San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the world's great gateways, a trailblazing institution, and the place where you'll get your first taste of life in the Bay Area.
As a global transportation hub, SFO provides the ease and convenience of door-to-door travel, supported by its state-of-the-art International Terminal, direct-to-city public transportation on BART, and the AirTrain people mover, which transports passengers between terminals, garages and the Airport's rental car center transports passengers between terminals, garages and the Airport's rental car center.
Here are some fast facts about SFO that any traveler should know.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How big is SFO?
SFO is among America's largest airports. It has four terminals, with seven concourses between them. At one time, SFO's International Terminal was the largest in North America (1.8 million square feet!).
How do I get around SFO?
Don't let its daunting size discourage you. SFO is an easy place to navigate. There is large, well-placed signage in every terminal and concourse directing travelers to gates, baggage claims, transportation services, food, restrooms, and other important amenities.
You can move between terminals aboard SFO's AirTrain. The Red Line only travels between terminals, while the Blue Line also connects to parking garages and the rental car center. The AirTrain is free to ride and runs 24 hours a day, with trains arriving as frequently as every five minutes.
How do I get to SFO?
SFO is only 14 miles from downtown San Francisco. You can take a taxi or hire a ride share to get you there; but you can also save money by arriving at SFO via Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). A one-way trip from any downtown San Francisco station to SFO only costs $12. BART is now a tap-to-pay service, meaning that you can use the digital payment method of your choice. The SFO BART station connects to the International Terminal, where travelers can board the AirTrain and head to their gate.
Can I take Waymo to SFO?
Yes. If you want to experience a ride in an autonomous vehicle during your stay, you can have Waymo take you from your hotel or rental to the airport. Waymo vehicles will drop you off at the rental car center, where you can board the AirTrain for a short ride to your terminal. Be aware that this service is relatively new and may not be available to all Waymo users.
What's the parking situation like at SFO?
SFO offers hourly parking at its Domestic Garage and its two International Garages. The Domestic Garage rate is $4 per 30 minutes ($39 maximum for 24 hours). The International Garages rate is also $4 per 30 minutes, but the maximum for 24 hours is slightly less ($37).
Long-term parking has its own dedicated garage at SFO. This is your most affordable option ($4 per 30 minutes, $27 maximum per day). A new time-saving feature at the Long-Term Parking Garage is the Remote Bag Check. This service is currently available for domestic flights on American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. Remote Bag Check is located prior to the Long-Term Parking AirTrain Station, Level 5, and open daily, from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Airline baggage fees apply.
The Grand Hyatt at SFO now offers valet parking. Whether you are departing on a long trip or an overnight, valet parking ensures a smooth start and finish to your airport visit. Booking is easy; simply choose your travel dates, enter your details, and pre-pay online.
It is highly recommended that you reserve your airport parking in advance. Your booking is flexible: you can change or cancel your booking up to two hours before your booked entry time. Valuable offers are often available!
Does SFO offer free WiFi?
Yes, it does! To connect in any terminal, simply open your device and select the WiFi network named #SFO FREE WIFI. Launch your preferred web browser and follow the prompts.
Can I sleep at SFO?
Sleeping in the terminal is uncomfortable, at best. But you don't need to! There are a number of hotels nearby, including the Grand Hyatt at SFO. This luxury property has its own AirTrain stop, allowing you to easily move from the hotel to your gate without any hassle.
Where can I learn more about SFO?
Information Booths for travelers at SFO are located on the Arrivals Level of all terminals. Information is available regarding ground transportation such as buses, taxis and shuttles, as well as cultural, recreational resources and activities in San Francisco and the Bay Area. The staff is multilingual and interpreters are available through a telephone language line.
The International Terminal and Concourses
As a global transportation hub, SFO provides the ease and convenience of door-to-door travel, supported by its state-of-the-art International Terminal, direct-to-city public transportation on BART, and the AirTrain people mover, which transports passengers between terminals, garages and the Airport's rental car center transports passengers between terminals, garages and the Airport's rental car center.
With its soaring roofline and gleaming glass-and-steel exterior, the International Terminal building is a magnificent visual centerpiece at SFO. Flanked by two state-of-the art concourses, the entire complex is equivalent in size to 35 football fields and houses 24 gates to accommodate the airline industry's newest wide-bodied aircraft. Increased baggage handling capabilities and expanded U.S. Customs facilities help expedite passenger traffic: “Out of the door” transit time for arriving international passengers is 45 minutes or less. The International Terminal building also features ample flexible ticket counter space, making for smoother and shorter check-ins for departing international passengers.
Art on the Fly
Through the San Francisco Arts Commission, more than 65 permanent works by noted local, national and international artists are on display in the terminals. In particular, the International Terminal contains 17 permanent, museum-quality works that were commissioned for the site with $10 million in funds raised in accordance with the City and County of San Francisco's public art ordinance. These large-scale, architecturally integrated works, ranging from wall murals to light sculptures, mosaics to terrazzo, create distinct and inventive environmental spaces-within-a-space.
In addition, the International Terminal houses the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum. Tucked in one corner of the Main Hall, and with virtually the same footprint as San Francisco's original 1937 air terminal, this restful spot provides a sanctuary for aviation buffs transiting through SFO or for anyone interested in the history of commercial aviation. Along with changing exhibits of aviation art and artifacts, the museum houses a collection of more than 6,000 volumes and scholarly works regarding the history of air transportation and SFO.