San Francisco International Airport
Also known as: SFO, SFO Airport, San Francisco Airport.
Private transfer from SFOSee pricesSee pricesAbout San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main airport for San Francisco and the Bay Area. It sits on the bay in San Mateo County, about 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco, and handled about 54.5 million passengers in 2025.
SFO is a hub for United Airlines, its main gateway across the Pacific, and for Alaska Airlines. American, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue and dozens of foreign airlines also fly here, with routes across the United States and to Asia, Europe, Australia and Latin America.
There are four terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and the International Terminal, with Boarding Areas A and G. The free AirTrain links them with the BART station, the Grand Hyatt hotel, the Rental Car Center and long-term parking.
BART trains run directly from the airport to downtown San Francisco, Oakland and the East Bay, and travelers also head south to Silicon Valley and north to Napa and Sonoma.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
City and County of San Francisco
- Runways
Four; the longest, 10L/28R, is 11,870 ft
- Passengers per year
About 54.5 million in 2025
- Opened
May 7, 1927, as Mills Field Municipal Airport
- Hubs
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines
Arrival tips for San Francisco International Airport
Check which terminal you land at: Terminal 1, 2 or 3 or the International Terminal. Each has its own baggage claim on the arrivals level.
If you arrive on an international flight, you clear US Customs and Border Protection at the International Terminal, then collect your bags. If you are eligible, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line.
Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim in their terminal.
Taxis pick up at the center islands of the arrivals level. Ride apps pick up on the fifth floor of the garage for domestic terminals, and on the departures level center island at the International Terminal. The free AirTrain runs to the BART station, the Rental Car Center and the Grand Hyatt. If you booked a private transfer, follow the meeting point in your confirmation.
Ground transportation
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Book a transfer from SFOPrivate transfer from SFO
A pre-booked driver meets you at your terminal and takes you to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, the East Bay or wine country. The easiest option with luggage or a group.
BART
Trains run from the station by the International Terminal directly to downtown San Francisco, Oakland and the East Bay; reach it by AirTrain or on foot.
Taxi from SFO
Taxis pick up at the arrivals level center islands of each terminal.
Uber and Lyft
Ride apps pick up on the fifth floor of the garage for domestic terminals and on the departures level island at the International Terminal.
Caltrain and SamTrans
Reach Caltrain at Millbrae by BART or SamTrans; SamTrans buses stop at the terminals.
Moving between terminals
- 1
AirTrain
A free automated train linking all terminals, the international garages, the BART station, the Grand Hyatt, the Rental Car Center and long-term parking.
Terminals
Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Boarding Areas B and C, used by Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Aer Lingus, Porter and Sun Country.
Terminal 2
Boarding Area D and parts of C, used by Air Canada, Breeze, Southwest, WestJet and some United domestic flights.
Terminal 3
Boarding Areas E and F, for United domestic flights.
International Terminal
Boarding Areas A and G, used by United international flights, Star Alliance and many other international airlines.
Airlines and destinations
Main airlines at SFO and the terminal each uses.
Air Canada T2
Alaska Airlines Harvey Milk T1
American Airlines Harvey Milk T1
Delta Air Lines Harvey Milk T1
Frontier Airlines Harvey Milk T1
JetBlue Harvey Milk T1
Southwest Airlines T2
United Airlines T3
International flights from the International Terminal.
WestJet T2
Facilities
AirTrain
Free train between terminals, BART, the Grand Hyatt and the Rental Car Center.
BART station
West of the International Terminal, with trains to San Francisco, Oakland and the East Bay.
Grand Hyatt
Hotel on the airport grounds, reached by AirTrain.
Rental Car Center
All rental companies, reached by AirTrain.
Taxi and ride-app pickups
Taxis on the arrivals level center islands; ride apps on garage level 5 (domestic) or the departures level island (international).
Airport lounges
Alaska Lounge (Harvey Milk Terminal 1)
Opened in July 2024, for members and eligible premium passengers.
Admirals Club (Harvey Milk Terminal 1)
In Boarding Area B, for American members and eligible oneworld premium passengers.
United Clubs (Terminal 3)
Two United Clubs for members and eligible premium passengers.
American Express Centurion Lounge (Terminal 3)
Near Gate F2, for eligible American Express card members.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.
Reduced mobility
Use the AirTrain between terminals, or ask your airline for assistance from the gate to the curb.
Service animals
Rules for service and emotional support animals are set by each airline, so check with yours before you travel and carry the required documents.
Assistance on arrival
Airline staff meet passengers who requested assistance at the aircraft and accompany them through customs and baggage claim to the curb.
Parking
International garages and long-term parking
Linked to the terminals by the free AirTrain.
Frequently asked questions
How far is SFO from downtown San Francisco?
San Francisco International Airport is about 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco, in San Mateo County. BART runs directly from the airport to downtown, and taxis, ride apps and pre-booked drivers make the trip by road.
How many terminals does SFO have?
SFO has four terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and the International Terminal, with Boarding Areas A and G. The free AirTrain links them all.
Is there a train from SFO to San Francisco?
Yes. BART has a station by the International Terminal, with direct trains to downtown San Francisco, Oakland and the East Bay. Reach it on foot from the International Terminal or by the free AirTrain from the domestic terminals.
Is the AirTrain at SFO free?
Yes. The AirTrain is a free automated train linking the terminals, the international garages, the BART station, the Grand Hyatt hotel, the Rental Car Center and long-term parking.
Where do I get an Uber or Lyft at SFO?
At the domestic terminals, ride apps pick up on the fifth floor of the adjacent garage. At the International Terminal, they pick up on the departures level center island.