Everything you need to know about traveling to SFO and getting around the airport.
In this guide:
- Getting to San Francisco Airport
- Arriving at the airport
- SFO Airport Check-In
- SFO Airport Security
- Boarding & Connecting Flights at SFO
- SFO Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?
- SFO Airport Shops
- SFO Airport Duty Free
- San Francisco Airport WiFi
Arriving & Checking In
Address: San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, CA 94128, (650) 821-8211
Getting to San Francisco Airport
How to get to San Francisco Airport depends on the trip you’re taking, how many are in the group, what luggage you have, and even your starting destination. The cost of different transportation methods also plays a part in any decision you make for your journey.
Getting to SFO is easy by car, where you just need to enter your destination and follow the directions given. If you’d prefer not to drive, there are local buses, airport shuttles, and rail links – both local and commuter lines.
Many say the best way to get to SFO is to drive because you have more options. You can control the journey times, and with offsite San Francisco Airport parking from Airport Parking Reservations you’ll get the cheapest prices for your trip – especially if you reserve airport parking in advance. Shuttle transfers also make it easy to get to and from the terminal.
Arriving at the airport
The flight you’ve booked will determine how early to arrive at SFO:
- Domestic travelers should arrive at the airport with at least two hours to spare before departure.
- International passengers should arrive at the airport at least three hours before take-off.
During peak times and holiday seasons, you will find more people in the airport. This could result in longer queues and wait times at various points. You should take this into account when planning your journey.
If you’ll be flying with children help make your experience from pre-planning to departure stress-free, by reading our tips on navigating SFO Airport with kids.
SFO Airport Check-In
SFO check in desks and opening times vary by airline and departure time. For final San Francisco Airport check in times, confirm with your airline before traveling to the airport so you know where to be and when.
SFO curbside check in may be available from some airlines, and you should confirm with them directly to see if this is the case. SFO online check in is another, more convenient option that may be available.
San Francisco Airport Security Screening
Once checked in, head to SFO security screening to reach the departure lounge.
TSA wait times at SFO vary with how busy the airport is. Peak times of day, if departures are scheduled close together, and holiday seasons can all increase the number of people queueing at security. Plan ahead during these times to avoid getting caught out.
SFO TSA PreCheck is available to help you reduce waiting times and get through your security checks quickly.
Boarding & Connecting Flights at SFO
Every SFO boarding time and gate number can be seen on the departure boards and screens around the airport, so you’ll always be where you need to be at the right time. You can also use an online tracker to receive the latest SFO flight status while you’re in the terminal.
SFO terminal connections make it easy to reach your connecting flight, as each boarding area is linked in a loop. Follow the signs and ground staff to easily find your way.
Facilities & Services
SFO Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food at San Francisco Airport.
Choose from your favourite foods or be adventurous and try something new, with options such as Tapas and Taps, Bacon Bacon, Mama Go’s Filipino Cuisine, Proposition Chicken, and much more.
San Francisco Airport restaurants can be found in every terminal, both before and after security.
San Francisco Airport Shops
San Francisco Airport shops can be found in every terminal, before security and after, presenting you with a fantastic shopping opportunity. From essentials you’ve forgotten to holiday bargains, you’ll find them here.
SFO Airport stores cover a range of goods and categories, with some being Compass Books, InMotion, Kiehl’s, The Chocolate Market, and many more.
SFO Airport Duty Free
San Francisco Airport duty free can be found in the International Terminal at boarding zones A and G, which is after security. San Francisco duty free shops are DFS Duty Free, and offer a range of products for your trips, as well as favourites to take home on the return journey.
San Francisco Airport WiFi
SFO WiFi is free for travelers in every terminal, so you can keep in touch with friends and family before your flight.
If you’re flying out from the Bay Area and undecided as to which airport to depart from, check out our comparison of Bay Area airports to see which is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many terminals does San Francisco Airport have?
There are four terminals at San Francisco Airport. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 focus on mainly domestic flights, while the fourth is the International Terminal, primarily for international flights. Across the four terminals are seven boarding areas to maximise the space available.
Can you walk between terminals at SFO?
The terminals at SFO are arranged in a loop, and there are routes pre and post security allowing access to other terminals from the one you’re in. Whether that’s walkways or the AirTrain, it’s simple to get to where you need to be.
Can I store my luggage at San Francisco Airport?
Luggage storage is available at San Francisco Airport from Airport Travel Agency, which offers hourly and daily rates for a range of luggage sizes and individual belongings.
Does SFO have free WiFi?
SFO offers free and unlimited WiFi in all terminals across the airport. You’ll be able to keep working, message your friends, and get the latest flight information straight to your device.
What restaurants are in San Francisco Airport?
There’s a huge selection of restaurants and eateries in every terminal of San Francisco Airport, both before and after security. Choose from Burger Joint, Koi Palace Express, Pronto!, Sankaku, and many more.
Is there duty free at San Francisco Airport?
Duty free shops are available after security in the International Terminal at San Francisco Airport – both boarding zones (A and G). DFS Duty Free stores offer a range of products at excellent prices for your trip.
Can you smoke in San Francisco Airport?
Smoking is not allowed in San Francisco Airport. There are designated smoking areas outside the terminals, which are clearly signposted.
Is there a spa in SFO Airport?
There’s no spa in SFO Airport, but you can make use of shower facilities across the terminals to freshen up before or after your flight.
Main photo:
