SFO Airport Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The Quick Version

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has four terminals arranged in a horseshoe shape around a central garage. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handle domestic flights. The International Terminal handles overseas departures. BART gets you downtown in about 30 minutes. The food is legitimately excellent, and free WiFi works throughout the airport.

Terminal Layout and Getting Around

SFO's four terminals are all connected, and an AirTrain loops around the entire airport 24/7.

• Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal) - Alaska, JetBlue, Frontier, Southwest, and some American and Delta flights. Recently renovated with modern amenities.
• Terminal 2 - American Airlines and Delta domestic flights. Known for its farm-to-gate dining and sleek design.
• Terminal 3 - United Airlines hub for domestic and some international flights. The busiest terminal at SFO.
• International Terminal (Boarding Areas A and G) - All international departures and arrivals. Duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and global airline lounges.

The AirTrain

SFO's free AirTrain connects all terminals, the rental car center, BART station, and long-term parking. Two lines run in opposite directions, 24 hours a day, departing every 4 minutes. It's the fastest way to move between terminals without going through security again, though you'll need to exit and re-clear security if you're switching terminals airside.

Walking Between Terminals

You can walk between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 post-security through connecting corridors. Getting to or from the International Terminal requires going landside. Budget 15-20 minutes for terminal changes that require re-screening.

Getting To and From San Francisco

BART (Best Option for Downtown)

Bay Area Rapid Transit runs directly from SFO to downtown San Francisco. The ride to Powell Street station takes about 30 minutes and costs around $10. Trains run every 15-20 minutes during the day and less frequently late at night. The BART station is accessible via AirTrain from any terminal. This is cheaper and often faster than rideshare during rush hour.

Rideshare and Taxis

Uber and Lyft pickups are on the departures/ticketing level of each terminal. Expect $30-55 to downtown San Francisco, more during surge pricing or heavy traffic. Taxis are available on the arrivals/baggage claim level. The drive to downtown takes 20-45 minutes depending on traffic on US-101.

Rental Cars

The rental car center is a short AirTrain ride from the terminals. All major companies are on-site. The drive to downtown San Francisco is about 14 miles and can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic.

Hotel Shuttles

Many airport-area hotels offer free shuttles from the "Hotel Courtesy Shuttle" zones on Level 2 of each terminal. Shuttles run every 15-20 minutes.

Airport Lounges

SFO has around 20 lounges, making it one of the better-served airports in the country for lounge access.

• Centurion Lounge (Terminal 3) - Craft cocktails, hot food, and a generally upscale experience. American Express Platinum card required.
• United Polaris Lounge (International Terminal) - Premium dining, private rest spaces, and showers. One of the best airline lounges in the US. Business class ticket on United required.
• Delta Sky Club (Terminal 1) - Standard Sky Club with reliable food and drinks.
• The Club at SFO (Terminal 2 and International Terminal) - Pay-per-visit lounge accessible via Priority Pass or day pass purchase.
• American Admirals Club (Terminal 1) - Decent workspace and snacks for AA members.

The United Polaris Lounge deserves special mention. If you're flying United business class internationally, it's genuinely world-class with a sit-down restaurant, shower suites, and nap rooms.

Food and Dining

SFO consistently ranks among the best airports for food in the US. There are over 85 dining options, and many reflect the Bay Area's farm-to-table food culture.

Best Sit-Down Restaurants

• Napa Farms Market (Terminal 2 and International Terminal G) - Farm-to-flight concept with seasonal salads, wood-fired pizzas, and Bay Area-made desserts. Probably the most popular restaurant at SFO for good reason.
• Cat Cora's Kitchen (Terminal 2) - Mediterranean-inspired dishes from Iron Chef Cat Cora. The lamb meatballs and flank steak tacos are standouts.
• Yankee Pier (Terminal 3) - Fresh seafood in United territory. Solid clam chowder.

Quick Bites and Coffee

• Peet's Coffee (multiple locations) - Berkeley-born chain that's a Bay Area staple. Better than the Starbucks here, in my opinion.
• Bun Mee (Terminal 1) - Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches that are fast, fresh, and flavorful.
• Burger Joint (Terminal 1) - No-frills burgers done right.

Terminal 2 has the best food concentration. If you have time and your gate is elsewhere, it might be worth the walk.

WiFi and Connectivity

SFO offers free, unlimited WiFi throughout all terminals. Connect to the "#SFO FREE WIFI" network, launch your browser, accept the terms and conditions, and you're connected. Speeds are reasonable for email and browsing. Streaming works but can be inconsistent during busy periods. Power outlets are available at most gates, and some seating areas have built-in USB charging ports.

Layover Tips

Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)

Stay in your terminal. If you're in Terminal 2, grab something from Napa Farms Market. In Terminal 3, the United Club or a coffee at Peet's is a solid move. Don't try to switch terminals unless you absolutely have to.

Medium Layover (2-4 Hours)

SFO has a rotating art gallery and a permanent aviation museum in the International Terminal. Both are free. Walk through Terminal 2's food hall for a proper meal. If you've got lounge access, now's the time to use it.

Long Layover (4+ Hours)

With 5+ hours, you can BART into San Francisco for a quick visit. Fisherman's Wharf is about 45 minutes door-to-door from the airport. Just make sure you leave enough time for security on the return. During your layover, the International Terminal's duty-free shopping and SFO Museum exhibits can kill time pleasantly.

International Connections

If you're connecting from domestic to international, you'll need to take the AirTrain or walk to the International Terminal and go through security again. Budget at least 90 minutes for this process, more during peak hours.

Sleeping at SFO

SFO is reasonably sleepable for an airport, though it's not the most comfortable.

Free Sleeping Spots

• International Terminal - The best spot for overnight stays. Padded, armrest-free seats are scattered throughout, and it tends to be quieter than domestic terminals.
• Terminal 2 near Gate D12 - Window bay area with space to stretch out.
• Behind Terminal 3 Gate F3 - Padded alcoves that offer some privacy.

Paid Options

• FreshenUp Nap Rooms (International Terminal, landside, Level G) - Private rooms with a bed, desk, and WiFi. Book for a minimum of three hours. Showers available for an extra fee.
• Airport hotels - Several nearby hotels offer free shuttles. More affordable than downtown San Francisco rates.

SFO can be cold at night, and the lights never fully dim. Bring a jacket, eye mask, and earplugs. Security does patrol overnight and may check IDs and boarding passes, but they generally tolerate overnight sleepers.

Other Useful Info

• Fog delays - SFO is notorious for fog-related delays, especially in summer mornings. Morning flights are more likely to be delayed than afternoon ones. Build cushion into your plans.
• Pet relief areas - Available pre-security and post-security in multiple terminals.
• Nursing rooms - Located in all terminals.
• Currency exchange - Available in the International Terminal and Terminal 3.
• SFO Museum - Free rotating exhibits throughout the airport. Worth a browse during a layover.