Airport Overview
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the primary international gateway to Northern California and one of the busiest airports in the United States. Located about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, SFO handles over 50 million passengers annually, serving as a hub for both domestic and international travel.
The airport is known for its modern facilities, world-class art exhibits, eco-conscious design, and excellent amenities. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines and connects travelers to destinations across North America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. For inquiries about flights, terminals, and passenger helps, call _.
Terminals and Layout
San Francisco International Airport has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal. The AirTrain, a free automated people mover, connects all terminals, garages, and rental car facilities 24/7.
Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal)
- Serves domestic flights
- Airlines: Southwest, JetBlue, American Airlines
- LEED Gold-certified with sustainable design
Terminal 2
- Domestic terminal with a modern, airy layout
- Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines
- Excellent dining and shopping options
Terminal 3
- Primary United Airlines terminal
- Houses both domestic and international flights by United
International Terminal (A & G Gates)
- Divided into Concourse A (Boarding Area A) and Concourse G (Boarding Area G)
- Airlines: British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Air France, ANA, Singapore Airlines
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for international arrivals
Speak _ for terminal navigation or flight assistance.
Airlines and Destinations
Major Airlines at SFO
- United Airlines (Hub)
- Alaska Airlines (Hub)
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
Key International Airlines
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Emirates
- Air France
- Singapore Airlines
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
- Korean Air
- Cathay Pacific
- Air India
- EVA Air
Popular Domestic Destinations
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Seattle (SEA)
- New York (JFK, LGA)
- Denver (DEN)
- Las Vegas (LAS)
- Honolulu (HNL)
Popular International Routes
- Tokyo (HND, NRT)
- London (LHR)
- Paris (CDG)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Singapore (SIN)
- Delhi (DEL)
Looking for deals or changes on flights? Speak _.
Transportation Options
By Road
- Taxis and Rideshares: Pick-up zones located at each terminal
- Car Rentals: Access via the AirTrain to the Rental Car Center
- Private Transfers: Limos, private shuttles available
Public Transport
- BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Connects SFO to downtown San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area locations
- SamTrans Buses: Several local and express routes
- Caltrain Access: Connect via BART to Millbrae Station
Parking
- Domestic Parking Garages (A & G): Close to respective terminals
- International Parking Garage: Connected to International Terminal
- Long-Term Parking: Budget-friendly option with shuttle help
- Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free for pickup drivers
For help with ground transport or parking, call _.
Check-in and Security
Check-in Services
- Self-help kiosks and mobile boarding available
- Most terminals have separate priority check-in for elite passengers
Security Screening
- TSA checkpoints located in all terminals
- TSA PreCheck and CLEAR available
- International arrivals processed in the International Terminal by CBP
Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3 hours for international. For live wait times, call _.
Services and Amenities
Shopping and Dining
- Terminal 2: Napa Farms Market, Lark Creek Grill, Pinkberry
- Terminal 3: Klein’s Deli, Starbucks, DFS Duty-Free
- International Terminal: Burberry, Gucci, Museum Store, Duty-Free
Lounges
- United Club (Terminal 3 and International Terminal)
- Alaska Lounge (Terminal 2)
- American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 1)
- British Airways Lounge, Cathay Pacific Lounge (International)
- Centurion Lounge by American Express (Terminal 3)
Wi-Fi and Tech
- Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals
- Charging stations and power outlets near most gates
Other Amenities
- Art exhibits curated by SFO Museum
- Yoga rooms (Terminals 2 and 3)
- Kids’ play areas
- Pet relief areas
- Showers and spa helps in select lounges
Need directions or help assistance? Speak _.
Nearby Hotels
Airport-Adjacent Hotels
- Grand Hyatt at SFO: Directly connected via AirTrain
- Aloft San Francisco Airport
- The Westin SFO
- Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront
- Holiday Inn Express San Francisco Airport
All offer:
- Complimentary airport shuttles
- Business helps and conference rooms
- On-site dining
To book or inquire, call _.
Travel Tips and Guidelines
- Weather Tips: San Francisco’s fog can cause delays—monitor flight status
- Best Travel Times: Avoid early Monday mornings and Friday afternoons
- Currency Exchange: Available in International Terminal
- Baggage Help: Luggage carts, wrapping, and lost baggage helps available
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant restrooms, elevators, and passenger support
Emergency and Contact Information
- Airport Helpline: _
- Lost and Found: Located in Terminal 1 or by contacting your airline
- Medical Services: Clinics and emergency care in the International Terminal
- Police and Fire Services: Managed by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office
FAQs About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- What is SFO’s full name and airport code?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - How far is SFO from downtown San Francisco?
About 13 miles (20–30 minutes) - Which terminal handles international flights?
The International Terminal (Concourses A & G) - Is there public transit to SFO?
Yes—BART connects directly to the terminal - Where can I store luggage at SFO?
Available in the International Terminal - Are there any hotels inside the airport?
Yes, the Grand Hyatt is directly connected - Does SFO have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Yes, both are widely available - Are lounges available for non-premium passengers?
Yes, through day passes or credit card access - Is there free Wi-Fi?
Yes, airport-wide - Can I charge my devices at the gate?
Yes, charging stations are provided - What’s the best way to get to downtown SF?
BART is the fastest and most affordable option - Which terminal does United Airlines use?
Terminal 3 and Concourse G in the International Terminal - Are duty-free stores available?
Yes, in the International Terminal - Are yoga rooms open 24/7?
Generally open during airport operational hours - Are there children’s play areas?
Yes, especially in Terminal 3 - Where can I exchange currency?
Currency exchange desks in the International Terminal - What are the parking options?
Short-term, long-term, valet, and cell phone lots - How do I connect between terminals?
Use the free AirTrain help - Does SFO operate 24/7?
Yes, though some helps close at night - Who can I contact for help?
Speak _
Book Flights From/To San Francisco International Airport
With nonstop help to over 130 cities worldwide, SFO is a top choice for travelers seeking convenient, comfortable, and reliable air help. Whether you’re flying to New York, Tokyo, London, or Sydney, the airport offers numerous booking options and competitive rates.
For real-time pricing, changes, or personalized booking support, contact _.
Related Airports and Alternatives
- Oakland International Airport (OAK) – East Bay alternative, great for budget airlines
- San Jose International Airport (SJC) – South Bay airport with domestic and select international routes
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – About 2 hours from San Francisco
For comparing alternate routes or checking multi-airport fares, call _.
