San Francisco International Airport (IATA: SFO) is one of the most important aviation gateways in the United States and a critical hub for trans-Pacific routes connecting North America to Asia, Australia, and beyond. Located 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco in unincorporated San Mateo County, SFO serves over 50 million passengers annually and handles more international passengers than any other airport on the US West Coast. Whether you are connecting through, departing, or arriving, this guide covers everything you need to navigate SFO efficiently in 2026.

SFO at a Glance

SFO has four main terminal areas arranged in a horseshoe shape connected by a free AirTrain people mover. The airport operates 24 hours a day and processes flights to more than 100 destinations worldwide. United Airlines is the dominant carrier, operating its main hub for Pacific routes from SFO. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, and dozens of international carriers round out the network.

SFO is also known for having some of the most interesting airport retail and dining of any US airport, with a deliberate focus on local Bay Area brands, farm-to-table food concepts, and curated design in its recently renovated terminals. Terminal 2 in particular is widely regarded as one of the best-designed airport terminals in the country.

Terminal Guide: What Is Where at SFO

Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal) underwent a major renovation completed in 2020 and now houses Boarding Areas B and C. It serves Alaska Airlines, United Airlines regional departures, and a range of domestic carriers. The terminal is named after San Francisco's first openly gay elected official and features thoughtful interior design with locally commissioned art. Alaska Airlines operates its primary SFO gates here, and the terminal's security lines are generally among the most manageable at SFO during off-peak hours.

Terminal 2 houses Boarding Area D and serves American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. It was the first LEED Gold-certified airport terminal in the US when it reopened in 2011, and it remains the model for airport design at SFO. The terminal features the best food options of any domestic terminal at SFO, including Napa Farms Market for local Bay Area produce and provisions, and a mix of sit-down and grab-and-go concepts that put most US airport food to shame. Security lines at Terminal 2 move consistently well.

Terminal 3 contains Boarding Areas E and F and is United Airlines' primary domestic terminal. As the hub carrier's main domestic space, it processes high volumes of connecting passengers. The terminal is functional and extensive but lacks the design distinction of Terminal 2. United Club lounges are accessible from this terminal. Security at Terminal 3 can back up during peak United departure banks, so allow extra time if departing from gates E or F on a busy travel day.

International Terminal (ITB) is the largest international terminal on the US West Coast and houses Boarding Areas A and G. Boarding Area A serves United's international flights on wide-body aircraft including Boeing 787 and 777 routes to Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, London, Frankfurt, and beyond. Boarding Area G serves all other international carriers, including Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, China Southern, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Air Canada. The International Terminal is connected to all domestic terminals via the AirTrain and an interior walkway from Terminal 1.

Airlines and Key Routes at SFO

United Airlines is by far the dominant carrier at SFO, operating domestic routes from Terminal 3 and international routes from the International Terminal Boarding Area A. United's Pacific network from SFO is one of the most comprehensive of any US carrier, with nonstop service to Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, Osaka, Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Sydney, Auckland, and more. SFO is United's hub for all trans-Pacific operations west of Denver.

Alaska Airlines has a major presence at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with extensive West Coast connectivity and routes to Hawaii, Mexico, and a growing number of East Coast destinations. Alaska is the second-largest carrier at SFO and a strong option for West Coast domestic travel.

American Airlines operates from Terminal 2, connecting SFO to its hubs at Dallas Fort Worth, Philadelphia, New York JFK, and Miami. American's premium cabin product on the transatlantic routes from SFO offers competitive alternatives to United on European routes.

International carriers serving SFO from Boarding Area G include Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, ANA, Korean Air, Air Canada, LATAM, and Aeromexico, among others. The concentration of international airlines at SFO's International Terminal makes it one of the best-connected Pacific gateways in the Americas.

Getting to SFO: BART, Ride Share, and Driving

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the best option for most travelers arriving from San Francisco, the East Bay, or the Peninsula. The BART SFO station is located at the International Terminal, connected to all other terminals via the AirTrain (see below). BART runs directly from downtown San Francisco stations including Civic Center, Powell Street, Montgomery, and Embarcadero to SFO. The journey from downtown SF takes approximately 30 minutes. Fares vary by origin station; from downtown San Francisco expect approximately $10 to $12 each way. BART operates from roughly 5am to midnight on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends. It is the most reliable option for avoiding traffic and arriving on schedule.

Ride Share (Uber and Lyft) pick-up at SFO is designated at specific areas on the lower level (arrivals level) of each terminal, accessible via elevator or escalator from the departure level. Drop-off is at the upper level (departures). During peak hours, expect surge pricing. A normal-conditions ride from downtown San Francisco runs $35 to $60 depending on traffic and surge. From the South Bay (San Jose, Santa Clara), expect $60 to $90. Traffic on US-101 and I-280 heading to SFO during morning and evening rush hours can add 20 to 40 minutes to journey times.

Taxis are available at the lower level taxi stands at all terminals. Fares to downtown San Francisco are metered but generally run $55 to $75 depending on traffic. Unlike ride share, taxis do not surge price, which can make them better value during high-demand periods.

Driving and Parking: SFO has two main parking structures. The Domestic Garage is connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via covered walkways. The International Garage is adjacent to the International Terminal. Daily rates run $38 to $42 for the standard garage and $25 to $30 for the long-term surface lots connected via AirTrain. For trips of more than two days, the long-term lots with AirTrain connection are significantly more economical. Reserve in advance at flysfo.com to lock in the lower prepaid rate.

Rental Cars: All major rental car agencies operate from the Consolidated Rental Car Center (RCC) at SFO, connected to the airport via AirTrain. Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, and Dollar all have facilities there. The AirTrain ride from the terminals to the RCC takes approximately five minutes.

The AirTrain: Navigating Between Terminals

SFO's AirTrain is a free automated people mover running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It operates two loops: the Red Line connects all terminals, the Rental Car Center, and the BART station. The Blue Line connects all terminals and the parking garages. The entire circuit takes approximately 10 to 12 minutes to complete one full loop, so if you board going the wrong direction, it is usually faster to stay on and ride the full loop than to get off and wait.

Key AirTrain stops: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and International Terminal each have dedicated stops. The BART station stop connects directly to Bay Area rail. The Rental Car Center has its own stop. Passengers connecting between domestic terminals and the International Terminal should budget 15 to 20 minutes for the AirTrain journey plus security re-entry if crossing from a cleared domestic gate area to the international terminal or vice versa.

Lounges at SFO: The Best Options by Terminal

United Polaris Lounge (International Terminal, Boarding Area A) is one of the finest airport lounges in the United States. Access requires same-day travel in United Polaris business class or United First on an eligible international flight, or Star Alliance Gold status with a same-day international business class ticket. The lounge features individual shower suites, a full-service bar, high-quality plated dining, and a calm, spacious design. Worth arriving early to enjoy if you have access.

United Club (Terminal 3, Boarding Area E) is United's standard members lounge, accessible to United Club members, Star Alliance Gold cardholders, and same-day United premium cabin passengers on eligible routes. The Terminal 3 United Club is functional and well-stocked, with food, beverages, workspaces, and shower rooms.

Alaska Lounge (Terminal 1) is open to Alaska Airlines Lounge members and same-day Alaska premium cabin passengers. The lounge offers a comfortable setting with Pacific Northwest-inspired food and beverage options.

Admirals Club (Terminal 3) serves American Airlines passengers. Access requires American Airlines Admirals Club membership, same-day American first or business class travel, or certain AAdvantage credit card benefits. The SFO Admirals Club is compact relative to American clubs at the airline's primary hubs.

Chase Sapphire Lounge (Terminal 2) is one of the flagship bank-operated premium lounges and one of the best value lounges at SFO for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders. It offers high-quality food, beverage, and workspace amenities, with access for Sapphire Reserve holders and their guests. No airline status or premium cabin ticket required. Access limits may apply during peak periods.

International Terminal Lounges: The International Terminal G side hosts lounges from several international carriers including Air France (accessible to Air France and KLM business class passengers and Flying Blue Platinum members), Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (for Singapore business and first class passengers), and a Cathay Pacific lounge. Priority Pass holders can access the Club at SFO in the International Terminal and sometimes select other partner lounges.

Dining and Shopping at SFO

SFO's food and retail options are legitimately one of its strengths. Terminal 2 in particular is worth seeking out even if your flight departs from another terminal, if time allows. Napa Farms Market stocks local Bay Area products, wines, and provisions. Cat Cora's Kitchen offers a sit-down dining option with locally sourced menus. The terminal's coffee options go well beyond the typical airport chains.

The International Terminal Boarding Area G has the widest variety of international cuisines, catering to the diverse mix of passengers on the long-haul routes it serves. Options include Japanese ramen, dim sum, Vietnamese pho, and several mainstream American options. Prices, as at all US airports, run 20 to 40 percent above street level.

Shopping at SFO covers the standard luxury duty-free retail in the International Terminal, plus well-curated Bay Area specialty shops throughout the domestic terminals. A branch of the SFO Museum (which operates rotating exhibits throughout the airport) adds genuine cultural interest that makes the airport worth a slow walk even outside eating and shopping.

TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Security Tips

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at all domestic terminals at SFO. PreCheck at SFO is particularly valuable during the morning departure bank (roughly 6am to 10am) when standard security lines at Terminal 3 in particular can back up significantly. The wait difference between PreCheck and standard lanes during peak hours regularly exceeds 20 to 30 minutes.

CLEAR biometric lanes are also available at SFO and can be combined with TSA PreCheck for the fastest possible screening experience. CLEAR handles identity verification, moving you to the front of the PreCheck document check queue.

Global Entry enrollment centers are located at the International Terminal. If you travel internationally regularly and do not yet have Global Entry, the SFO enrollment appointment booking can be scheduled online. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck as part of the membership.

For international arrivals, CBP processing at SFO has become more efficient with the expansion of automated passport control kiosks and the CBP One app. US citizens and permanent residents with Global Entry can use dedicated lanes that bypass the standard CBP interview queue entirely.

Booking Flights Through SFO

SFO's extensive international network, particularly United's Pacific hub operations, makes it one of the most important gateway airports for travelers heading to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand from anywhere in the western US. Connecting through SFO on United's Pacific routes often produces better fares and more convenient itineraries than routing through East Coast hubs for travelers departing from the Mountain West or Pacific Coast.

For domestic travel, SFO competes directly with Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) for Bay Area passengers. OAK in particular offers Southwest Airlines service and frequently produces lower domestic fares than SFO, at the cost of less convenient public transit access from San Francisco proper. Always check all three Bay Area airports when searching for domestic fares from the region.

Use Farefinda to compare fares across all Bay Area airports and see which combination of departure airport and carrier produces the best all-in price for your specific route and dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?

BART is the fastest and most reliable option. Take the AirTrain from your terminal to the BART station (free), then board BART toward San Francisco. The journey to downtown SF stations takes approximately 30 minutes and costs $10 to $12. Taxis cost $55 to $75 depending on traffic. Uber and Lyft are $35 to $60 under normal conditions but surge during peak hours and bad traffic. Driving during rush hours can take 45 minutes to over an hour with traffic on US-101.

How early should I arrive at SFO?

For domestic flights, arrive 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive 3 hours before. During peak morning and evening departure banks, security at Terminal 3 (United domestic) can back up significantly, so budget extra time if you do not have TSA PreCheck and are departing on a busy United schedule. International check-in queues for some carriers can also run long during peak periods.

Is there a lounge at SFO with Priority Pass?

Yes. Priority Pass cardholders can access the Club at SFO in the International Terminal, subject to capacity. Some partner lounges at SFO may also accept Priority Pass depending on your specific card terms. The Chase Sapphire Lounge in Terminal 2 is accessible to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders separately from Priority Pass. Confirm current access terms before travel as lounge access policies change.

Can I take BART to SFO?

Yes. BART runs directly to the SFO station at the International Terminal, with connections via AirTrain to all other terminals. Trains run from approximately 5am to midnight on weekdays and have reduced hours on weekends. The SFO BART station is on the Millbrae branch of the BART system, so confirm your train terminates at SFO or Millbrae rather than branching off to a different destination before boarding.

Which terminal is United Airlines at SFO?

United operates domestic flights from Terminal 3 (Boarding Areas E and F) and international flights from the International Terminal Boarding Area A. If you are connecting from a United domestic flight to a United international flight, you will need to clear the security boundary between Terminal 3 and the International Terminal. Budget at least 45 minutes for this connection, including AirTrain transit and re-entry into the secured International Terminal.