San Francisco International Airport [SFO] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: May 20, 2020

1. Travel Guides & Resources  / 
2. Airport Guides

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the seventh busiest airport in the U.S. for passenger numbers and has won awards for its green approach to sustainability and environmental impact. SFO’s 5-year strategic plan is to become the first airport in the world to achieve zero carbon, zero waste, and zero net energy.

As well as making improvements to its impact on the environment, SFO has been carrying out regular construction projects to improve its facilities for passengers.

Phased redevelopments are ongoing at Terminal 1 with full completion in 2023, including a new connector bridge to International Terminal A gates within the secure area to speed up flight connections.

Quick Information

Airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Terminals: 4 — including Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and the International Terminal (with boarding gate areas A and G)
Airport Address: Highway 101, San Francisco, CA 94128
Distance from Los Angeles: 13 miles (21 km)
Website: flysfo.com
Phone Number: 800-435-9736
Destinations Served: 125+ non-stop destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here.

Airlines Operating from SFO

International Terminal A

International Terminal G

Harvey Milk Terminal 1

Terminal 2

Terminal 3

• United Airlines (domestic flights)

SFO Airport Terminals

SFO airport is a circular shape with the terminal boarding gate areas located on the outside of the circle and parking and ground transportation on the inside of the circle.

The airport has 1 international terminal and 3 domestic terminals, easily connectable via pedestrian walkways or by riding the AirTrain.

SFO has good public transport links with regular buses serving the airport, as well as the BART train station with direct services to downtown San Francisco.

Other modes of transportation are also easily accessible from the terminals with the AirTrain connecting passengers to the car rental center and shuttle buses running to/from the long-term parking garages.

International Terminal

The International Terminal has a central main hall for ticketing, services, shops, and restaurants located on Level 3. This is also where passengers access the BART Station for connections to San Francisco.

Arrivals and baggage claim are located on Level 2 and the AirTrain stations are located on Level 4.

The departures area is split across 2 concourses — A and G — with parking facilities and AirTrain stations located on either side.

International A Gates

The international A gates are located on the southern side of the airport and consist of gates numbered A1-A15. The concourse has its own security checkpoint and dedicated parking garage for passengers departing on A gate airlines.

The concourse has shops and dining opportunities, as well as the Emirates Lounge for eligible passengers.

International G Gates

The international G gates are located on the northern side of the airport with gates numbered G1-G14.

The concourse has a main security checkpoint and a smaller one for passengers connecting from international flights to domestic flights departing from Terminal 3. The G gate concourse has shops and restaurants, a United Polaris Lounge, and a United First Lounge.

Passengers departing on G side airlines are advised to utilize the G side car parking garage as it is the closest to their check-in and departure area.

Harvey Milk Terminal 1

Harvey Milk Terminal 1 is one of the 3 domestic terminals at SFO with flights operated by Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines.

The terminal has 2 concourses — 1 with gates numbered B6-B18 and 1 with gates numbered C2-C11. Both concourses have their own security checkpoints, a few shops, and restaurants, and gates C2-C11 have a Delta Sky Club.

Passengers can walk within the secure area if they have arrived into gates C2-C11 and need to connect to a flight at Terminal 2. To connect to any other terminals, this would require walking outside of the secure area or riding the AirTrain.

Terminal 2

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines operate flights from Terminal 2’s 18 gates, numbered D1-D18.

The terminal has a good selection of shops and restaurants and an American Airlines Admirals Club. Passengers can walk within the secure area if they have arrived into Terminal 2 and need to connect to gates C2-C11 of Terminal 1. For any other terminal connections, re-clearing security would be required.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 consists of 36 gates across 2 concourses. 1 concourse has gates numbered E1-E13 and the other has gates F1-F22.

Only United Airlines operates flights from this terminal, and there are 2 United Club Lounges and an American Express Centurion Lounge. There are also shops and restaurants throughout the terminal and concourses.

Passengers connecting from an inbound flight to Terminal 3 to an international flight from the G gates can walk along the connector bridge within the secure area. Any passengers looking to connect to an international flight from the A gates would need to re-clear security.

Inter-Terminal Transport

AirTrain 

The AirTrain is a convenient people mover that connects passengers between terminals and to/from the car rental center across 2 lines. The AirTrain does not service the long term parking garages.

The red line runs clockwise stopping at all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, and Grand Hyatt. The blue line runs counter-clockwise stopping at all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, Grand Hyatt, and car rental center.

Trains depart every 4 minutes and operate 24-hours a day, connecting passengers outside of the secure area.

Walking

The terminals are all connected in a loop — Terminal 1 – Terminal 2 – Terminal 3 – International Terminal G – International Terminal A – Terminal 1.

Domestic Terminals

Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected by a walkway outside of the secure area and inside of the secure area via a connector bridge from gates C2-C11 in Terminal 1. Gates B6-B18 have a dedicated security checkpoint, so it is always necessary to clear security when departing from these specific gates in Terminal 1.

Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are connected outside of the secure area with a walkway, so passengers are required to re-clear security when connecting.

International Terminals

The walkway between International Terminal A and Terminal 1 is currently under construction, so the best way to reach Terminal 1 or 2 is currently via the AirTrain.

Terminal 3 is connected to the International Terminal outside of the secure area, and passengers connecting from Terminal 3 to departure gates G in the International Terminal can walk via an airside connector bridge without the need to re-clear security.

Any passengers connecting to departure gates A in the International Terminal must re-clear security at the entrance to the A gates.

Security and Customs at SFO

Each terminal at SFO has a security checkpoint with Terminals 2 and 3 having 2 checkpoints each. The checkpoints have different opening hours:

TSA PreCheck

SFO has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at Terminals 2, 3, and the International Terminal G gates for expedited screening.

The airport also has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in the International Terminal near the G gates security checkpoint. This enables passengers to apply online and arrange their interview for when they are next passing through SFO. Office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Global Entry

SFO also participates in Global Entry for expedited clearance of passengers arriving on international flights.

An application can be submitted online and an interview will need to be scheduled at an enrollment center, of which SFO has 1 located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal. Office hours are 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Mobile Passport

SFO participates in Mobile Passport Control, allowing passengers to submit their details via the app on arrival at the airport.

Passengers may then proceed through the Mobile Passport express lane and present their instant receipt and passport to a CBP agent.

CLEAR

CLEAR allows expedited security clearance at SFO for approved members and is accepted at all terminals.

SFO Airport Lounges

There are 21 lounges at SFO with some reserved exclusively for passengers flying in premium cabins, elite tier frequent flyers, or selected credit cardholders.

If you aren’t eligible for lounge access with your airline or cabin class, there are few options to purchase a day pass (subject to capacity allowance). The prices for these lounges are indicated below, where available.

*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip: Avoid paying lounge entry fees simply by having a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

The following lounges accept Priority Pass entry, but are also subject to capacity allowance:

• Air France/KLM Lounge
• San Francisco Giants Clubhouse
• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Priority Pass holders can also use their membership to receive a discount at:

• Yankee Pier (Terminal 3)

Airport Dining and Drinks at SFO

SFO has over 70 restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go options. There’s a good selection outside of security in the International Terminal Main Hall, so if you arrive early for your flight, you’ll have somewhere to pass the time.

If you want to check out your dining options at the airport, visit the airport’s website where you can filter results by terminal and location pre- or post-security.

SFO Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free Wi-Fi is available to passengers throughout the terminals and car rental center. To connect, select the Wi-Fi network “#SFO FREE WIFI,” launch your browser, accept the terms and conditions, and click “Connect.”

For any issues, you can contact the Wi-Fi support line at 855-415-9434.

Hot Tip: Not all airports offer free Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to worry about being disconnected, you may want to pick up a mobile hotspot to keep you connected. 

Charging Stations: These can be found throughout the terminals and in the Terminal 2 food court with dedicated power bars.

Travelers’ workstations: Desks with charging stations can be found in every terminal for passengers wanting to use and charge laptops while comfortably waiting for a flight.

SFO Airport Lost and Found

If you lose an item at the airport, then you need to follow-up with the appropriate department depending on where the item was misplaced.

• Public areas: For any items lost in the terminals, parking garages, or AirTrain, contact the San Francisco Police Department Lost and Found at 650-821-7014 or email [email protected]. They also have a desk in the Terminal 1 arrivals hall.
• Security checkpoints: Contact Covenant Aviation Security at 650-457-2670 or email [email protected].
• Airplanes: Contact the applicable airline.
• Transfer bus to/from long-term parking or the car rental center: Contact the SFO Shuttle Bus Company at 415-915-9760.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

There are information booths situated in every terminal at SFO in the main central areas.

Travelers Aid

There is no travelers aid center at SFO. The nearest center is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Marin County in San Rafael.

Children’s Play Areas

SFO is one of the best kid-friendly airports in the U.S., so it’s clear SFO is focused on family travel. SFO has 3 Kids Spots that have interactive and educational features to keep children entertained before your flight. Terminal 2’s Kids Spot is located near gate D7 and Terminal 3’s near gate E7 and F18.

Baby Facilities

SFO has nursing stations in every terminal, located at:

• International Terminal: Pre-security on the G side
• Terminal 1: Near gate C7
• Terminal 2:
  • Departures level, near Museum Art Cases
  • Departures level, near the security checkpoint
  • Departures level, behind Alaska Airlines ticket counter
  • Arrivals level, near carousel 1
  • Arrivals level, near carousel 4
  • Near gate D4
  • Near gate D14
• Terminal 3: 
  • Departures level, near entryway door 5
  • Mezzanine level, by the concession area
  • Near gate E5
  • Near gate F4
  • Near gate F16

Pet Relief Areas

While not a top pet-friendly U.S. airport, SFO still offers a lot when traveling with Fido. SFO has pet relief areas in every terminal, and these are located at:

• Terminal 1:
  • Concourse B restrooms
  • Concourse C, near gate C5
  • Baggage claim level (outdoor courtyard)
• Terminal 2:
  • Concourse D restrooms, near Sunset News
  • Baggage claim level (outdoor courtyard)
• Terminal 3:
  • Concourse F restrooms, near San Francisco Magazine News
  • Baggage claim level (outdoor courtyard)
• International Terminals: Near the end of Concourse A (indoor area)

Duty Free

Duty-free shopping is available at the International Terminals, located near gates A11 and G4.

Smoking Areas

Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the terminals, outside of the secure area.

Interesting Features

SFO has a video arts room showing documentaries, experimental films, and animations that are no more than 15 minutes. The airport also presents the Wag Brigade with trained dogs (and even a pig) roaming the airport wearing “Pet Me” vests.

Prayer

There are no chapels or dedicated places of prayer at SFO, however, the airport has the Berman Reflection Room for quiet reflection and meditation.

Money

ATMs are located throughout the terminals, and currency exchange desks are located in the International Terminal and Terminal 3 near gate E1.

Luggage

Luggage storage is available at the Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal, outside of G security.

Water Fountains

Hydration stations are available in every terminal and at the departure concourses.

Important SFO Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 800-435-9736

Parking: 650-821-7900

Airport Travel Agency (luggage storage:) 650-877-0422

Travel to and From SFO

Transport Options

Train

• BART: Passengers can ride the BART train to/from many destinations within the Bay Area, including downtown San Francisco or Oakland. The BART station is accessible from the G side of the International Terminal on the ticketing level. A one-way ticket between SFO and downtown San Francisco is $10.15 and takes 30 minutes.
• Caltrain: This commuter train serves San Francisco and San Jose. Passengers can connect from the Caltrain to the BART at Millbrae Station, where they need to transfer at San Bruno Station for airport trains.

Bus

• SamTrans: These public buses transport passengers to/from San Mateo County and San Francisco to SFO. Buses depart from outside of Terminals 2, 3, and International Terminals A and G.
• Charter Bus: Charter bus services are available to book. View a list of operators on the airport’s website.

Shuttles

Shared-ride and private ride shuttles are available from each terminal at SFO. These can be pre-booked or arranged on arrival by checking in at the shared ride van monitor located in the arrivals hall. A list of operators can be found here.

Taxi

Metered taxis are available from outside of each terminal on the arrivals level. SFO to downtown will cost around $45, depending on your destination and traffic.

Ride Services

Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are approved ride service operators. At the international terminal, drivers can drop-off and pick-up on both levels. At the domestic terminals, shared-ride services should pick-up from level 5 of the domestic garage and private services should pick up curbside on the departures level.

Directions by Car to SFO

Arriving From the North

Take US-101 southbound until exit 438 where you continue on CA-1/Veterans Blvd. Use the right 3 lanes to turn slightly right onto Junipero Serra Blvd. and take the slip road onto I-280. Take exit 43A for I-380 towards US 101/SF Int’l Airport and then take exit 6A towards US-101 where you then follow the signs for the terminals.

Arriving From the South

Join the US-101 northbound until exit 422 towards San Francisco International Airport where you can follow signs for the terminals.

San Francisco International Airport to Union Square

Head northwest on US-101 for around 12 miles and keep right at the fork to continue on I-80 East. Follow signs for Bay Bridge and take exit 1 for 7th Street towards US-101 North. Continue on Charles J. Brenham Place, turn left onto McAllister Street, and finally turn right onto Leavenworth Street towards Union Square.

Official Airport Parking

There are over 8,000 spaces at SFO for passengers looking to park short- and long-term.

Short-Term Parking

The domestic garage is located in the center of the airport close to the entrance of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This is the largest parking garage at the airport with rates at $2 per 15 minutes or $36 per 24 hours. This garage offers covered and uncovered parking with a maximum clearance of 6 feet 6 inches.

Valet Parking is also available in the domestic garage on level 4. Fees are $45 for the first 24 hours with subsequent hours charged at $2 per 15 minutes or $45 per 24 hours.

International Terminals A and G both have parking garages located close by with covered and uncovered parking. Rates are $2 per 15 minutes or $36 per 24 hours.

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking is available in the long-term surface lot or inside 2 long-term garages. These options are located a little way from the terminals and cost $2 per 15 minutes or $18 per 24 hours. A courtesy shuttle bus transports passengers from the parking areas to the terminals every 5-15 minutes.

Hot Tip: Passengers with a credit card linked to a FasTrack account can use the FasTrak lanes at the parking garages for quicker payment via their account.

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

The cell phone waiting lot is situated near the long-term parking lots and allows friends/family 60 minutes of free parking to await a call from the passenger for pick up. Vehicles must not be left unattended while waiting and the lot is closed from 1 a.m. – 5 a.m.

Kiss and Fly Lot

Friends or family dropping off passengers can avoid the terminal traffic by utilizing the kiss and fly lot located at the car rental center.

The free AirTrain runs between the airport terminals and car rental center with the journey taking around 10 minutes.

Hot Tip: Many domestic airlines enable passengers to check-in and bag drop at the car rental center lobby to avoid carrying luggage on the train. 

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

The cheapest parking is not always available at the airport parking lots. Off-site lots and hotels will often offer you the most competitive rates while still transporting passengers to/from the airport with a courtesy shuttle service.

If you’ve got a bit more time to spare, it’s worth checking out these alternative parking options with daily rates starting at $9. Airportparkingreservations.com is a good website to use with a clear layout and pricing format.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking is available in all airport parking lots with spaces close to the elevators in the domestic and international parking garages. The long-term parking lots have wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses running to/from the terminals.

For height clearance, accessible cars exceeding 6 feet 6 inches cannot enter the domestic garage and are advised to proceed to the valet parking on the departures roadway for assistance. The international parking garages and long-term garage 2 can accommodate vehicles up to 8 feet 2 inches, while the long term garage has a maximum clearance of 6 feet 10 inches.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 650-821-7900

Car Rental at SFO Airport

The car rental center is located on airport property away from the terminals and passengers can ride the AirTrain in 10 minutes for access.

The following agencies operate from the car rental center at SFO:

• Alamo: 650-616-2400
• Avis: 650-877-6780
• Budget: 650-877-0998
• Dollar: 650-244-4131
• Enterprise: 650-697-9200
• Fox: 800-225-4369
• Hertz: 650-624-6600
• National Car Rental: 650-616-3000
• Thrifty: 650-283-0898

The following agencies are located off-airport property with a courtesy shuttle bus connecting from the car rental center:

• Airport Van Rental: 650-952-5543
• NU Car Rentals: 800-55-NUCAR
• Payless: 650-548-5161
• Silvercar: 650-273-7110
• Sixt: 415-658-9800

Hot Tip: There are specific credit cards that offer car rental insurance as a benefit, so you can avoid paying the rental companies for their often expensive insurance!

SFO Airport Hotels

SFO airport accommodation ranges from 2-4 stars with hotels located from 0.4 miles from the terminals. Hotels usually provide a courtesy shuttle bus to/from the airport and may also offer parking as a combined package.

We’ve included a list of hotels below that are up to 3 miles from the airport with contact details for booking.

SFO Airport Hotels – Sorted by Distance

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

Depending on the season, hotels in San Francisco can be quite pricey. Fortunately, with points and miles, your stay in the bay area doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are some of the best award booking options near San Francisco International Airport.

The Westin San Francisco offers a state-of-the-art fitness studio, heated indoor saltwater pool, and complimentary bike rental. Guests can enjoy spectacular views with rooms overlooking San Francisco Bay. A free shuttle runs to/from the airport every 20 minutes to make your trip even easier. Guests who are members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program can book award nights for 40,000 points on off-peak nights, 50,000 points during standard nights, and 60,000 points on peak nights.

The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport offers premium convenience as the hotel is right next door to the airport. It not only offers the standard free shuttle service but also boasts an on-site Hertz rental car desk. With several large meeting spaces and a 24-hour business center, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport is an ideal choice for business travelers. Members of the World of Hyatt loyalty program can book award nights for 12,000 points per night.

The San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront offers breathtaking views through the massive wall of windows in their lobby: It’s mesmerizing to watch planes take off over San Francisco Bay from one of the comfy chairs. Sleek, streamlined rooms and amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, and hot tub will no doubt make your stay a pleasant one. Members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program can book award nights for 40,000 points on off-peak nights, 50,000 points during standard nights, and 60,000 points on peak nights.

Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy, or World of Hyatt points.

Final Thoughts

SFO is San Francisco’s primary airport for international flights to Europe and Asia and is conveniently located for many of San Francisco’s main attractions and business districts.

However, flight operations are regularly affected by San Francisco’s famous bay fog, so if you’re looking to reach Yosemite National Park or other areas outside of San Francisco, you also have the option of flying into Oakland International Airport (OAK).

Navigating San Francisco International Airport is easy with the convenient AirTrain and ability to walk between all terminals outside of the secure area and within the secure area of some terminals.

If you’re an AvGeek and have some time to burn before your flight, you might like to check out SFO’s new observation deck that opened in February 2020. Located at Terminal 2, SkyTerrace is free to the public (outside of the general secure area) and offers views of the runways and airport operations.