Airport Overview
San Francisco International Airport is the primary airport serving the San Francisco Bay Area and one of the busiest airports on the US West Coast. Located approximately 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco in unincorporated San Mateo County, SFO serves as a hub for United Airlines and a major gateway for transpacific flights.
Terminals
SFO has four terminals: Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal), Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal (the largest in the US by square footage). All terminals are connected by the AirTrain automated people mover.
Ground Transportation
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects SFO directly to downtown San Francisco in approximately 30 minutes. The SFO AirTrain connects the terminals to the BART station. Taxis, rideshare services, and shared shuttles are available. The drive to downtown San Francisco takes approximately 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Rental Cars
Rental car companies operate from the Rental Car Center, accessible via the AirTrain.
Parking
SFO offers parking in the Domestic and International garages and economy lots. Pre-booking is recommended.
Accessibility Services
SFO provides wheelchair assistance, accessible BART stations, and other accessibility services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
BART is the most convenient option, connecting SFO to downtown San Francisco (Embarcadero or Powell Street stations) in approximately 30 minutes. Taxis and rideshare services are also available and take 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Does SFO have a direct train to the city?
Yes. BART connects SFO directly to downtown San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and other Bay Area destinations. The SFO AirTrain connects the terminals to the BART station within the airport.
Quick Facts
- IATA Code
- SFO
- ICAO Code
- KSFO
- FAA Identifier
- SFO
- Type
- Large Hub
- City
- San Francisco
- State
- California
Nearby Destinations
Sources
- ·FAA Airport Data and Information Portal
- ·San Francisco International Airport official website (flysfo.com)
Last reviewed:
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Disclaimer: Airport information is compiled from the FAA Airport Data and Information Portal and official airport websites. Terminal layouts, transport options, fees, and services change over time. Always verify current information directly with the airport or your airline before travel. United States Trip is not affiliated with the FAA, any airport authority, or the US government.
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