San Francisco International Airport Guide (SFO) – San Francisco

Airport Overview

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary airport for the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, serving approximately 57 million passengers annually. Located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco in unincorporated San Mateo County, SFO serves as the largest hub for United Airlines on the West Coast and offers extensive nonstop service to Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Airlines from over 40 countries operate at SFO, reflecting the Bay Area's strong international connections to the Pacific Rim and beyond.

SFO is notable for several distinctive features: it houses the world's only in-terminal aviation museum (the SFO Museum), maintains one of the most environmentally progressive programs of any U.S. airport, and regularly tops lists of the best dining airports in North America. The International Terminal G complex was completely renovated and is among the most modern international facilities on the West Coast.

Terminals

SFO operates four terminals — Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal (Terminal A/G) — arranged in a horseshoe configuration connected by the AirTrain people mover and underground walkways.

• Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal): Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and regional carriers; recently renovated with new retail and dining options
• Terminal 2: American Airlines domestic and international operations, Delta Air Lines domestic; known as SFO's most pleasant domestic terminal with excellent food
• Terminal 3: United Airlines domestic operations; Gates E and F
• International Terminal (Boarding Area A): United Airlines international departures including transpacific widebodies; Star Alliance partner airlines
• International Terminal (Boarding Area G): All other international airlines including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, and others

WiFi Availability

SFO offers complimentary WiFi throughout all terminals and boarding areas via the "SFO Free WiFi" network. Connect by selecting the network and accepting the terms — no time limits or passwords required. Connection speeds are generally fast and consistent, particularly in the recently renovated Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. SFO also provides extensive USB charging stations at most gate areas.

Transport to City Center

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

BART is the most convenient public transit option from SFO. The SFO BART station is located within the International Terminal building, accessible via a free AirTrain ride from any domestic terminal. Trains run to San Francisco's downtown Civic Center/UN Plaza and Embarcadero stations in approximately 30 minutes. The fare from SFO is $10.55 (adults) due to a surcharge for airport trips. BART operates from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight on weekdays.

Bus Services

SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit District) routes serve SFO's upper level with connections to Daly City BART station and other Peninsula destinations. Samtrans Route 397 runs express service to San Francisco's Transbay Terminal downtown. Various shuttle services connect SFO to hotels throughout the Bay Area.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis depart from the designated pickup area on the lower level of the Domestic Terminals and International Terminal. A taxi to downtown San Francisco costs approximately $45–$65 and takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) pick up at the designated TNCs (Transportation Network Company) area on the Upper Roadway level — follow airport signage to the "Rideshare Pickup" zone. Expect fares of $30–$55 to downtown SF.

Airport Lounges

SFO has a strong lounge ecosystem, particularly in the International Terminal where multiple premium clubs compete for long-haul travelers.

• United Club – Terminal 3 (Gate F8): United's primary SFO lounge for MileagePlus Premier and United Club members; showers available
• United Polaris Lounge – International Terminal A: United's premium flagship lounge for Polaris Business Class passengers on transpacific and transatlantic flights; renowned for its exceptional food and spa-quality showers
• The Centurion Lounge – Terminal 3: American Express Centurion Lounge with California-focused cuisine and a full-service bar
• Alaska Airlines Board Room – Terminal 1: Available to Alaska MVP Gold and Gold 75K members and Board Room cardholders
• Air France Lounge – International Terminal G: Available to Air France/KLM business class passengers and Flying Blue Platinum/Ultima members
• British Airways Lounge – International Terminal G: For BA business class and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members on transatlantic BA flights

Hotels Near the Airport

Multiple hotels surround SFO with complimentary AirTrain and shuttle access, making overnight stays before early departures easy to arrange.

• Grand Hyatt at SFO: Connected directly to the International Terminal via a sky bridge — the most convenient on-airport hotel with direct AirTrain access
• Marriott San Francisco Airport Waterfront: Situated on the San Francisco Bay, 1 mile from SFO with a complimentary shuttle
• Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront: Bay views and complimentary shuttle service, less than 5 minutes from terminals
• Hyatt Regency SFO: Located on the hotel shuttle loop, full-service amenities, and Bay Area conference facilities
• Embassy Suites by Hilton SFO Airport: Suite-style rooms with complimentary breakfast and evening reception, about 5 minutes from airport

Food and Restaurants

SFO is regularly cited as one of America's best food airports, with a deliberate focus on local Bay Area chefs, organic ingredients, and California wine and craft beer.

• Napa Farms Market (Terminal 2): Northern California deli and market sourcing from local farms; artisan sandwiches, cheese boards, and California wines by the glass
• Cat Cora's Kitchen (International Terminal): Celebrity chef Cat Cora's Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, ideal for pre-flight dining before long-haul departures
• Tacos El Grullense (International Terminal G): Authentic Mexican tacos and burritos popular with regular Bay Area travelers
• Palomino (Terminal 3): Upscale American bistro with California wines, fresh salads, and seafood options
• Peet's Coffee (Multiple terminals): The Oakland-born coffee roaster is a Bay Area staple available throughout SFO
• Andale Mexican Kitchen (Terminal 3): California-style Mexican with fresh guacamole and mission-style burritos

Travel Tips

• Arrive 3 hours before international flights and 2.5 hours for domestic — SFO security can be unpredictably long, especially in Terminal 3 during United's peak morning bank departures.
• SFO is frequently affected by low cloud and fog (known as "Karl the Fog") which can cause significant arrival delays, particularly in summer mornings. Build buffer time into connections.
• TSA PreCheck is available at all terminals; CLEAR kiosks are at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 entry points.
• BART is the most reliable and affordable transit option — traffic on US-101 and I-280 toward San Francisco can be extremely slow during rush hours.
• The AirTrain (free) connects all terminals and the BART station in a continuous loop — useful for reaching the BART station from domestic terminals.
• The United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal A is one of the finest airport lounges in the United States — arrive early to take full advantage if eligible.
• SFO has extensive public art and museum installations throughout — look for the rotating exhibitions from the SFO Museum while waiting at your gate.