SFO Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Airport Recent News
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know SFO Airport
Welcome to the San Francisco Airport Online Guide. As one of the busiest airports in the United States, SFO serves as a major gateway to the Pacific and the rest of the world. Boasting four terminals, including the largest International Terminal in North America, the airport offers a host of dining, shopping, and passenger amenities. A unique feature of SFO is the presence of a dedicated yoga room, the first of its kind in any airport, providing a tranquil space for passengers to relax and recharge. Whether you're embarking on a journey, touching down, or in transit, SFO strives to provide a superior travel experience. For more insights on other airports you might be flying to or from, feel free to explore our comprehensive guide to worldwide airports.
iFly Tip: Get all the essential details on airline baggage policies at our baggage info page.
Navigating SFO's Terminals
San Francisco Airport has four terminals, including the International Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. The International Terminal is the largest terminal at SFO, with 15 gates and serves international flights. Terminal 1 has 25 gates and serves Southwest Airlines, while Terminal 2 has 14 gates and serves American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin America. Terminal 3 has 23 gates and serves United Airlines.
Each terminal at SFO has a variety of restaurants, shops, and services for travelers. The International Terminal has a wide range of dining options, including local favorites like Boudin Bakery and The Plant Cafe Organic. Terminal 1 has a food court with options like Burger King and Subway, while Terminal 2 has a variety of sit-down restaurants like Lark Creek Grill and Napa Farms Market. Terminal 3 has a mix of fast food and sit-down restaurants, including Starbucks and Yankee Pier.
When navigating SFO's terminals, it's important to check your airline and flight information to determine which terminal you'll need to be in. The airport offers a free AirTrain service that connects all terminals and the BART station, making it easy to get around. Additionally, there are information booths located throughout the airport to assist travelers with any questions or concerns.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
San Francisco Airport has four terminals: International Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. The terminals are connected by the AirTrain, a free automated people mover system that operates 24/7. The AirTrain runs every 4-6 minutes and takes about 8-10 minutes to travel between all four terminals.
If you need to walk between terminals, the walking times are as follows:
- International Terminal to Terminal 1: 10-15 minutes
- International Terminal to Terminal 2: 15-20 minutes
- International Terminal to Terminal 3: 20-25 minutes
- Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: 5-10 minutes
- Terminal 1 to Terminal 3: 10-15 minutes
- Terminal 2 to Terminal 3: 5-10 minutes
Frequent Flier Tips
To help make your experience at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from SFO-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"SFO has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal. Each terminal is connected by the AirTrain, which is a free service. If you’re in a rush, the AirTrain can be a real time-saver, especially during peak hours." — Alex M., Daly City, CA, August 2023
"For those flying internationally, make sure to give yourself extra time to navigate the International Terminal. It’s quite large, and security lines can be long. The signage is clear, but it’s easy to get turned around if you’re not paying attention." — Priya K., South San Francisco, CA, July 2023
Getting To/From the City
"The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the most convenient way to get to downtown San Francisco from SFO. It’s affordable and avoids the hassle of traffic. The station is located in the International Terminal, so it’s easy to access from any terminal via the AirTrain." — Michael R., Millbrae, CA, September 2023
"If you’re taking a ride-share, follow the signs to the designated pick-up areas. They’re clearly marked, but can be a bit of a walk depending on your terminal. Always check the app for the exact pick-up location to avoid confusion." — Linda T., Burlingame, CA, October 2023
Parking
"For long-term parking, the SFO Long-Term Parking Garage is your best bet. It’s cheaper than the hourly garages and offers a free shuttle to all terminals. Just make sure to note your parking spot; the garage is huge!" — Javier G., San Bruno, CA, November 2023
"If you’re just picking someone up, use the Cell Phone Waiting Lot. It’s free and you can wait there until your passenger is ready to be picked up. It saves you from circling the airport or paying for short-term parking." — Emily P., Pacifica, CA, December 2023
Inside the Airport
"SFO has some fantastic dining options. If you’re in Terminal 2, don’t miss out on Napa Farms Market. They have great local food and wine, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal." — Daniel H., San Mateo, CA, January 2024
"For some last-minute shopping, the International Terminal has a wide range of stores, from luxury brands to local souvenirs. It’s a great place to pick up gifts or just browse while waiting for your flight." — Mei L., Foster City, CA, February 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Always check the TSA wait times before you leave for the airport. The lines can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the terminal. The SFO website and app provide real-time updates, which can help you plan accordingly." — Carlos R., Redwood City, CA, March 2024
"If you’re traveling during peak times, consider getting TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. It can significantly reduce your wait time at security, making your airport experience much less stressful." — Anna S., San Carlos, CA, April 2024
iFly Tip: Save time at the airport by understanding common security errors.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
San Francisco International Airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is available at all terminals, but it is restricted to active loading and unloading only. Drivers must stay with their vehicles at all times and are not allowed to leave them unattended. Violators may be subject to fines or towing.
If you need to wait for your arriving passenger, the airport also offers cell-phone waiting areas. These areas are designated parking spots where drivers can wait for their passengers to arrive and call them when they are ready to be picked up. The waiting areas are free of charge and are located near each terminal. Once your passenger has arrived, you can proceed to the curbside for pick-up.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're driving to SF International Airport, you'll find a variety of parking options to choose from. There are several parking garages and lots located within the airport, as well as off-airport parking facilities that offer a more economical option.
The parking garages at SFO are located near each of the airport's terminals, making it easy to park and walk to your gate. If you're picking up or dropping off passengers, there are also cell phone waiting areas available where you can wait for your party to arrive.
For those with disabilities, there are designated handicapped parking spaces available in all of the airport's parking facilities. If you need assistance getting from your car to the terminal, there are shuttle services available to help.
If you're looking for a more affordable parking option, off-airport parking facilities are a great choice. These facilities are located near the airport and offer shuttle services to and from the terminals. They also offer competitive pricing and online reservations, making it easy to find a spot and save money on parking.
Get details about SFO parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
San Francisco Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. One of the most popular options is car rental, with major providers such as Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise located on-site at the airport. Visitors can easily rent a car and explore the city and surrounding areas at their own pace.
Taxi services are also available at SFO, with designated drop-off areas located outside of each terminal. Fares vary depending on the destination, but a trip to downtown San Francisco typically costs around $50. Visitors can also use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, which have designated pickup areas at the airport.
For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services like SuperShuttle are available. These services pick up multiple passengers and drop them off at their respective destinations. Pickup areas for shared ride services are located outside of each terminal, and fares vary depending on the destination and number of passengers.
San Francisco Airport also offers an airport shuttle service, which provides transportation to and from select hotels in the area. Pickup areas for the shuttle are located outside of each terminal, and fares vary depending on the destination and number of passengers.
Finally, public transportation options are available for those looking to save money on transportation. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system has a station located at the airport, providing easy access to downtown San Francisco and other destinations in the Bay Area. Additionally, SamTrans buses and Caltrain services are available for those traveling to other parts of the Bay Area.
iFly Tip: Explore the major airline hubs that make global travel possible.
Airport Hotels
Whether you're on a business trip, a vacation, or a layover, finding a comfortable and convenient hotel near the airport can make your travel experience much smoother. From luxury establishments like the Grand Hyatt to budget-friendly options like the Ritz Inn, these hotels are all within close proximity to the airport. Some offer complimentary shuttle services, ensuring a hassle-free transit to and from the airport. Many of these hotels also provide modern amenities such as complimentary WiFi, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants. Discover the perfect hotel for your needs with our guide to the airport Hotels.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
SFO offers a diverse range of dining options and shopping experiences across its terminals. From Mexican cuisine at Andale to luxury watches at Ingenuity, there's something for everyone. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the San Francisco Airport has a myriad of options to choose from. And if you're looking for a unique souvenir or travel essential, the airport's many shops and stores have got you covered.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at SFO Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, check out the food and shopping page.
Passenger Services
SFO is dedicated to providing passengers with the best possible experience. The airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals, allowing passengers to stay connected with their loved ones or work while waiting for their flight.
If you have lost an item, the airport's Lost and Found office is located in the International Terminal. You can also report a lost item online via the airport's website.
For families with children, the airport has several play areas located throughout the terminals. These areas are designed to keep children entertained and engaged while waiting for their flight.
SFO Airport is committed to providing special-needs services to passengers with disabilities. The airport has wheelchair assistance available, as well as TTY phones for the hearing impaired.
There are several banking options available at the airport, including ATMs, currency exchange, and banking services.
For medical emergencies or first aid, the airport has a medical clinic located in the International Terminal. The clinic is staffed by licensed medical professionals and is equipped to handle a variety of medical needs.
Flight Status Info
As a traveler, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight, especially when it comes to departure times, delays, cancelations, and gate changes. Luckily, there are several ways to get flight status updates at San Francisco International Airport.
One of the most common ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time information about flight departures, arrivals, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display and check the status.
Another convenient way to stay updated on your flight status is by using your airline's mobile phone app. Most airlines have their own apps that allow you to check your flight status, receive alerts about delays and cancelations, and even check in for your flight. You can also opt-in to receive notifications via text, email, or push notifications.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at SF International Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in San Francisco, California, United States.
- Terminals: The airport features four terminals: the International Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving SFO include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. For a complete list of airlines, check out the SFO Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: San Francisco International Airport handles approximately 60,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: The airport sees around 1,300 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from SFO are Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Denver, and Chicago.
- Hub Status: SFO is a hub for United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, with United Airlines operating the most daily flights.
Airport History
San Francisco Airport, also known as SFO, is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers every year. Here is a brief history of the airport:
- 1927: SFO opens as Mills Field Municipal Airport.
- 1931: The airport is renamed San Francisco Municipal Airport.
- 1945: The airport is renamed San Francisco International Airport.
- 1954: The Central Terminal building, which is still in use today, opens.
- 1984: The airport's international terminal opens, making SFO one of the few airports in the world with a dedicated terminal for international flights.
- 2000: The airport opens a new, state-of-the-art air traffic control tower.
- 2011: SFO becomes the first airport in the United States to open a yoga room for travelers.
- 2014: The airport opens a new, LEED Gold-certified terminal for Virgin America.
- 2020: SFO is one of the many airports around the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant decrease in passenger traffic.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, SFO Airport continues to be an important hub for travelers from around the world.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about San Francisco International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: SFO
- Airport Website
- Phone: +1 650-821-8211
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: San Francisco International Airport, PO Box 8097, San Francisco, CA 94128, United States
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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San Francisco Airport Q&A
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