Owais Crawford
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, and it takes about 30 minutes to get into the city by subway (BART) for around $10. There are a variety of options for purchasing tickets to San Francisco, including through travel search engines such as KAYAK and Skyscanner, or directly through airlines such as United, SkyWest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Air Canada, Virgin Australia, and Virgin America.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Airport Name | San Francisco Airport (SFO) |
| Alternative Names | San Francisco, San Francisco Intl. |
| Average Flight Cost | $350 |
| Distance from City | 13 miles south of downtown |
| Transport Options | BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport), taxi, shuttle bus, rental car |
| Transport Cost | BART/train: $10 one-way, taxi: $40, shuttle bus: $15-$25 |
| Transport Duration | BART/train: 30 minutes, taxi: 25-35 minutes, shuttle bus: 40 minutes |
| Airlines | United, SkyWest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Air Canada, Virgin Australia, Virgin America, Delta, US Airways, Southwest, JetBlue |
| Facilities | Kids' Spots, self-guided tours, USO Center, Berman Reflection Room, cafes, fast food, restaurants, designer boutiques, bookstores, souvenir shops, ATMs, Grand Hyatt hotel, Aviation Museum & Library |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy tickets at SFO airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of California's most popular destinations, serving as a major hub for travel to the West Coast.
If you're looking to purchase tickets at SFO Airport, there are a few options available. For those travelling into the city, the easiest way is to take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport) from the airport station located in Terminal 3. Trains arrive every 15 minutes and the journey into downtown San Francisco takes around 30 minutes. Tickets for the BART cost around $10 for a one-way trip and can be purchased at the station before boarding the train.
Alternatively, if you're looking to purchase an airline ticket at the airport, there are a number of airline counters located within the terminals. These counters offer assistance with booking and purchasing tickets for future travel. It's always a good idea to check with the specific airline you're interested in to confirm their ticket-purchasing options at the airport.
Additionally, SFO Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options, including rental cars, taxis, and shuttle buses. These can be arranged on-site at the airport, with prices varying depending on the chosen mode of transport.
For those looking to explore the city, there are several tourist attractions and amenities within San Francisco that can be accessed through the various transport options mentioned above.
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Transport options to San Francisco city
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located 13 miles south of San Francisco city. It is the 7th busiest airport in the US, serving as a hub for United Airlines, Virgin America, Delta, American Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, and many more domestic and international airlines.
The airport offers nonstop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US. With over 55 million passengers annually, SFO is California's second most important airport after Los Angeles International Airport.
There are several transport options available to get from SFO to San Francisco city centre, which is approximately 20 to 30 minutes away:
- BART trains: The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system connects SFO with downtown San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations. The BART station is located in the International Terminal, with a short walk to Terminals 1 and 3, and a free AirTrain to all other terminals. BART trains depart from the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal (Boarding Area G side). Fares are calculated based on mileage, and tickets can be purchased at the station or through the Clipper Card mobile payment system.
- SamTrans buses: SamTrans provides 24-hour bus service connecting SFO with San Mateo County, parts of San Francisco, and Palo Alto. Fares are $4, and the buses depart from outside the airport.
- Taxis: Taxis are available outside the airport and can take you directly to your destination in San Francisco. The fare to downtown San Francisco is approximately $60, and it may be cheaper for groups of 2 or more people.
- Private car services: You can book a private car to take you from the airport to your hotel in San Francisco. This option is more expensive but offers a comfortable and worry-free journey.
- Rental cars: SFO has a Rental Car Center where travellers can pick up and drop off rental cars. Skyscanner can help compare prices for rental cars.
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Amenities at SFO airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a wide range of amenities to cater to the diverse needs of its passengers. Here is a detailed overview of the amenities you can expect when visiting SFO Airport:
Transportation and Parking:
SFO provides convenient transportation options for travellers. The Bay Area Rapid Transport (BART) system offers a direct connection to the city, with trains arriving every 15 minutes and a travel time of approximately 30 minutes to the downtown area. Additionally, taxi services are available, with a travel time of 25 to 35 minutes to the city centre. Shuttle buses are also an option, although they make multiple stops and can take up to 40 minutes.
For those driving to the airport, parking options are available, including long-term and short-term parking lots. The airport's website provides real-time parking availability to help travellers make informed decisions.
Dining and Shopping:
SFO boasts an extensive selection of dining options to satisfy any craving. From quick bites and coffee shops to full-service restaurants, travellers can choose from a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. The airport also features a range of shopping opportunities, including duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and convenience stores for any last-minute needs.
Relaxation and Entertainment:
SFO prioritises the comfort and well-being of its passengers. The airport offers yoga rooms in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, providing a peaceful space for travellers to practice yoga and unwind. Additionally, SFO is renowned for its art, having been named one of the "Best Airports for Art in the World" in 2025. The airport features the SFO Museum with galleries and a video arts room, as well as the Aviation Museum and Library, offering a unique cultural experience for travellers.
Accommodation:
For travellers requiring overnight stays or extended layovers, SFO offers convenient on-site accommodation options. The Grand Hyatt at SFO, located at the airport entrance, provides easy access to all terminals and features soundproof guest rooms, culinary services, and a fitness centre. Additionally, the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, just a mile from the airport, offers beautiful bay views, dining options, and a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.
Additional Services:
SFO also provides a range of additional services to meet various traveller needs. This includes a full-service travel agency for last-minute bookings and tours, a medical clinic, and a Rental Car Center for convenient car pick-up and drop-off. The airport also offers special assistance for passengers with disabilities, including wheelchair services and phone services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
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Nearby alternative airports
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the nearest airport to San Francisco, located about 13 miles south of the city. It is served by all major domestic carriers and most international ones, with 47 different airlines in total. However, if you're looking for alternative airports near San Francisco, there are a few options:
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oakland International Airport is located in the centre of the Bay Area, 25 miles from downtown San Francisco, just across the San Francisco Bay. It is served by a range of major airlines, including budget carriers like Allegiant and Southwest. Oakland Airport experiences fewer flight delays than SFO, due to both its less foggy location and lower passenger traffic. However, it has limited non-stop international flights, only servicing Mexico and a few European cities. Oakland is a convenient option for those visiting destinations east of San Francisco, such as Napa, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Jose International Airport is about 3 miles northwest of San Jose and 33 miles from SFO. It offers both international and domestic flights. Like Oakland Airport, you can connect to the BART from San Jose Airport to get to San Francisco.
Other Airports
There are several other smaller airports in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Hayward Executive Airport, Livermore Municipal Airport, and Buchanan Field Airport. These airports may offer general aviation services or be open to the public with pilots announcing runway usage via radio contact.
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Best days to book flights
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the only airport in San Francisco and is the 7th busiest airport in the U.S. The airport offers nonstop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.
Now, onto the best days to book flights.
There is no fixed pattern for the best days to book flights. While Tuesdays were once considered the best days to book flights, this is no longer the case. Airlines now update prices dynamically, with the best fares popping up sporadically rather than predictably.
That said, studies have shown that booking on Sundays can lead to modest savings, with savings of 6% on domestic flights and up to 17% on international flights compared to booking on Mondays or Fridays. However, another study by Upgraded Points found that the best days to purchase airline tickets are Mondays or Tuesdays, with Fridays and Saturdays being the most expensive.
For international flights, Thursdays are generally the best days to fly, while for domestic flights within the U.S., Saturdays tend to offer the best prices. Midweek departures, especially Tuesdays through Thursdays, can also be a good option for finding cheaper fares.
When booking flights, it is also important to consider the destination and the time of year. For flights to Mexico or the Caribbean, booking 59 days in advance is ideal, while for Europe, booking 129 days in advance typically offers the best deals. For holiday flights, booking 71 days in advance is recommended. Additionally, flying on the holiday itself, such as Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day, can be much more affordable than flying on the surrounding days.
Overall, the key to finding cheap flights is flexibility. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices across different dates and destinations. Embracing long layovers or considering alternative airports can also help in finding lower prices.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy your ticket at the airport. SFO offers nonstop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to account for ticket purchase and check-in.
You can purchase your ticket at the airline's ticketing counter or through a travel agency at the airport. Some airlines also offer self-service kiosks where you can buy your ticket.
