The airport is an important Asia-Pacific and Europe hub, with its four terminals (International, 1, 2, 3) also serving the technology area of Silicon Valley.
Gateway to San Francisco Bay, with the Golden Gate Bridge, historic neighborhoods, and nearby Silicon Valley.
How to get to San Francisco International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to SFO
Parking near San Francisco International Airport
The Long-Term Garage costs 27 USD/day; the Domestic Garage 39 USD/day; the ParkFAST goes up to 60 USD/day; off-site affiliated parking starts at 8 USD/day.
How to get to San Francisco from SFO
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
San Francisco: Private Transfer to/from SFO Airport
San Francisco City: Private One-Way Transfer From/To SFO
SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Downtown San Francisco
San Francisco: SFO Airport Private Transfer to Downtown
Car rental at San Francisco International Airport
Major car rental companies have desks in the Rental Car Center, reachable by free AirTrain.
With a Latin-character driver's license, a passport and credit card are sufficient for a short stay, without an IDP.
Hotels near San Francisco International Airport
At the airport
Its own AirTrain stop, running 24 hours, connected to all terminals in a few minutes with no taxi or shuttle needed.
Best for: Overnight layovers or dawn flights, when every minute of transfer time matters.
- Zero road transfers, convenient with heavy luggage
- Soundproofed rooms designed for aircraft noise
- Higher rates than the nearby areas
- Only the airport around, no neighborhood life
Recommended hotels
Millbrae and Burlingame
A free hotel shuttle to the terminals in a few minutes; both towns are also BART stops for downtown.
Best for: For those who prefer to stay close to the terminal while spending less than inside the airport.
- Free, frequent shuttle to the airport
- Lower prices than the Grand Hyatt inside the airport
- An area of offices and highway, little to do on foot in the evening
- Some guests report noise from planes taking off
Recommended hotels
- The Westin San Francisco Airport Free shuttle to the airport and an indoor pool, useful with hours to wait between two flights. View availability
- Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport A free shuttle running 24 hours, every 15 minutes during the day: convenient with flights at odd hours. View availability
Union Square
Direct BART from Powell Street station, with no transfers, in about 30 minutes.
Best for: To visit the city without giving up a direct connection to the airport.
- Theaters, shops and the cable car a few steps away
- Direct BART connection with no transfers all the way to the airport
- Touristy area, rooms more expensive on weekends
- Some surrounding streets are busy and noisy at night
Recommended hotels
- JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square Two blocks from the Powell Street BART station, for those who don't want to change transport for the airport. View availability
- Hilton San Francisco Union Square The city's tallest skyscraper, two blocks from the Powell Street BART/Muni station. View availability
Fisherman's Wharf
No BART station in the area: taxi or rideshare to the airport in 25-45 minutes depending on traffic, or cable car/Muni to Powell Street and then BART.
Best for: For the waterfront and the boats to Alcatraz, not for the fastest connection to the airport.
- Piers, seafood restaurants and boats to Alcatraz within walking distance
- Some hotels with bay views
- Farther from BART, transport is needed even just for downtown
- Very touristy and crowded on weekends
Recommended hotels
- Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel A 1907 former port warehouse within the boundaries of the national maritime park, the only case in the city. View availability
- San Francisco Marriott Fisherman's Wharf On the border between North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf, within walking distance of Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 19
- with Priority Pass
- 4
- paid entry
- from 47 USD
- open 24 hours
- 1
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The 4 terminals (International, 1, 2, 3) are connected by free AirTrain, which also includes the BART station stop.
Given the scale of this hub, for international flights it's advisable to arrive at least 3 hours in advance.
Map of San Francisco International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much does BART from SFO to downtown San Francisco cost?
11.15 USD per ride (22.30 USD round trip), for a journey of about 30 minutes.
Q. Is the BART station inside the airport?
Yes, it's located in the international terminal; from the other terminals it can be reached with the free AirTrain.
Q. What time does BART service start on weekends?
At 6:00 am on Saturday and 8:00 am on Sunday, later than on weekdays (5:00 am).
Q. Is SFO close to Silicon Valley?
Yes, the airport also serves the Silicon Valley tech area, as well as downtown San Francisco.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Golden Gate Lounge (International Terminal A), The Club SFO (Terminal 1), British Airways Lounge (International Terminal A) and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (International Terminal A).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is 47 USD, at Golden Gate Lounge (International Terminal A).
Q. Are any lounges open 24 hours?
Yes: Freshen Up (International Terminal G).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
Nearby Airports
Things to do in San Francisco
San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App
San Francisco: Silicon Valley Private Tour with Hotel Pickup
San Francisco: California Academy of Sciences Entry Ticket
