San Francisco Airport

Introduction

Located 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco, it serves as one of the primary airports serving the Bay Area. It is the biggest airport in Western North Carolina and, as of 2018[update], is second only to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (both are behind Los Angeles International) processing over half-a-million passengers yearly. SFO ranked as the fourteenth-busiest U.S. airport and twenty-sixth in the world by passenger count in 2023.

It is owned and run by the City and County of San Francisco, which has a street address with an assigned ZIP code written as "San Francisco". The airport is a major hub for United Airlines and is the nearest to Hong Kong than any other US mainland air gateway, serving more transpacific flights weekly at one point in time as compared with all the other Bay Area regional airports, contributing about ten percent of traffic.

Airlines and Destinations

The major western gateway is San Francisco Airport with non-stop passenger flights to 144 Destinations in 33 countries. Currently, there are 85 domestic flights from San Francisco. The longest flight from San Francisco SFO is a 5,398-mile (8,687 km) non-stop route to Bengaluru, India.

The main airlines operating to and from SFO are:

• United Airlines – the largest operator at SFO, flying to more than 80 global destinations.
• Alaska Airlines – A primary hub carrier at SFO.
• American Airlines: Serves many domestic and international locations.
• Delta Air Lines: Serves a number of major U.S. cities and international destinations.
• Southwest Airlines: Point-to-point airline with bases at SFO.

Frequency and Volume of Passengers

But it should be noted that San Francisco International Airport was the seventh busiest airport in terms of passengers, welcoming more than 50 million passengers to its terminals in 2023. During the same year, more than 400,000 aircraft movements took place at the airport.

How to Get Here

San Francisco International Airport or SFO, an international airport, is situated about 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco. Transport options to and from the airport include some of these:

• Public transit is excellent, in particular due to the SamTrans airport routes (292/397/etc.) which provide a semi-express service into downtown San Francisco that generally takes about 30 minutes.
• Rideshare — passengers have access to services like Uber and Lyft that can take them to/from the airport.
• Taxis: For up to 5 passengers, fares from the airport to the city center cost around $56 USD (€51).
• Private Transfers: Pre-booked private transfers to popular destinations in San Francisco from SFO begin at USD 569.54 for the group (maximum of 2 people).

Parking

Long-term parking

SFO has multiple long-term airport car parks.

• Best Western Grosvenor Hotel: It is located at 380 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco and allows both short-term as well as long-term parking with free valet services along with a shuttle to the SFO every twenty minutes (24/7).
• Burlingame Airport Parking: Located at 620 Airport Blvd., Burlingame — free shuttle, open 24 hours.

On-Site Parking

In terms of on-site parking facilities, SFO offers several garages and lots with rates that begin at $3 per hour or $36 per day.

Transportation Prices

Find the price of transportation to and from San Francisco International Airport by mode:

• Taxi Fare: About $56 USD (€51) for a taxi with up to 5 passengers from the airport transfer or city center.
• Private Transfer: Private transfer rates from SFO to common locations in San Francisco begin at $569.54 per group (up to 2 people).
• Take Public Transit: SamTrans airport routes cost between $2.50 and $5 per person, one-way.

Terminal Layout

There are four terminals at San Francisco International Airport:

• International Terminal
• Terminal 1
• Terminal 2
• Terminal 3

The AirTrain is a free automated people mover system that operates 24 hours per day and runs every five minutes, connecting the terminals.

Navigate the Airport

You can travel to the SFO with these tips:

• Visit Interactive Maps & Signage within the airport to find where your terminal, gate, and other amenities are located.
• Allocate adequate time for passing through security checkpoints (which can vary a little by time of day).
• Use the AirTrain for fast movement from one terminal to another.
• Know where your airline check-in counters and gates are located.

Getting Between Terminals

The AirTrain system at SFO allows passengers to travel between the terminals with ease. The AirTrain moves at a brisk pace, which is equipped to transport travelers from terminal-to-terminal as well as to and around the airport parking garages, car rental center, and BART station.

Services and Amenities

Airport Lounges

SFO has around 20 lounges, many operated by foreign carriers serving their premium passengers.

Free Wi-Fi

Yes, high-speed wireless internet is available.

Sleep Pods

There are designated sleep pod areas mainly at the International Terminal for passengers to rest.

Art Exhibits

As part of its community collection, SFO has rotating exhibits to enjoy throughout the airport.

The Yoga Room

An additional, relaxing yoga studio is provided in the International Terminal as a safe place where passengers can bend and balance.

Restaurants and Shops

Dining

The airport has a variety of food options, ranging from local favorites such as Taqueria & Maremmeseria and Lemonade to international dining.

Cafes and Bars

Who doesn't have time for a cup of coffee from Peet's or maybe even a beer at the Union Street Gastropub.

Retail Stores

The high-end brands — Hermès, Gucci, Tiffany & Co. and more; duty-free shopping.

Security and Customs

TSA Security Checkpoint

Passengers entering the boarding areas are screened through a security checkpoint by TSA. Wait times are typically ten to fifteen minutes.

U.S. Customs

International arrivals must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection at SFO. The gates open in the customs area at 7:30 am.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Assistance

Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance can make this request at the airport's information desks or through their airline.

Sleep Pods

The airport has sleep pod locations, mainly in the International Terminal, which are all accessible by disabled passengers.

A Sensory Room

A sensory room for staff and passengers is located in the International Terminal.

Travel Tips

• Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to get through the airport, especially during high-traffic travel times.
• SFO Mobile App: Download the app to get real-time flight status, maps, and other informative features.
• Enjoy our amenities: Eat, explore, and decompress at SFO with a wide variety of food & drink options from dining partners; buy last-minute gifts or just relax in CB2-sponsored Soothebe airport rest zones.
• Plan for Transportation: Do your homework and organize your ground transport to and from the airport ahead of time.
• Stay informed: Visit the airport's website and social media channels to keep up with flight information, construction alerts, and other key facts.