last updated:
About SFO
Major gateway to the Pacific Rim and a hub for United Airlines on the San Francisco Bay.
Why "SFO"?
SFO comes from San Francisco. The airport has served the San Francisco Bay Area since 1927, located 13 miles south of downtown in San Mateo County.
Terminals
Terminal 1
Recently renovated terminal serving Southwest Airlines and other domestic carriers. Harvey Milk Terminal 1 features sustainable design and local dining.
Terminal 2
Eco-friendly terminal serving American Airlines and some Alaska Airlines flights. Features farm-to-table dining and yoga room.
Terminal 3
United Airlines domestic terminal with extensive dining and shopping options.
International Terminal
Handles all international flights plus some United international departures. The largest international terminal in North America. Features impressive architecture and duty-free shopping.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at SFO
United Airlines
Hub
Alaska Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Aer Lingus
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Showing 8 of 54 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
$45-55 to downtown San Francisco
25-40 minutes to city center
Public Transport
$9.65 BART one-way
30 minutes to downtown SF to city center
Parking at SFO
Domestic Garage
International Garage
Long-Term Parking
Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
United Polaris Lounge - International Terminal
Stunning lounge with a la carte dining, craft cocktails, shower suites, rest pods, and views of the runway.
Centurion Lounge - International Terminal
Premium Amex lounge with chef-curated California cuisine, craft cocktails, and shower suites.
Cathay Pacific Lounge - International Terminal
Elegant lounge with signature noodle bar, Asian and Western cuisine, cocktail bar, and shower suites.
United Club - Terminal 3
Domestic lounge with buffet snacks, full bar, and comfortable seating.
The Club SFO - Terminal 2
Independent lounge with snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi. Modest but clean.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Grand Hyatt at SFO
Inside the International Terminal on the departures level
The only hotel inside the airport, integrated into the International Terminal. Modern rooms with runway views.
Nearby Hotels
Aloft San Francisco Airport
Free shuttle, 5 minutes from terminal
Trendy Aloft property with modern rooms, W XYZ bar, and airport shuttle.
Marriott San Francisco Airport Waterfront
On the bay, free shuttle
Bayfront hotel with stunning views, pool, and complimentary airport shuttle every 15 minutes.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
Adjacent to the airport, connected via covered walkway
Connected to the BART station and airport via covered paths. Full-service hotel with pool and restaurants.
Food & Dining
Peet's Coffee
Coffee
Bay Area-born specialty coffee roaster. Multiple locations throughout the airport.
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Anchor Brewing Taproom
American/Brewery
San Francisco legendary Anchor Brewing on tap with pub food. Steam Beer is the must-try.
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Napa Farms Market
California
Farm-to-table market featuring products from Napa Valley and Northern California artisans. Fresh salads, sandwiches, and local wines.
5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Tartine Manufactory
Bakery/Cafe
Outpost of the legendary San Francisco bakery serving sourdough, pastries, and sandwiches.
5:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Gott's Roadside
American/Burgers
Napa Valley burger institution serving juicy burgers, ahi tuna burgers, and milkshakes.
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
The Little Chihuahua
Mexican
San Francisco mission-style burritos and tacos with organic ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options.
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Car Rental
Enterprise
SFO Rental Car Center
Take the AirTrain (Blue Line) from any terminal to the Rental Car Center. Enterprise is on Level 1.
Hertz
SFO Rental Car Center
Hertz Gold members proceed to their car in the lot. AirTrain connects to all terminals.
Budget
SFO Rental Car Center
Shares space with Avis. Good rates for Bay Area and California road trips.
National
SFO Rental Car Center
Emerald Aisle available. Tesla and EV options frequently available at SFO.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Yoga Room at Terminal 2
Free yoga room in Terminal 2 with mats provided. Perfect for stretching and relaxing between flights.
Visit the SFO Museum
SFO has a world-class museum with rotating exhibitions throughout all terminals. Features aviation history, art, and cultural exhibits.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Explore Fisherman's Wharf
Famous waterfront with sea lions, clam chowder in sourdough bowls, and views of Alcatraz. Take BART to Embarcadero + streetcar.
Ride a Cable Car in the City
San Francisco famous cable cars run from Powell Street (30 min from airport via BART). A quintessential SF experience.
Explore Chinatown
The oldest Chinatown in North America. Dim sum, tea shops, and vibrant markets. Take BART to Montgomery + short walk.
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco most iconic landmark. Take BART to downtown, then bus 28 or 30 to the bridge. Allow 2 hours for the round trip walk.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type B (US standard), USB ports
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From $10/day at storage locations
- Showers: Available
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: USD
- Exchange: Travelex in International Terminal (departures and arrivals) and Terminal 3.
- Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
- Tipping: Tipping 15-20% at sit-down restaurants. $1-2 per bag for porters.
Smoking Areas
No indoor smoking. Outdoor smoking areas on the departure level between terminals. SFO is a smoke-free campus.
Lost & Found
- Phone: +1 650-821-7014
Facilities & Contact
Traveler Reviews
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