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✈️ SFO · San Francisco, United States

Traveling Through SFO — San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport serves 4 terminals, 8 airlines. Everything you need to know before you fly — terminals, transit, tips, and more.

52M passengers/year (2024) · Updated March 2026


📋 Key Facts for Your Trip

Essential info before you fly through SFO

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Terminals
4 terminals (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, International Terminal (A, G))
🕐
Domestic Check-in
45 minutes before departure
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International Check-in
3 hours before departure
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WiFi
Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals
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Power Outlets
Available at most gates
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Annual Passengers
52M passengers/year (2024)

✈️ Airlines at SFO

Terminal assignments — always confirm with your airline before travel

Airline Terminal(s)
United Airlines Terminal 3
Delta Air Lines Terminal 1
American Airlines Terminal 2
Alaska Airlines Terminal 2
Southwest Airlines Terminal 1
Singapore Airlines International Terminal
Cathay Pacific International Terminal
British Airways International Terminal

🚗 Getting To & From SFO

Ground transportation options for San Francisco

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Rail / Train

BART: 30 min to downtown San Francisco, $10.65. Runs until midnight.

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Bus / Shuttle

SamTrans buses to various Bay Area destinations

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Rideshare

Uber/Lyft at designated pickup areas

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Taxi

Available at all terminals; metered fare to downtown ~$45-55

🅿️

Parking

$25/day (long-term lots) · $50/day (garage)

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Rental Cars

Rental Car Center accessible via AirTrain


🍽️ Inside SFO

Food, lounges, and shopping at San Francisco International Airport

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Food & Dining

Before security: Limited options pre-security · After security: Good selection; International Terminal has the best dining

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Lounges

United Polaris Lounge (Terminal 3)United Club (Terminal 3)American Airlines Admirals Club (Terminal 2)Alaska Airlines Board Room (Terminal 2)

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Shopping

California-themed retail, tech gadgets, duty-free in international terminal


💡 Frequent Traveler Tips for SFO

Insider knowledge to make your time at San Francisco International Airport smoother

  • 1 BART is the most reliable and cheapest way to/from SFO
  • 2 The International Terminal is connected to domestic terminals via AirTrain
  • 3 SFO has an excellent aviation museum and art installations throughout
  • 4 Fog can cause significant delays — check your flight status before heading to the airport
  • 5 Terminal 2 is the most modern and comfortable domestic terminal

📱 Real-Time Flight Tracking

Track Your Flight from SFO — Automatically

TripTrack shows your terminal, gate, and real-time delay status the moment you book. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically — no manual entry.


Frequently Asked Questions — SFO

How many terminals does SFO (San Francisco International Airport) have?

San Francisco International Airport has 4 terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, International Terminal (A, G). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before travel, as assignments can change.

Does SFO have free WiFi?

Free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals. For real-time connectivity updates and to stay on top of gate changes, download TripTrack — it tracks your flight automatically.

How early should I arrive at SFO?

For domestic flights, check-in closes 45 minutes before departure. For international flights, check-in closes 3 hours before departure. As a general rule, arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to allow time for check-in, security, and reaching your gate.

What airlines fly from SFO?

San Francisco International Airport is served by 8 airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and 3 more. See the full airline and terminal list above.

How do I get from SFO to San Francisco?

Ground transportation options from San Francisco International Airport include rail/train (BART: 30 min to downtown San Francisco, $10.65. Runs until midnight.), bus/shuttle service, rideshare apps, taxi. See the Getting To & From section above for details.

Is there parking at SFO?

Yes, San Francisco International Airport offers parking options. $25/day (long-term lots) $50/day (garage) Rates and availability change — check the airport website for current pricing.

How can I track my flight from SFO in real time?

TripTrack automatically tracks your flights from San Francisco International Airport — showing real-time gate changes, delays, and terminal info. Connect your Gmail once and your trips appear automatically. Available free on iOS and Android.