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Airport Transportation

San Francisco International Airport

Also known as: SFO, SFO Airport, San Francisco Airport.

SFO · KSFO · San Francisco

Airport facts

Name
San Francisco International Airport
IATA code
SFO
ICAO code
KSFO
City
San Francisco
Country
United States of America
Coordinates
37.6198, -122.3748
Time zone
America/Los_Angeles

About 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

  • Private 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.

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Book a transfer from SFO

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

Airline guide

Alaska Airlines Harvey Milk T1

Airline guide

American Airlines Harvey Milk T1

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines Harvey Milk T1

Airline guide

Frontier Airlines Harvey Milk T1

Airline guide

JetBlue Harvey Milk T1

Airline guide

Southwest Airlines T2

Airline guide

United Airlines T3

International flights from the International Terminal.

Airline guide

WestJet T2

Airline guide

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.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from SFO