SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | GUIDE TO SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SFO)

San Francisco Airport, (IATA: SFO), is located in San Francisco, California. San Francisco is the 24th busiest airport in the world and the 13th largest in the US with more than 24 million passengers passing through it in 2021. The airport's official name is San Francisco International Airport.

SFO is located 13 miles south of San Francisco on Highway 101, near the Bay Bridge and I-280. The airport covers an area of 5,207 acres (2,107 hectares) and has four runways: 10L-28R, 11.870 feet long; 10R-28L, which is 11,381 feet long; 1L-19R which is 7,650 feet long and 1R-19L which is 8,650 feet long.

The San Francisco Airport is a circular structure. Its terminals have boarding gate areas that are located outside the circle. The ground transportation and parking areas are also located inside the circle.

The airport has four terminals: Terminals 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal), 2, and 3 (domestic flights) and an International Terminal (international flights).

There are approximately 1,300 daily departures from the airport to over 130 destinations worldwide.

The origins of San Francisco Airport can be traced back to Darius Mills, a prominent banker from California who was once the wealthiest individual in the state. His family leased 150 acres downtown for $1,500 to the county and city.

On May 7th, 1927, what was then known as Mills Field Municipal Airport officially opened to the public. In 1931, the airport was renamed San Francisco International Airport. The airport has expanded rapidly since World War II when military personnel was stationed nearby at Oakland International Airport.

The terminals feature cuisine from around the world, with the majority of these restaurants hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area. So, whether you want pizza, sushi, burgers, deli sandwiches, a cold brew, or just a good cup of coffee, the International Terminal has it all. San Francisco Airport is home to almost 100 restaurants.

Aside from restaurants, the airport has a number of amenities, such as free wifi throughout the terminals, ATMs, shops, a children's play area, and a chapel.

The San Francisco Airport is home to the SFO Museum which was established in 1980. It's the first museum of its kind to be established in an international airport. In 1999, it was granted accreditation by the AAM (American Alliance of Museums), making it the only accredited museum in an airport.

Located on the Departure Level of the International Terminal, the SFO Museum explores the history of air travel in San Francisco. The museum's collection includes thousands of artifacts, including vintage uniforms and photographs from the 1930s through 1960.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at San Francisco Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at San Francisco Airport
• See live flight departures information at San Francisco Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve San Francisco Airport

Transfer Services at San Francisco Airport

There are various transportation options available at San Francisco Airport, and you will be fine getting to and from your destination.

Several companies offer these services, including taxis, public transportation, private limousines, App-Based Rides, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), train, bus, hotel shuttles by some nearby hotels, and rental vehicles (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Alamo).

If it's just one person traveling alone or in a small group (up to four people), an Uber or Lyft can be an affordable and reliable option. The UberPOOL option is also available for groups of up to four people who want to share their ride with other passengers headed in the same direction.

Rental Car Services at San Francisco Airport

Renting a car at San Francisco Airport is an affordable way to get around the Bay Area. Although many companies rent cars in and around the airport, National Car Rental, Avis Budget Group, Dollar Rent-A-Car, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Hertz Rent-A-Car are some of the most popular options for travelers. See and compare all rental car companies at San Francisco Airport.

According to the type of vehicle, rates range from USD 19 to USD 60 per day.According to the type of vehicle, rates range from USD 19 to USD 60 per day. However, these rates do not include taxes or fees.

To save money when you rent a car at SFO, follow these tips:

• Book early. Most rental car companies offer discounts if you book ahead of time or if you reserve a vehicle online or over the phone instead of picking it up directly from their lot at SFO.
• Bring all necessary documents with you when picking up your vehicle so you can avoid any unnecessary delays or fees associated with delayed paperwork processing times.

Taxi Services at San Francisco Airport

Taxis depart from designated taxi zones on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals on the roadway center islands. From 7:00 a.m. to 2:15 a.m., uniformed taxi coordinators are stationed at taxi zones to assist passengers with questions or concerns. Taxis that are handicapped-friendly are available. Please get in touch with the taxi coordinator or dial *1191 from any airport courtesy phone to request a wheelchair-accessible taxi. See more information about taxis at San Francisco Airport.

The metered rates apply to all of the destination areas within San Francisco. If a trip is beyond the city and county limits of San Francisco or the airport's boundaries, the fare will be charged 150% of the original rate. An exit fee of $4 is included in the fare for rides originating from the airport. This does not apply to the drop-off and pick-up operations at the airport. Up to five passengers may ride for the price of one.

Train Services at San Francisco Airport

The San Francisco Airport AirTrain system provides year-round service, with station departures occurring every four minutes. It is wheelchair-friendly, and each car has enough space for one. There are also elevators at every station. Passengers do not have to pay to ride the train.

The Red Line connects the airport's terminals, including the Grand Hyatt at SFO, BART Station, and the Terminal Garages. The Blue Line goes through the Rental Car Center, Long-term Parking, and the Airport terminals.

Getting to the city from San Francisco Airport is accessible with BART trains, which connect the airport to different areas in the Bay Area, such as downtown San Francisco and Oakland. It's also the best way to avoid traffic jams in the region. The airport's free AirTrain can be used to get to the BART station from the different terminals. More information about train services at San Francisco Airport.

To pay for BART, riders can use the Bay Area's all-in-one transit card, the Clipper. It can be used on other transportation systems in the region.

For more information on BART schedule and rates, visit their website here.

To purchase a Clipper card, you can check their website.

Bus Services at San Francisco Airport

The SamTrans routes 398 and 292 have stops at Terminals 2 and 3 and the International Terminal. Route 132, which goes to the Rental Car Center, can also be reached from the airport via AirTrain.

SamTrans provides limited service from San Francisco Airport at night. These include Routes 397 and ECR. The routes go to Daly City and San Francisco and south to Palo Alto.

Privately-owned bus services known as Airporters operate between San Francisco Airport and various North Bay cities. They depart from the areas designated for transportation within the international and domestic terminals. More information about buses to and from San Francisco Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at San Francisco Airport

The Hotel Courtesy Shuttle area can be found at all terminals of the airport, and they are located on the center island of Departures/Ticket Level Road. Phones are available in each zone and only serve the participating hotels within the airport's designated areas.

Rideshare Services at San Francisco Airport

Ridesharing apps like Wingz, Uber and Lyft are widely used at the San Francisco Airport. All three are affordable, reliable options when you're ready to leave the airport and get on with your vacation.

Uber is available at all times of the day at San Francisco Airport's terminals. You can order an Uber by entering your location into the app and requesting a ride. Once you've entered your destination, the app will provide an estimated fare before confirming the ride.

Lyft is also available at all times of day at San Francisco Airport's terminals, but it has fewer drivers than Uber does. If you want to use Lyft, download the app ahead of time so it can load quickly when you need it most!

Wingz has vehicles available 24/7, and in addition to using the app for booking, you can also use it to check on your ride's location.

The domestic pick-ups of Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are located on the 5th level of the domestic garage. Drop-offs can be made at the Domestic Terminal's roadside.

Passengers from the International Terminal should go to the Departures or Ticketing Level to the Ride-App Pick-Up or Drop-Off zones.

Parking Services at San Francisco Airport

The San Francisco Airport offers both hourly and short-term parking for domestic travelers. This facility is located in the center of the airport and has five levels. It is ideal for traveling people who need to park their cars while waiting for their flight. The facility also has easy access to the various tunnels leading to the terminals.

The short-term parking area can be accessed through the Domestic Terminal sign, which is located underneath the International Terminal. Follow the parking sign to the domestic garage. Once inside the facility, park in the designated sections marked by the airline.

San Francisco Airport's International Parking facilities are located near the airport's International Terminal. These areas are open from 7 am to 9 pm. See more information about short and long term parking at San Francisco Airport.

The airport also offers long-term parking for travelers who need to stay in San Francisco for a long time. This facility is situated at South Airport Boulevard. It features exit and entry facilities and various other services such as guaranteed parking and check-in options for domestic flights.

One of the airport's more automated parking facilities is ParkFAST, located inside the Domestic Terminal. It allows you to enter and out of the facility through a QR code. This option is ideal for frequent travelers.

The ParkVALET option is available at the domestic garage of the San Francisco Airport. It allows you to drop off or retrieve your car 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, the facility has various other features, such as a plug-in electric vehicle charging station. Although the parking option is convenient, it comes with a price.

Other Services at San Francisco Airport

San Francisco Airport is one of the most welcoming airports in the country. It's a great place to catch a flight and enjoy quality time before your trip or even relax before heading home. The airport has amenities, from restaurants and shops to lounges and fitness centers.

The lounge facilities at the airport are operated by various international airlines, such as British Airways, JAL, and Cathay Pacific.

The best lounge in San Francisco Airport is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, located at Checkpoint A. This area features a variety of free computers and a variety of plugs for charging mobile devices. You can also watch a rotating digital art exhibit while waiting for your flight.

There are over a hundred restaurants at San Francisco Airport. With free Wi-Fi, you can use the Internet at the airport. Whether using your device or one provided by the facility, Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the entire facility, including the rental car facility. The airport also has 18 ATMs, which are always near you.

The San Francisco Airport has a museum. Throughout the different terminals, you'll find a variety of exhibits that feature science and art. As you walk through the area, take a break to browse the various exhibits available.

Some other amenities available at the airport include a kids' room, baggage storage centers, a yoga room, and a medical clinic. There are also several shops and pet relief areas. The airport has a variety of concierge services that can help you with your travel. It also has a video relay service and even a shoe shine.

Disabled Services at San Francisco Airport

Make sure to inform the airlines of any special needs you have, and they can help you make arrangements. The airlines' staff members are always available to assist passengers at both Domestic and International Terminals.

Security check lanes are also available for passengers with disabilities. They can help them avoid getting rushed through the security process.

Although airport staff members do their best to accommodate disabled passengers, it's usually up to the airlines to make arrangements for them.

Before you travel, make sure you contact the airlines to request assistance with a wheelchair. They should have at least one wheelchair available at the jetway for all final destinations and intermediate flights.

Although the airlines do their best to accommodate those with disabilities, the wheelchair service is usually provided by a contractor.

Wifi at San Francisco Airport

The San Francisco Airport can provide free WiFi internet access throughout the terminals. There are also workstations available for free throughout the terminals.

You can use the WiFi network at the San Francisco Airport by connecting to "#SFO FREE WIFI" network via your WiFi settings and enjoy free WiFi. It's free and does not have a limit.

Baggage Claim at San Francisco Airport

The baggage claim area is located in the B and C gates sections of Terminal 1. It is also in the Level 1 area of Terminals 2 and 3. For the International Terminal, baggage claim is located on Level 2.

All departing customers are entitled to baggage assistance upon request. To make an inquiry, customers should contact their airline’s staff members.

For customers close to the gates, claiming can take around 2 to 3 minutes, and for those who are further away, it can take approximately 7 to 8 minutes. However, these limits are fuzzy, and there are some instances where it can take longer.

SmarteCarts with a fee can be found in the areas of the terminals that are pre-security. They can also be located in the rental car center and the garage. Free carts are available for international travelers upon reaching the customs area.

Domestic terminals have skycaps and airline staff at check-in and roadside areas.

Information Desk at San Francisco Airport

The information booths at San Francisco Airport are a great place to go if you're looking for directions, have questions about your flight, or just want some help with the services offered by the airport.

Information booths are located in each terminal of the San Francisco International Airport.

For further assistance, you can call 650.821.8211.

Smoking at San Francisco Airport

San Francisco Airport is completely smoke free. Cigarettes as well as e-cigarettes are not allowed inside the facility. There are designated smoking areas outside of the terminals, which are at least 20 feet from the entrance. You can also light up near the cigarette ash bins.

If you have connecting flights, you must enter the US and smoke outside the terminal before proceeding through security.

Lost and Found Section at San Francisco Airport

Personal items lost at San Francisco Airport must be checked in different areas depending on their last known location.

If you lost it somewhere on the airplane, please contact your airline.

If you lose an item anywhere inside the terminals, on AirTrain, and in garages, please proceed to the Lost and Found Office at Terminal 1, Arrivals Level, near Domestic Garage Core C Tunnel. They are open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. You can also call them at 650.821.7014.

If you left your items on the bus, please contact the San Francisco Airport Shuttle Bus Company at 415.915.9760.

If you have items left at security checkpoints, please get in touch with Covenant Aviation Security. Their hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3:00 pm, and their contact number is 650.457.2670. Please leave your name and contact information if you reach voicemail.

Restrooms at San Francisco Airport

The San Francisco Airport has several restroom facilities for both men and women. These include all-gender and dedicated restrooms in every terminal. Regardless of gender identity, the airport provides restrooms that accommodate everyone. In Harvey Milk Terminal 1, there is an "All Gender" restroom. The airport also offers companion assistance restrooms for disabled individuals.

Located in the International Terminal's public area, Freshen' Up offers showers (landside, level G, Main Hall). 24-hour service. The Deluxe Shower costs $25. (30-minute shower, towel, soap, shampoo, lotion, shower shoes, and a hairdryer if required). Airport employees and military personnel pay $12.

If you are flying with American Airlines or Delta Air Lines, you can use the secure zone's shower facilities by purchasing a Single Visit Pass.

Nursing Mothers Station at Jakarta Airport

There are 13 private nursing rooms and 19 lactation spaces at San Francisco Airport. These are located in different areas of the airport, such as the International Main hall and Terminals 1, 2, and 3 pre- and post-security areas. There are also six Mamava lactation pods inside the airport.

Various features make these areas ideal for breastfeeding mothers, such as a door that provides privacy, a sink, a power outlet, and a mirror. They also have a baby changing station and a padded chair. To request room access, you can use the airport's courtesy phones.

ATMs at San Francisco Airport

The ATMs at San Francisco Airport are located in a number of areas, including the pre-and post-security areas, arrival and departure levels, and boarding areas. This means that travelers can access them before they get on their flights, while they're waiting to board, or after they've landed.

The ATMs are available from multiple banks: Wells Fargo, JP Chase Morgan, Bank of America, and Citibank.

Currency Exchange at San Francisco Airport

The currency exchange at San Francisco International Airport is located in the pre-and post-security areas of both Terminals 1 and 2 and Terminal 3. You can also find automated currency exchange machines throughout the airport.

If you need to change currency for immediate needs, there are several options available at the airport: Travelex Currency Services and other currency exchange companies offer booths and automated currency exchange machines throughout the International Terminal's pre- and post-security areas, as well as in Terminal 3, at Post-Security, near gate 71, at Boarding Area F.

Food and Beverage at San Francisco Airport

San Francisco Airport offers plenty of dining options for travelers, from fast food and local favorites to upscale restaurants and bars. It is home to hundreds of fine dining restaurants, bars, and fast food options. There's something for everyone here, from burger joints to sushi bars, and they're all very different from one another.

You'll find everything from Mexican cuisine served up by local hotspots such as Andale and Urban Tortilla to down-to-fast food chains like Wendy's and McDonald's (plus more options than you can shake a stick at). And if you're looking for more variety, head to the airport's food court—which includes everything from Italian food courts like Vino Volo, to a Japanese sushi place called Sankaku.

Shopping at San Francisco Airport

Shopping at San Francisco Airport is as fun as it is convenient. With over 50 stores, including TUMI, Sunglass Hut, Pacific Outfitters, iStore, Brookstone, and more, you're bound to find something that catches your eye.

The airport also features a duty-free shopping place with high-end labels like Hermès and Gucci.

If you're looking for a curated selection of products from Northern California's local farms and artisan food makers, there's a place for you, too: Napa Farms Market!

In addition, the airport features a wide range of other retail stores, including a number of gift shops, a yoga center, and a bookstore, amongst others.

Pet Relief at San Francisco Airport

While service animals are allowed in the airport's terminals, pets must be crated and ready to go when traveling. In other areas, such as the Animal Relief Areas, pets are allowed, but they should be kept on leashes. Before traveling, you must ask your airline about the required paperwork and restrictions for your pet.

These areas, usually available 24 hours a day, provide essential services to animals in transit, such as clean drinking areas and garbage cans with dog-mitt dispensers.

The locations of the pet relief areas at San Francisco Airport are: Terminal 1, Courtyard 2, the arrivals/baggage claim level, and in Terminal 3, Courtyard 3, the arrivals/baggage claim level.

The painted paw-print patterns on the curbs of the arrivals level walkway lead to outdoor areas. Pet relief areas outdoor locations can be found in the International Terminal A Gates, Post-security; Terminal 1 B Gates, Post-security; Terminal 1 C Gates Near Gate C5; Terminal 2 D Gates, Post-security; Terminal 3 F Gates at the entrance to Gates F11 - F22.

History of San Francisco Airport

San Francisco Airport was first established in 1927 as an austere airfield on 150 acres near farmland. It was initially known as Mills Field Municipal Airport. Eventually, passenger flights started to operate, and during the Second World War, the military was based nearby at the Oakland Airport, significantly increasing the number of flights.

The first commercial flight to New York City from San Francisco Airport took off in 1937. In 1947, the airport reached a million passengers per year. This was an outstanding achievement, especially since, during that time, air travel was still very expensive.

During the 1950s, United Airlines and Pan Am started to operate out of the airport. In 1955, it was renamed the San Francisco Airport. It then grew in stature during the millennium, with major projects such as constructing an international terminal. In 1959, the first commercial jet plane debuted in the Bay Area when TWA Flight 709 landed at the San Francisco Airport. San Francisco became one of the first airports worldwide to install jet bridges, and it was only the second airport after Atlanta to do so.

The South terminal was opened in 1963, and this design, similar to the circle pier found in other airports such as Newark and San Diego, was very important.

During the 1980s, several airlines started to provide service to various regional cities, such as Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Reno.

More airlines started to expand their operations at the San Francisco Airport. One of these is JetBlue Airways, which began offering transcontinental service. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines also formed a hub at the airport.

About San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a city that's had a lot of changes since its founding in the mid-1700s. The San Francisco metropolitan area's population has increased from 2022 by 0.3% to 3,328,000 in 2023. It's no surprise that San Francisco is considered the most densely populated area in California.

One of San Francisco's most prominent landmarks is the island known as Alcatraz, which was used as a military prison. It also served as a federal penitentiary.

Another iconic landmark in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. It stretches across the Golden Gate Strait and connects San Francisco to Marin County. It was built during the Great Depression. Today it's considered one of America's top tourist attractions and attracts more than 10 million visitors yearly!

Another popular tourist spot in San Francisco is Union Square, located in downtown San Francisco. It has many stores and restaurants, such as Macy's and Apple Store, and other stores selling clothing, jewelry, and electronics.

San Francisco also has a vibrant Chinatown district that attracts visitors worldwide. Street vendors sell everything from antiques to fresh fruit in the area's restaurants, shops, and street vendors.

The culture of San Francisco is defined by its diversity. As a city on the Pacific Coast, San Francisco has been home to immigrants from Asia, Europe, and Latin America for centuries.

The city's cultural offerings are diverse and include world-class museums like the Asian Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art and iconic landmarks like Coit Tower. San Francisco also has a thriving music scene at local clubs like Slim's, Great American Music Hall, and The Fillmore.

San Francisco tends to stay cool throughout the year. In Oakland, the temperature is generally around 58 degrees Fahrenheit during winter and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during summer.

San Francisco is best to visit from September to November. Although the city experiences warm temperatures throughout the year, autumn offers some warmest days. During spring, the weather is mild, making it an excellent time to visit.

Useful Contact Information in San Francisco

If you're visiting San Francisco, here's a quick guide to what to do in the event of an emergency:

1. Dial 911 from any phone.
2. If you are outside, stay where you are. If you are inside, stay where you are. If your car is moving, keep it moving—and don't stop for anything or anyone.
3. Only give up information about yourself or anyone else when asked by the police or fire department personnel.

Hospital

UCSF Medical Center

Address: 1600 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94115

Phone: (415) 476-1000

Police Station

SFPD Central Station

Address: 766 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA 94133

Phone: 1-415-315-2400

San Francisco Airport Contacts

Address: San Francisco Airport, 780 S. Airport Road, San Francisco, CA 94128

Information: +1 650-821-8211

Cargo Customer Service: +1-650-737-4895

Lost and Found: +1-650- 821- 7014

Customer Assistance: +1-800-435-9736

Website: https://www.flysfo.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right

Electricity: 110v/220v/60 GHz

Plug Type: A,B

Time at Airport: PST

Currency: USD ($)

Language: English

Wifi At the Airport: You can use the WiFi network at the San Francisco Airport by connecting to "#SFO FREE WIFI" network via your WiFi settings and enjoy free WiFi.