San Francisco Airport Transfer Guide

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Guide

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Whether you're arriving, departing, or on a layover, this guide provides all the essential information you need for a smooth and stress-free experience. We'll cover everything from terminal layouts and ground transportation to airport facilities and layover tips.

Airport Overview

San Francisco International Airport, universally known by its IATA code SFO, is a major international gateway to the San Francisco Bay Area and a hub for both domestic and international travel. Located 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco, SFO is the second-busiest airport in California, serving over 54 million passengers annually. The airport features four terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal.

Terminal Layout & Airlines

SFO's four terminals are arranged in a ring, with the International Terminal forming the western portion and the domestic terminals forming the eastern portion. The AirTrain, SFO's automated people mover, connects all terminals, parking garages, the rental car center, and the BART station.

Harvey Milk Terminal 1: Primarily serves domestic flights, with airlines such as Alaska and American Airlines.

Terminal 2: Another domestic terminal, home to airlines like Air Canada.

Terminal 3: A major hub for United Airlines' domestic flights.

International Terminal: Divided into A and G concourses, this terminal handles all international flights and some domestic flights. Major airlines include Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Lufthansa.

Arrivals & Meet Your Driver

For a seamless pickup experience, it's important to know the designated meeting points for each terminal, as drivers are not allowed to meet passengers at the gate.

Terminal 1: The meeting point for passengers arriving at the B Gates is near the exits. For C Gates, the meeting point is on the Departures/Ticketing Level.

Terminal 2: The designated meeting point is on the Departures/Ticketing Level.

Terminal 3: The primary meeting point is on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, between Carousels 3 and 4. An alternate meeting point is on the Departures Level near the E Gates exit.

International Terminal: The meeting point for all arriving passengers is in the Arrivals Level Lobby, near the U.S. Customs and Immigration exit.

Taxi & Rideshare

Public Transport

SFO offers several convenient and affordable public transportation options:

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): The quickest way to get to downtown San Francisco. The SFO BART station is in the International Terminal (G side). A trip to the city center takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately $10.

SamTrans: Provides 24/7 bus service to San Mateo County and parts of San Francisco. Fares are around $2.25.

Caltrain: A commuter rail service to San Francisco and San Jose. To connect, take a Millbrae-bound BART train to the Millbrae station.

Car Rental

The Rental Car Center, accessible via the AirTrain Blue Line, houses all on-airport rental car companies, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty. Off-airport agencies are served by free shuttles from the Rental Car Center.

Airport Facilities

SFO provides a wide range of facilities to enhance your travel experience:

WiFi: Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. Connect to the "#SFO FREE WIFI" network.

Lounges: Numerous airline and shared-use lounges are available, including the American Express Centurion Lounge and several Priority Pass options.

Currency Exchange: Available in the International Terminal.

Luggage Storage: Available at the Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal.

SIM Cards: Available for purchase at TripTel in the International Terminal.

Parking Information

Top Destinations & Drive Times

Layover Tips

Make the most of your layover at SFO by exploring the SFO Museum, relaxing in a yoga room, or enjoying the views from the SkyTerrace. For longer layovers, a quick BART ride will take you to the heart of San Francisco.

Dining & Shopping

SFO offers a diverse selection of dining and shopping options, from local San Francisco eateries to international brands. You'll find everything from quick-service cafes to fine dining restaurants, as well as a wide array of shops for souvenirs, travel essentials, and luxury goods.

Accessibility

SFO is committed to providing a fully accessible environment for all travelers. Services include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and visual and hearing impairment assistance. It is recommended to arrange for any special assistance with your airline in advance.

FAQs

1. How early should I arrive for my flight?

For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure. For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours prior.

2. Is there free WiFi at SFO?

Yes, free WiFi is available in all terminals.

3. Can I store my luggage at the airport?

Yes, luggage storage is available at the Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal.

4. What's the best way to get to downtown San Francisco?

BART is the fastest and most efficient way to get to downtown San Francisco.

5. Where are the taxi and rideshare pickup locations?

Taxis are at the Arrivals level of all terminals. Rideshare pickups are in the Domestic Garage for domestic flights and at the Departures level for international flights.

6. Are there hotels at the airport?

Yes, the Grand Hyatt at SFO is located on-airport and is accessible via the AirTrain.

7. What can I do on a long layover?

With a long layover, you can take BART to explore San Francisco, visit the SFO Museum, or relax in one of the airport lounges.

8. Is SFO open 24/7?

The airport is open 24 hours, but security checkpoints are not. Only ticketed passengers are allowed in the terminals overnight.

9. How do I get between terminals?

The AirTrain provides free 24/7 service between all terminals, parking garages, the Rental Car Center, and the BART station.

10. Where can I find information about lost and found items?

For items lost in public areas, contact the SFO Lost and Found. For items lost on an airplane, contact your airline directly.