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San Francisco International Airport

Tech-savvy gateway by the Bay

Airport in United States

San Francisco (19 km)

136 destinations

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San Francisco International Airport serves as a major gateway to Northern California. With over 50 airlines operating daily, it connects travelers across the country and around the world. The airport spans more than 1,000 acres and includes multiple terminals designed for efficiency. Passengers find shops, dining options, lounges and transportation hubs within easy reach. As a key economic hub, SFO handles both business trips and leisure travel, supporting tourism and regional commerce. Its location near the bay provides scenic views of the water and city skyline.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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San Francisco Airport Summary

San Francisco International Airport is an airport near San Francisco in United States. It currently offers regular passenger service to 136 destinations operated by 53 airlines.

Top airlines

United Airlines (UA)

2091 flights per week

Alaska Airlines (AS)

398 flights per week

Delta Air Lines (DL)

302 flights per week

Top destinations

LAX Los Angeles

SAN San Diego

SEA Seattle

Cheapest destinations

LAS Las Vegas

SAN San Diego

DFW Dallas

Best destinations

NRT Tokyo

HND Tokyo

SIN Singapore

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

San Francisco International Airport is praised for its seamless blend of functionality and cultural richness, serving as a major transit point on the West Coast. The terminals are well laid out, featuring contemporary architecture and art installations that reflect the region’s creativity and innovation.

The airport boasts diverse dining options, from fresh seafood and organic choices to global cuisines, catering to travelers of all tastes. Shopping ranges from cutting-edge tech gadgets to high-end fashion, often with locally inspired products. Its efficient transportation links via BART and shuttles provide quick access to downtown San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

However, SFO is not without its flaws. Crowds can be overwhelming during peak hours and security lines might test your patience. Parking can be expensive and challenging, especially for longer stays. Despite these, most visitors find the airport experience more pleasant than many others due to its clean facilities, generous seating areas and friendly staff.

All in all, SFO offers a uniquely Californian travel experience before you even leave the airport – a place where technology meets hospitality, making it a memorable start or end to your journey.

Helpful tips for San Francisco International Airport

Arrive two hours early to navigate security and customs efficiently.
Use the free Wi‑Fi and charging stations throughout Terminal 3, but plan a short walk if you need more power.
Check flight status via the SFO app; delays often occur on the West Coast due to weather or traffic congestion.
Explore the airport’s art installations and local food vendors for an authentic San Francisco culinary experience before departure.

Available airport lounges

United Polaris Lounge

Luxurious lounge for United first and business class passengers offering gourmet meals, private resting areas, showers, and bespoke service.

American Express Centurion Lounge

Known for high-end food, comfortable seating, and spa services, open to Amex Platinum cardholders and select guests.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Exclusive and stylish lounge featuring quality dining, bars, and relaxing spaces for Virgin Atlantic upper-class travellers.

Alaska Lounge

Comfortable space providing snacks, beverages, fast Wi-Fi, and work areas, open to Alaska Airlines business and first-class travellers.

KAL Lounge

Korean Air lounge with Asian cuisine and serene ambiance, accessible to Korean Air premium passengers.

Where to stay near San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco and nearby areas offer a broad spectrum of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels near the airport to boutique stays in downtown San Francisco. Many airport‑area hotels provide shuttle services making short stays very convenient.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Bay Landing Hotel

8.8

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport By IHG

7.8

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport

8.6

Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront

8.1

Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Airport North

6.8

Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel

8.2

The Dylan Hotel at SFO

8.6

DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco-Airport

8.2

The Westin San Francisco Airport

8.4

DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport North Bayfront

7.9

Explore more accommodations

How to get from San Francisco Airport to popular destinations

To San Francisco City Center:
The BART train connects the airport to downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes with trains departing every 15 minutes. Tickets cost around US$10 (£7.48). Taxis and ride-shares are plentiful but traffic can extend travel times during peak hours. Airport shuttles are also available to nearby hotels.

To Silicon Valley (San Jose, Mountain View):
Caltrain connects San Francisco to Silicon Valley, accessible via a short ride from BART or airport shuttle. Travel times vary from 45 minutes to over an hour. Taxis and rideshares offer direct but more expensive options.

To Oakland:
A short BART ride eastward from San Francisco, with journey times around 45 minutes. Tickets are economical and trains frequent. Airport shuttles and taxis can also cover this route.