San Francisco, the moment you set foot here, you realize it’s both a free-spirited and slightly rebellious city. As you walk across the city’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, you feel the Pacific breeze on your face. If you want to stroll along the waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf is a true classic. Here, you can watch sea lions and sample fresh seafood. Alcatraz Island is quite captivating. It’s impossible not to feel a chill as you walk through the corridors of the old prison. Lombard Street, the city’s most winding point, is a great place to take photos and enjoy the view. You can visit Alamo Square to see Victorian-era houses. San Francisco, with its nature, history, and free spirit, has a different story to tell in every corner.
When you step off the plane in San Francisco, you find yourself in one of the world’s most iconic cities. San Francisco International Airport is located within the boundaries of San Mateo County, right on the edge of San Francisco Bay. This airport is approximately 12 miles from the city center. More than 50 million passengers use this airport every year. SFO is the second busiest airport in California.
Travel time from San Francisco Airport to the city center varies between 20 and 35 minutes, depending on traffic. You can quickly reach the city center by BART train. The airport’s BART station is connected to the parking lot right next to the International Terminal. The train runs to San Francisco, Oakland, and many other cities in the San Francisco Bay Area.
There are four terminals at San Francisco Airport. AirTrain operates 24 hours a day between terminals. AirTrain connects the terminals, parking areas, and the BART station. There are taxi stands in front of each terminal. SamTrans buses depart from the lower levels of the terminals. These buses run regular services to both the city and surrounding communities.
Interactive San Francisco Airport Map
San Francisco Airport Terminal
San Francisco International Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. These terminals are connected by airside connector bridges that allow passengers to move between terminals without leaving the security area. There are a total of 121 gates in the terminals.
Terminal 1 is mainly used for regional flights. Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate flights from this terminal. The B Gates are located in Terminal 1.
Terminal 2 hosts flights operated by Air Canada and Breeze Airways. There are two concourses in this terminal. The C and D Gates are located in this terminal. The Delta Sky Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge are located within the terminal. Terminal 2 also offers a wide variety of restaurants and shops. There are numerous restaurants and cafes in both the pre-security and post-security areas.
Terminal 3 is the largest domestic terminal used by United Airlines. This terminal has two concourses. Gates E and F are located in this terminal. Terminal 3 has 36 gates. There are two United Club lounges within the terminal.
The International Terminal is North America’s largest international terminal. Gates A and G are located in this terminal. Gates A1–A15 are in the A gates area, and G1–G14 are in the G gates area. There are a total of 29 gates in the international terminal. Leading airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Cathay Pacific operate flights from this terminal.
Each terminal has free Wi-Fi, ATMs, information desks, and baby care rooms. There is a currency exchange office in the international terminal. All terminals are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities. There are parking areas in front of each terminal. Connections between terminals are provided by both post-security pedestrian walkways and the pre-security AirTrain. This means you don’t have to go through security again to change terminals.
San Francisco Airport Car Rental
California means endless roads and freedom. That’s why you should rent a car as soon as you land at San Francisco Airport. After picking up your car, you can drive straight to the heart of San Francisco via Highway 101. You can take an unforgettable road trip south on the legendary Highway 1 towards Monterey and Carmel. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, wine tasting in Napa Valley, or driving along the Pacific Coast Highway to Half Moon Bay are among the most enjoyable routes you can take by car. Within minutes of the airport, you can reach iconic spots like the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz Island, and the vineyards of Napa Valley.
All car rental companies operate at the San Francisco Airport Car Rental Center. Getting to the car rental center from the terminals is very easy. To get to the Car Rental Center from the airport terminals, simply take the AirTrain Blue Line train. The journey takes only a few minutes. This transportation service operates 24 hours a day and is free of charge.
Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, Hertz, Sixt, and Thrifty car rental companies all operate at the car rental center. The rental offices for Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, and Thrifty are located on the fourth floor of this building. Hertz and Fox are on the first floor. I recommend making your car reservation online before your trip, especially during peak season. This way, you won’t waste time picking up the car, and you can rent it at a more affordable price.
San Francisco Airport VIP Lounge
There are VIP Lounges in all terminals at San Francisco Airport.
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is located in the post-security area of Terminal 2. It is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. It has flight screens, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating areas.
The KLM Lounge is located near Gate A1 in the International Terminal. It is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Passengers flying on European and Asian routes in particular prefer this lounge area.
The Alaska Lounge is located on Level 2 of Terminal 1. It is open from 05:00 to 00:00. If you are looking for a mini escape while waiting in Terminal 1, you can wait for your flight here.
The American Airlines Admirals Club is located in Terminal 1 near the B13 gates. It is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. This lounge area offers hot meals, breakfast and bar service, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
The Centurion Lounge is located on Level 2 of Terminal 2. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. It offers fast Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and spacious relaxation areas.
The British Airways Lounge is located between gates A5–A9 in the International Terminal. It is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. This lounge is a great stopover for European flights.
The China Airlines Lounge is located in International Terminal A, near gates A1. It is open from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
The Delta Sky Club is located in Terminal 1, near gates C3. It is open daily from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
The Emirates Lounge is located in the International Terminal, between gates A2–A6. It is open daily from 12:45 PM to 4:45 PM.
All VIP Lounge areas offer a buffet of snacks and beverages. Wi-Fi, comfortable seating areas, and work areas are available in every lounge.
Hotels in San Francisco Airport
The closest and most comfortable accommodation option to San Francisco Airport is the Grand Hyatt at SFO, directly accessible via AirTrain. This hotel has 351 rooms and suites. All rooms are soundproofed. The windows of the rooms offer views of San Francisco Bay and the runway. This luxury hotel is directly connected to all terminals via the AirTrain system.
The Westin San Francisco Airport, San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, Aloft San Francisco Airport, and La Quinta Inn & Suites SFO are also very close to San Francisco Airport. All these hotels offer a free shuttle service. Shuttles depart from the “Hotel Courtesy Shuttle” areas on the 2nd floor of each terminal.
Airport hotels are a lifesaver, especially for travelers with very early morning flights. All hotels in the airport area have a 24-hour reception. You can check in regardless of your flight time. The hotels feature restaurants, fitness centers, meeting rooms, and business centers.
San Francisco Airport Location
San Francisco Airport Address: San Francisco, CA 94128, United States.
San Francisco Airport IATA: SFO.
San Francisco Airport ICAO: KSFO.
Satellite view of San Francisco Airport. Click to enlarge
San Francisco Airport destination map (March 2026). Click to enlarge