LOUNGES

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the best airports in the U.S. for lounge access, offering a wide variety of options across its terminals. Here’s a concise guide with practical tips to help you make the most of them:

 

Main Lounges at SFO

• United Polaris Lounge (Terminal G – International)
  Premium lounge for long-haul business class passengers. Known for high-end dining, showers, and quiet areas.
• United Club (Terminal 3 & International Terminal)
  Multiple locations with comfortable seating, snacks, and bar service.
• American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 1)
  Ideal for oneworld travelers, offering workspaces and refreshments.
• Delta Sky Club (Terminal 1)
  Modern lounge with runway views and good food options.
• Centurion Lounge (Terminal 3)
  One of the best-rated lounges, accessible with eligible American Express cards. Excellent food and design.
• Priority Pass lounges (International Terminal)
  Includes options like Air France–KLM Lounge, depending on your membership.

Useful Tips

• Arrive early: Popular lounges (especially Centurion and Polaris) can get crowded during peak hours.
• Check access rules: Entry may depend on your ticket class, airline status, or credit card.
• Use Priority Pass smartly: The best options are usually in the International Terminal.
• Terminal hopping is possible: SFO allows easy connections between terminals (post-security in some cases).
• Best for food: Polaris and Centurion Lounge stand out for quality dining.
• Best for relaxation: Look for lounges with showers and quieter zones if you have a long layover.

Pro Tip

If you have a long connection, head to the International Terminal lounges, where you’ll generally find more space, better food, and a quieter atmosphere compared to domestic terminals.

Book your pass to San Francisco Airport lounges

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco Airport, just log in to "SFO FREE WIFI" network.

ATMS

Find ATMs throughout the four airport terminals.

Animal Relief Areas

Outside and inside every terminal there are grassy areas to take care of your pet.

They can be located either inside or outside security.

Smoking area

Smoking is not permitted at SFO. 

Currency exchange

For currency exchange operations, Travelex is ready to attend all your requests.

Locations:

- International Terminal (pre-security)
- Terminal 3 (post-security).

For more information, please call at +1 650 821 0900.

Berman Reflection Room 

Berman Reflection Room provides quietness and silence for those who wish to mediate or pray.

Location: International Terminal Main Hall.

Opening hours: Daily, from 07:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Kids Areas 

Along the Airport, kids have 

Traveling with kids? SFO has five Kids’ Spots throughout the terminals providing interactive and colorful spaces for children of all ages to play, stretch, and let off steam before a flight. All Kids’ Spots are located post-security. Fun fact: SFO Museum helps maintain the collection of Kids’ Spots at the airport, some of which are San Francisco Arts Commission pieces by Bay Area artists.
 
Kids’ Spot, Terminal 1. Near Gate B2

Interactive play area with natural and colorful elements. Tables, toy animals and tables for the little ones.  

Tree Town,Terminal 1.  Near Gate B18

Tree Town is an interactive play area honoring one of Northern California’s signature natural features, the oak tree. The two structures in the Kids’ Spot were produced from a salvaged oak tree that had been carved to create an interactive and tactile play area for children to enjoy. 

Butterfly Wall, Near Gate D15. Terminal 2. 

Butterfly Wall is a play area by Bay Area artist Charles Sowers with space to climb and play. Creating a delightful dance of rising and falling mechanical “butterflies,” Butterfly Wall is an interactive sculpture controlled by ten visitor-operated hand cranks.

San Francisco Bay Area Bird Encounters. Terminal 2. Located Near Gate D7

San Francisco Bay Area Bird Encounters is an interactive children’s play area featuring work by artist Walter Kitundu. The handmade mural and benches feature local birds such as Red-tailed Hawks, Anna’s Hummingbirds, herons, egrets, and others found throughout the Bay Area. At the mural’s center is a large Golden-crowned Sparrow whose wings double as a musical instrument. The wing feathers and wing-shaped benches are xylophone tines tuned to the notes of the sparrows’ song.
 
Spirogyrate, Terminal 3.  Near Gate E7

Spirogyrate is a children’s exploration area featuring artwork by Bay Area artist Eric Staller. Spirogyrate features 6-foot circular rotating spiral discs inset into the floor and the wall. The lighting pattern is activated by motion sensors as people walk over the glass the colors change in the discs. 

Nursing rooms. Find through the terminals several Nursing rooms to take care of your baby.

Locations:

- Terminal 1 (post-security)
- Terminal 2 (pre-security)
- Terminal 3 (pre-security)

Medical Clinic 

In case of medical aid, SFO Medical Clinic is ready to provide both travel and occupational medical service.

Location: International Terminal Main Hall, Departures A.

Opening hours:

- Monday to Friday: From 07:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Saturday: From 09:00 am to 04:00 pm

For further information, please contact: +1 650 821 5600. 

Lost and Found

For any personal item lost in the terminals or in the AirTrain, please contact with the San Francisco Police Department Lost and found office.

Location: Terminal 1, pre-security, Arrivals level in the Delta Baggage Claim area.

Opening hours: Daily, from 08:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Contact: +1 650 821 7014 | sfolostandfound@flysfo.com

Storage Facilities 

Want us to keep your belongings for a short time? The SFO Storage is exclusively available at the Airport Travel Agency, where you can keep luggage, dog kennels, golf equipment, etc.

Location: International Terminal Main Hall.

Opening hours: Daily, from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Contact: +1 650 877 0422.

Useful numbers

Find below some useful information about SFO Airport facilities:

Airport Paging: +1 800 435 9736
US Customs: +1 650 837 2876
TSA Security: +1 866 289 9673
Baggage storage, wrapping and shipping: You may contact with the Airport Travel Agency: +1 650 877 0422

For Lost & Found please call: +1 650 821 7014 | sfolostandfound@flysfo.com

Services for Families and Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM)

Families traveling with children will find nurseries, family restrooms, and play areas in several terminals. Some terminals also offer interactive spaces for kids.

Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) benefit from:

• Wheelchair assistance and accessible routes
• Dedicated elevators and adapted restrooms
• Assistance services available upon request via airlines

It is recommended to request assistance at least 48 hours before departure.

Security and Baggage Control

Security screening at SFO is managed by the TSA and is generally efficient, though wait times can vary during peak hours.

Tips:

• Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights
• Follow liquid and carry-on restrictions
• Use TSA PreCheck (if eligible) for faster screening

Checked baggage is handled through automated systems, ensuring safety and traceability.

Lost and Found

Lost items in public areas are handled by the airport’s Lost & Found office, while items lost onboard aircraft must be reported directly to the airline.

It is important to provide detailed information about the item, including date, time, and location, to improve recovery chances.

Check-in and Boarding

SFO offers multiple check-in options:

• Self-service kiosks for quick check-in
• Online and mobile check-in via airlines
• Traditional counters for baggage drop and assistance

Boarding gates are clearly marked, and passengers are advised to monitor screens for updates. Boarding usually begins 30–45 minutes before departure

Shopping and Dining at SFO

San Francisco Airport is widely regarded as one of the best U.S. airports for food and shopping, with a strong focus on local brands and high-quality dining.

 Shops and Duty Free

SFO offers a diverse shopping experience, including:

• Duty Free stores (International Terminal) with luxury goods, perfumes, alcohol, and cosmetics
• Fashion and accessories (local and international brands)
• Electronics and travel essentials
• Books, magazines, and souvenirs featuring San Francisco themes

Restaurants, Cafés, and Bars

SFO stands out for its restaurant-quality dining, with many options inspired by the Bay Area food scene.

 Highly Rated Options

• Napa Farms Market (Terminal 2 & International Terminal)
  Fresh, local, organic meals, salads, and sandwiches. Great for healthy options.
• Yankee Pier (Terminal 3)
  A favorite for seafood lovers, offering fish & chips and clam chowder.
• Boudin Bakery (multiple terminals)
  Famous for its San Francisco sourdough bread, perfect for a quick bite.
• Blue Bottle Coffee (multiple locations)
  High-quality coffee, ideal for early departures.

General Hours

Most restaurants operate between 5:00 AM and 10:00 PM, though some cafés open earlier and close later depending on flight schedules.

Dining Tips

• If you have time before your flight, head to Terminal 2, known for the best food selection
• For international departures, explore the International Terminal food court
• Try local specialties like sourdough bread, seafood, and Californian cuisine

Other services

- Baggage assistance
- Baggage wrapping
- Business center
- Cell phone rentals
- Family restrooms
- CEAR
- AEDs
- Customs clearance
- Global entry
- Public phones
- Hydration stations
- Information booths
- Baggage carts
- Mailboxes
- Shoeshine
- Showers
- Workstation
- TTY
- Wheelchair renting service

Airport hotel

Freshen Up

An airport service which lets passengers to rent private nap rooms for hours located towards the International G gates security checkpoint. Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi and Flight monitors.

Rates vary from $ 40.00 for the first hour and then $ 10.00 for each additional 15 minutes. After the second hour, each 15 minutes are charged at $ 8.00. Showers are also available upon $ 25.00 for 30 minutes and shower package with nap room rental costs $ 20.00.

Grand Hyatt

A luxury hotel at SFO Airport. Located at the entrance of the airport, Hyatt can be accessed from all terminals. There are more than 300 rooms, meeting and events area, among others.