Informational Guide to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - NON OFFICIAL

San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Find useful information about San Francisco Airport: Arrivals, Departures, Terminal information, Parking, Car rental, Transport, Accommodation, Amenities and Services, among other information about San Francisco Airport (SFO). Plan your travel to SFO Airport with the information provided in this guide.


San Francisco Airport (IATA: SFO, ICAO: KSFO, FAA LID: SFO) is the main international airport serving the city of San Francisco, USA, being the largest airport in Northern California region and the second busiest after Los Angeles Airport.


San Francisco Airport is located 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco, close to the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno, although it is located in San Mateo County and managed by San Francisco City and County. Top 10 busiest international routes from SFO Airport are London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Vancouver, Seoul, Frankfurt, Toronto, Paris, Auckland and Shanghai. 

SFO Airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. 

As of 2025, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) handles over 50 million passengers annually

Terminals +info

San Francisco Airport consists of four terminals:

International Terminal: Hosts inbound and outbound international flights from SFO Airport and is home of Boarding Areas A (Gates A1-15) and Boarding Areas G (Gates G1-G14).

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Domestic Terminal 1: Also known as Harvey Milk Terminal 1, it is home of Boarding Areas B (Gates B6-B27) and C (Gates C2-C11).

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Domestic Terminal 2: It is home of Boarding Area D (Gates D50-59).

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Domestic Terminal 3: It is home of Boarding Areas E (Gates E1-E13) and F (Gates F1-F22), sharing some gates with the International Terminal.

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Transfer between terminals
The AirTrain connects SFO Terminals with the garages and further locations in the Airport.

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Reviews +info

On this website, you will find valuable tips and reviews about San Francisco Airport, designed to help you navigate your travel experience smoothly. These reviews can help you understand what to expect in terms of service quality, cleanliness, and overall passenger experience.

-Our Review of San Francisco Airport

-Pros and Cons of SFO Airport

-Mini-Guide of the Airport (2’ Guide)

-Other reviews

-Some Stats

Transport +info

The following means of transport are available at SFO to get to San Francisco city centre:

AirTrain: Transfer between terminals at SFO with the AirTrain.
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Bus: Board any of the 5 bus lines available at San Francisco Airport operated by SamTrans. 
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Taxi: Get within 30 minutes to San Francisco by taxi. 
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BART: SFO BART is without the best way to get around San Francisco Airport. Get within 25 minutes to the city centre. 
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Caltrain: From SFO it is possible to connect to Caltrain services. Find out how to reach to the nearest commuter train station. 
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Ferry: Transfer to South San Francisco Ferry Dock from SFO.
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Transfer: If you want private transportation to and from the Airport, you can book a transfer. 
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Car Rental: Rent a car in San Francisco Airport or through our search engine.
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Contact

General Airport Contact:

Phone: +1 650 821 8211 

Toll-free (USA): +1 800 435 9736 

Official Wesbite: https://www.flysfo.com


Mailing Address:

San Francisco International Airport
PO Box 8097
San Francisco, CA 94128, USA 


Lost and Found – SFO Airport

Lost items in public areas (terminals, parking, AirTrain)

  • Office location: Terminal 1, Arrivals Level (near Domestic Garage Core C Tunnel) Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM 
  • Phone: +1 650 821 7014 
  • Email: sfolostandfound@flysfo.com 


Lost items at security checkpoints

About San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the United States, known for its scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and world-famous landmarks. Whether you are visiting for a short stopover or an extended stay, the city offers a perfect mix of urban energy and natural charm.


What to See in the City and Surroundings

Start your visit with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. For history lovers, a trip to Alcatraz Island is a must—this former prison offers fascinating guided tours.

Head to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 for waterfront views, restaurants, and the famous sea lions. Don’t miss a ride on the historic cable cars, especially along Powell Street, for a classic San Francisco experience.

Nearby, explore Muir Woods National Monument to see towering redwood trees, or take a day trip to the charming town of Sausalito, just across the bay.


Public Transport

San Francisco has an efficient and easy-to-use public transportation system. The MUNI network includes buses, trams, and the famous cable cars, covering most tourist areas.

The BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system connects downtown San Francisco with the airport and nearby cities, making it the most convenient option for airport transfers.

Visitors can purchase a Clipper Card, which works across all major transport systems and offers a convenient cashless way to travel.


Travel Tips and Recommended Routes

  • Best time to visit: September to November offers warm weather and fewer crowds.
  • Dress in layers: The weather can change quickly, even during the same day.
  • Walking routes: Explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, and Mission District on foot.
  • Scenic route: Walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and continue to Sausalito for stunning views.

For a one-day itinerary, combine downtown highlights with a waterfront walk, finishing with sunset views at Crissy Field.

 
Events and Local Activities

San Francisco hosts a variety of exciting events throughout the year. The San Francisco Pride Parade is one of the largest in the world, while the Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown is a colorful cultural celebration.

Music lovers can enjoy the Outside Lands Festival in Golden Gate Park, and food enthusiasts will find countless street fairs and farmers’ markets across the city.