San Francisco International Airport [SFO] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• SFO consists of 4 terminals: Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal), Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal, each serving different airlines and destinations.
• The airport offers various amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges, catering to both domestic and international travelers.
• The AirTrain operates pre-security and connects all terminals, car rentals, and long-term parking. It has 2 lines that run in opposite directions, 24 hours a day, and departing every 4 minutes.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the nation’s busiest airports 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 facilities for passengers. The newly redeveloped Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was completed in mid-2024. It features a new connector bridge to International Terminal A gates, providing access to all terminals within the secure area.

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 San Francisco: 13 miles (21 km)
Website: flysfo.com
Phone Number: 800-435-9736
Destinations Served: Over 125 nonstop destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here

SFO Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From SFO

International Terminal A

International Terminal G

Harvey Milk Terminal 1

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• JetBlue Airways
• Porter
• Southwest Airlines

Terminal 2

• Air Canada
• Breeze Airways

Terminal 3

• United Airlines (domestic flights)

SFO Airport Terminals

SFO airport is circular, with the terminal boarding gate areas outside the circle and parking and ground transportation on the inside.

The airport has 1 international terminal (with 2 concourses) and 3 domestic terminals, easily reached via pedestrian walkways or by riding the AirTrain.

SFO has good public transport links, with regular buses serving the airport and the BART train station, which provides 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 and from the long-term parking garages.

International Terminal

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

Arrivals and baggage claim are on level 2, and the AirTrain stations are on level 4.

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

International A Gates

The international A gates are on the airport’s southern side and consist of gates A1 to A15. The concourse has a security checkpoint and dedicated parking garage for passengers departing on airlines that depart from the A gates.

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

International G Gates

The international G gates are on the northern side of the airport, with gates G1 to 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 concourse has shops and restaurants, a United Polaris Lounge, and a United Club.

Passengers departing on airlines that utilize the G gates are advised to use the G-side parking garage, as it is closest to their check-in and departure areas.

Harvey Milk Terminal 1

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

The terminal has 1 concourse, with gates B1 to B27, with a security checkpoint at the entrance of the gate area. There are also a few shops, restaurants, an American Airlines Admirals Club, an Alaska Lounge, and The Club SFO.

Passengers can walk within the secure area to connect to a flight at the International Terminal or through to Terminals 2 or 3.

Terminal 2

Air Canada and Breeze Airways operate flights from Terminal 2’s 2 concourses, with Gates C2 to C11 and D1 to D12 and D14 to D18.

The terminal has a good selection of shops and restaurants, a Delta Sky Club in Concourse C and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Concourse D. Passengers can walk within the secure area between Terminals 1 and 3 for other terminal connections.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 consists of 36 gates — E1 to E13 and F1 to F22 — across 2 concourses.

Only United Airlines operates flights from this terminal, which has 2 United Club lounges and an American Express Centurion Lounge. Shops and restaurants are also throughout the terminal and concourses.

Passengers connecting from an inbound flight to Terminal 3 to an international flight from the A or G gates can remain inside the secure area for their connection, provided they don’t need to collect any luggage. Any passengers looking to connect to an international flight from the A gates must reclear security. Passengers can access Terminal 2 via a walkway (there’s one before security and one after security)

Interterminal Transport

AirTrain 

The AirTrain is a convenient people mover that connects passengers between terminals (outside the secure area) and to and from the car rental center and long-term parking.

The red line runs clockwise, stopping at all terminals, terminal garages, the BART station, and the Grand Hyatt hotel. The blue line runs counterclockwise, stopping at all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, the Grand Hyatt, the car rental center, and long-term parking.

Trains depart as frequently as 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. Passengers can connect inside the secure area via airside walkways, provided they do not need to clear customs or collect any luggage.

Security and Customs at SFO

Security checkpoints are at the entrance of each boarding area and in the connector between Terminal 3 and the international G gates. The checkpoints have different operating hours:

(TK Editor Note: Cannot verify Security checkpoint C at source, the source have “Security Checkpoint B – Mezzanine Level” not listed below)

TSA PreCheck

SFO has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at all checkpoints for expedited screening, with the exception of F3.

The airport also has a TSA PreCheck enrollment center 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 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 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 must be scheduled at an enrollment center. SFO has 1, on the arrivals level of the International Terminal. Office hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Mobile Passport

SFO participates in Mobile Passport Control, allowing passengers to submit their details via the app (iOS, Android) 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 (Pending)

There are several 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 a few ways to purchase a day pass (subject to capacity allowance). The prices for these lounges, where available, are indicated below.

*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:

• China Airlines Lounge
• Golden Gate Lounge
• The Club SFO
• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

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

• Lark Creek Grill
• Mustards Bar & Grill
• San Francisco Giants Clubhouse

Airport Dining and Drinks at SFO

SFO has over 70 restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go options. There’s a good selection outside 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 dining at the airport, visit the airport’s website, where you can filter results by terminal and location before or after 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 hot spot to keep you connected. 

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

Traveler 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, you must follow up with the appropriate department, depending on where the item was misplaced.

• Public Areas: For items lost in the terminals, parking garages, or AirTrain, contact the San Francisco Police Department lost and found at 650-821-7014 or email sfolostandfound@flysfo.com. They also have a desk in the Terminal 1 arrivals hall.
• Security Checkpoints: Contact Covenant Aviation Security at 650-457-2670 or email lostandfound@covenantsecurity.com.
• Airplanes: Contact the applicable airline.
• Transfer Bus to or From Long-Term Parking or the Car Rental Center: Contact the SFO Shuttle Bus Company at 415-915-9760.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services

Information booths are in every terminal at SFO in the main central areas.

Travelers Aid

There is no traveler’s 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 most kid-friendly airports in the U.S., so SFO is clearly focused on family travel. SFO has 5 Kids Spots with interactive and educational features to entertain children before your flight. Terminal 1’s Kids Spot is after the security checkpoint near gate B2 and B18, Terminal 2’s Kids Spot is near gate D7 and D15, and Terminal 3’s is near gates E7.

Nursing Facilities

SFO has nursing stations in every terminal:

• International Terminal:
  • Near gate A2 and A12
  • Main hall, near the G gates security checkpoint
  • Near gate G4
• Terminal 1: Near gates B6 and 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 C7
  • 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:

• Terminal 1:
  • Concourse B restrooms
  • Baggage claim level (outdoor courtyard)
• Terminal 2:
  • Concourse C, near gate C5
  • Concourse D restrooms, near Sunset News
  • Baggage claim level (outdoor courtyard) (TK Editor Note: Cannot verify this)
• 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 at the International Terminal, near gates A11 and G4.

Smoking Areas

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

Unique Features

SFO has a video arts room that shows documentaries, experimental films, and animations that are no more than 15 minutes.

The airport also has Wag Brigade, 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 meditation.

Money

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

Luggage

Outside G security, luggage storage is available at the Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal.

Water Fountains

Hydration stations are 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 and 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 $10.55 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 must transfer to San Bruno Station for airport trains.

Bus

• SamTrans: These public buses transport passengers to and from San Mateo County and San Francisco to SFO. Buses depart outside Terminals 2 and 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 prebooked or arranged on arrival by checking in at the shared ride van monitor 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. Depending on your destination and traffic, SFO to downtown will cost $45 – $65.

Ride-Sharing

Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are approved ride-sharing operators. Drivers can drop off and pick up at the international terminal on both levels. At the domestic terminals, ride-sharing 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, then exit 6A towards US-101, where you follow the terminals’ signs.

Arriving From the South

Join the US-101 northbound until exit 422 toward 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.

SFO Airport Parking

Official Airport Parking

There are over 5,000 spaces at SFO for passengers looking to park short- and long-term.

Short-Term Parking

The domestic garage is in the center of the airport, close to the entrance of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This is the largest airport parking garage, with rates of $4 per 30 minutes or $38 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 $2 per 15 minutes or $45 per 24 hours. (TK Editor Note: cannot verify Valet Parking. ParkFast is missing here)

International Terminals A and G both have parking garages close by, with covered and uncovered parking. Rates are $4 per 30 minutes or $36 per 24 hours.

Long-Term Parking

Long-term parking is available in the long-term surface lot or 2 long-term garages. These options are a little way from the terminals and cost $4 per 30 minutes or $25 per 24 hours. A courtesy shuttle bus transports passengers from the parking areas to the terminals every 5 to 15 minutes. (TK Editor Note: Long-term parking is connected to AirTrain Blue Line. Cannot verify shuttle bus)

Hot Tip: Passengers with a credit card linked to a FasTrak 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 near the long-term parking lots and allows friends and family 60 minutes of free parking to await a call from the passenger for pickup. Vehicles must not be left unattended while waiting, and the lot is closed from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

Kiss and Fly Lot

Friends or family dropping off passengers can avoid terminal traffic by utilizing the Kiss and Fly lot 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 drop off their bags 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 and 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 $10. 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 and 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 on airport property away from the terminals, and passengers can ride the AirTrain in 10 minutes to get there.

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

The following agencies are off airport property but with a courtesy shuttle bus connecting them to the car rental center:

• Airport Van Rental: 650-952-5543
• NU Car Rentals: 800-55-NUCAR
• Payless: 650-548-5161
• Fox: 415-917-2713

Hot Tip: There are credit cards with car rental insurance included as a perk, so you can avoid paying the rental companies for their often expensive insurance!

SFO Airport Hotels

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

We’ve included a list of hotels below, 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 bookings near San Francisco International Airport.

The Westin San Francisco offers a state-of-the-art fitness studio, a heated indoor saltwater pool, and complimentary bike rental. Guests can enjoy spectacular views with rooms overlooking San Francisco Bay. A free shuttle runs to and 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 starting at 40,000 points per night.

The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport offers premium convenience, as the hotel is next door to the airport. It offers the standard free shuttle service and boasts an on-site Hertz rental car desk. With several large meeting spaces and a 24-hour-a-day business center, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport is an ideal choice for business travelers. World of Hyatt loyalty program members can book award nights from 9,000 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 can make this stay a pleasant one. Members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program can book award nights from 32,800 points per night.

Hot Tip: If you want 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 near many of the city’s main attractions and business districts.

However, flight operations are regularly affected by San Francisco’s famous 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 your ability to walk between all terminals outside and within the secure area.

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