A guide to San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Quick insights

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 13 miles from downtown San Francisco.
• Passengers can take SFO’s AirTrain automated people mover to travel between terminals, parking garages, the Rental Car Center and the BART train station.
• There are four airport lounges in the Priority Pass™ network at SFO.

SFO is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., and the second busiest in California after Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It's a relatively short drive from downtown San Francisco and is accessible via public transportation as well.

San Francisco airport is a major gateway to both Europe and Asia. It houses four terminals, including a designated International Terminal, and seven concourses that are arranged alphabetically in a ring shape.

Read on to learn more about heading to and from SFO, parking options, terminal details, airport lounges and more.

Navigating to and from San Francisco Airport

Headed to SFO? Here are a few convenient ground transportation options for pick-up and drop-off:

• Taxi: Taxis are available at the arrivals level of all terminals.
• Rideshare: Follow the instructions in your rideshare app of choice to find your pick-up zone. Uniformed coordinators are stationed at each zone to assist airport guests.
• Bus: The 24/7/365 SamTrans Route 292 bus picks up passengers directly from the International Terminal, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. It connects the airport to San Mateo County and parts of San Francisco.
• Train: Guests can head to the SFO BART Station at the departures/ticketing level of International Terminal G for rapid rail service into parts of San Francisco as well as the East Bay.
• Hotel shuttle: Connect with your hotel directly to plan for hotel shuttle pickup. Courtesy shuttle pick-up zones are at the departures/ticketing roadway level of all terminals.
• Rental car: Take the AirTrain Blue Line from any terminal, any parking garage or the BART station to reach the Rental Car Center.

Parking options at San Francisco Airport

There are multiple long and short-term parking options located near domestic and international terminals. The AirTrain shuttle travels between parking garages and terminals roughly every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day.

Drivers waiting for arriving passengers can wait in the cell phone lot for up to 60 minutes for free. Those dropping off passengers can use the “Kiss and Fly” lot near the Rental Car Center, where passengers can take an approximately 10-minute AirTrain ride to their terminal.

For more SFO parking information or to book a spot in advance, visit SFO’s official website.

How early to get to San Francisco Airport

Most airport officials recommend arriving two hours before boarding for domestic flights and three hours before boarding for international flights. If you’re traveling during peak hours or holidays, it may be wise to budget extra time.

Frequent travelers may want to consider programs like TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry to expedite the security process.

San Francisco Airport map

Whether you’re departing from SFO or are there for a lengthy layover, it may be helpful to find locations of restaurants, shops and gates in advance. Refer to SFO’s website for airport maps of the terminals and parking areas.

San Francisco Airport terminal information

SFO is a circular set of buildings with boarding gates on the outside and ground transportation on the inside. There’s one international terminal and three domestic terminals, all of which are accessible via walkways or the free AirTrain’s Red Line.

Keep in mind that you may need to re-clear security depending on which terminals you travel between.

Additional details for each terminal include:

• International Terminal: The Main Hall of the International Terminal is flanked by two concourses: A and G. It houses ticketing, shops, restaurants and more. Travelers can also access the BART station through this area. AirTrain stations can be found on level 2 of the Main Hall and at the end of either concourse.
• Terminal 1: Has one concourse (also is also called the Harvey Milk Terminal). Passengers can walk to the International Terminal without re-clearing security; all other terminals require walking out of the secure area or taking an AirTrain.
• Terminal 2: Passengers may walk between Terminal 2’s main concourses and Terminal 3 without re-clearing security. To reach other terminals, travelers need to take the AirTrain.
• Terminal 3: Has two concourses. Travelers connecting to an international flight in the G gates don’t need to re-clear security, but they will need to do so to reach the A gates. Travelers may also access Terminal 2 without re-clearing security.

Priority Pass lounges at San Francisco Airport

SFO has four airport lounges in the Priority Pass™ network. Guests may purchase individual day passes if lounges allow it or use one of their lounge entitlements if they are Priority Pass members.

• China Airlines Lounge: International Terminal A near gate A1. On level 4.
• Golden Gate Lounge: International Terminal A. Turn left after the first security checkpoint on level 4; entrance is on the right.
• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse: International Terminal A in Concourse A. Take the elevator to level 5 after security checks.
• The Club SFO: Terminal 1 near gate B4.

While amenities vary by lounge, many include complimentary food, refreshments, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, workstations and more. Additionally, The Club SFO includes a wellness center and shower facilities (subject to payment).

Note that there is a maximum stay of three hours for each lounge. Children under two are admitted for free.

Already have a Priority Pass membership or are considering purchasing one? Learn about the available travel benefits.

Things to do at San Francisco Airport

Whether you’re at SFO for just a couple of hours or a longer stretch for a layover, there’s plenty to do without leaving the airport:

• Relax in a lounge: There are various airport lounges across SFO’s four concourses, including four lounges in the Priority Pass network.
• Stretch out: SFO has two yoga rooms that are open 24 hours a day and provide free-to-use mats. Locations are in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
• Pet some pups: SFO’s Wag Brigade is a group of therapy dogs who walk through the airport wearing “Pet Me” vests.
• Catch a film: The Video Arts room plays short-form documentaries and narratives from cutting-edge filmmakers.
• Meditate: If you need some quiet time, head to the Berman Reflection Room in the International Terminal Main Hall for meditation or prayer.

In summary

Headed to SFO for upcoming travels? If you have a Priority Pass membership—or are considering one—be sure to learn more about accessing participating lounges before you arrive. Airport lounges may provide a quiet, stress-free environment to work or relax before a flight.

This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit the official Priority Pass website for the most up-to-date benefits information.