Lois Larson
San Francisco International Airport, also known as SFO, is a great place to have a long layover. With a train connecting the airport to downtown, travellers can quickly and easily get into the city to explore. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provides direct trains between SFO and the city, with trains departing from the airport station every 10-15 minutes and arriving downtown in about 30 minutes. There are also taxis available, but these can be pricier due to the notorious Bay Area traffic. With a long layover, travellers can visit iconic spots such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square, and Fisherman's Wharf. There are also world-class museums to explore, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Legion of Honor, and the Conservatory of Flowers at Golden Gate Park. For those who prefer to stay in the airport, there are plenty of dining options, including to-go kiosks, delis, cafes, and sit-down restaurants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Leaving the airport during a layover | Yes, but you will need to go through immigration and security again when you return. |
| Time needed for immigration and security | Allow at least 2 hours each way for travel to and from the airport, plus time to clear immigration and security. |
| Minimum recommended layover time | 7 hours |
| Transport to downtown San Francisco | Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train, taxi, rideshare services |
| Transport within San Francisco | Subway, cable cars, streetcars, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses, Lyft rideshare service |
| Luggage storage | Available at the Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal, 6 am-11 pm. |
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What You'll Learn
Exploring downtown San Francisco
If you have a long layover in San Francisco, you can leave the airport and explore the city. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provides direct trains between the airport and the city, with trains departing every 10-15 minutes and taking around 30 minutes to get downtown.
- Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown to see how fortune cookies are made and buy some treats.
- Take a guided walking tour of Chinatown and explore the historic Chinese temples, such as the Kong Chow Temple, the Tin How Temple, and the Ma Tsu Temple.
- Check out the museums in the area, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Asian Art Museum, and the Legion of Honor.
- Explore the Financial District and Union Square for shopping, restaurants, and nightlife. Union Square, in particular, offers luxurious hotels, shopping, and dining.
- Discover the urban winery scene and terrific music festivals that the city has to offer.
- Visit the historic San Francisco Ferry Building, which offers cute shops, great eateries, and a gorgeous view of the bay.
- Take a cable car ride from Ghirardelli Square and walk or ride down Lombard Street, the crookedest street in the world.
- Explore the Mission District, which is known for its bustling streets, cafes, eateries, and bars.
- Enjoy the view of the Golden Gate Bridge and walk down to Fisherman's Wharf to see the seals.
Remember to allow enough time to return to the airport, clear security, and make your connecting flight.
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Where to eat and drink
If you're looking for places to eat and drink during your layover in San Francisco, there are plenty of options both at the airport and in the city itself.
At the Airport
If you decide to stay at the airport, there are several options for food and drink. The airport has various to-go kiosks, delis, cafes, and sit-down restaurants. Local favourites include Andale Mexican, Dogpatch Bakehouse, and Roasting Plant Coffee. For a more leisurely dining experience, try Lark Creek Grill or SF Uncork'd. Popular chains such as Starbucks, Peet's Coffee & Tea, Pinkberry, and Burger King are also available.
For a quick bite, consider the following options:
- The Plant Café Organic and Pinkberry: This spot offers organic fare like sandwiches and their cult-favorite veggie burger, paired with Pinkberry's frozen yogurt. (Near Gate D4)
- Wakaba: Japanese cuisine, including noodles, sushi, teriyaki, and bento boxes, along with beer and sake. (Near Gate D9)
- Burger Joint: Niman Ranch burgers, hot dogs, chicken burgers, and sides. (Near Gate D15)
- Peet's Coffee & Tea: Coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and bottled beverages. (Near Gate D15)
- Andalé Mexican Kitchen + Bar: Made-to-order Mexican entrees until 11:30 pm. (Near Gate D16)
In San Francisco
If you have a longer layover and want to explore the city, you can easily reach downtown San Francisco via public transit. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) departs from the airport every 10-15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes to get downtown.
- Brenda's French Soul Food: Excellent French cuisine in the Civic Center/UN Plaza area.
- Saigon Sandwich: Delicious banh mi for under $5, also in the Civic Center/UN Plaza area.
- Philz: Try their mint mojito coffee, a California favourite.
- House of Dim Sum: Join a Chinatown walking tour and experience delicious dim sum.
- Ferry Building: Historic building with cute shops, various places to eat, and a gorgeous view of the bay. KQED staffers recommend Cholita Linda, Peaches Patties, Reem's, El Porteño's Empanadas, and Miette Patisserie. You can also grab a burrito from Señor Sisig, a local favourite. (Farmers' markets are held here on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.)
- Mission District: Bustling streets with plenty of cafes, eateries, and bars. Popular spots include Cholita Linda and Señor Sisig.
- Pausa: A bar and cookery in San Mateo offering modern Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, grilled dishes, and house-cured meats.
Remember to allow enough time to get back to the airport, clear security, and make your connecting flight!
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Storing luggage
If you have a long layover in San Francisco and want to explore the city, you may want to consider storing your luggage. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers luggage storage services through the Airport Travel Agency, located in the International Terminal. Prices vary depending on the size of your luggage and how long you leave it, but it may be cheaper to opt for a 24-hour price rather than paying by the hour.
There are also some 24-hour luggage storage options available near the airport, provided by third-party services like Nannybag. Nannybag partners with local businesses and hotels to provide a convenient and secure luggage storage solution. This service costs $4.50 per bag per day, and you can book online.
If you're heading into the city, you can bring your luggage with you on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains, which run directly from the airport to downtown San Francisco. However, you may be more comfortable stashing your luggage at the airport or with Nannybag during this time.
There are also a few hotels within a 5-minute drive of the airport, which offer frequent free shuttles and may be able to store your luggage if you plan to stay there during your layover.
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Transport options
San Francisco International Airport is located 21 kilometres south of the city. If you have a long layover and want to explore the city, there are several transport options available.
BART
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system operates a rapid rail service to northern San Mateo County, San Francisco, and the East Bay directly from the airport. The BART station is located on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal (Boarding Area G side). The BART can be easily accessed from any terminal by riding the AirTrain to the Garage G/BART Station stop, and there is no charge to board the AirTrain. The BART departs from the airport station every 10-15 minutes and can get you to downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes.
Caltrain
Caltrain provides rail service between San Francisco and San Jose, with weekday commute-hour service to Gilroy. To transfer to Caltrain from the airport, take a Millbrae-bound BART train and board Caltrain at Millbrae Station. Caltrain operates 7 days a week, although weekends have less frequent trains.
SamTrans
SamTrans provides 24-hour bus service connecting the airport to San Mateo County, parts of San Francisco, and Palo Alto. Route 292 stops directly at the airport terminals, while Routes EPX and 142 stop at the Rental Car Center and can be reached from the terminals via the AirTrain Blue Line. Limited service is available to and from the airport late at night on Routes ECR Owl and 397.
Taxi
Taking a taxi is a convenient but pricier option for getting to downtown San Francisco. Taxis can be subject to longer travel times due to the Bay Area's notorious traffic.
Cable Car
Riding a cable car is a great way to see the city, especially if you have a few days to explore. The cable car pass is valid for 9 consecutive days, and you can select 4 attractions to visit.
When returning to the airport, be sure to leave plenty of time to clear security and make your next flight.
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Time management
If you have a long layover at San Francisco Airport, you may want to consider leaving the airport to explore the city. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provides direct trains between the airport and the city, with trains departing every 10-15 minutes and taking around 30 minutes to reach downtown San Francisco.
To make the most of your time, it is recommended to store your luggage at the airport, which can be done at the Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal. The agency is open from 6 am to 11 pm, and prices vary depending on the size of your luggage and the duration of storage.
Once in the city, there are numerous attractions and activities to choose from. Here is a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:
- Start your exploration by visiting the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
- From there, make your way to the Financial District and the Ferry Building, where you can enjoy the historic building, shops, eateries, and gorgeous views of the bay.
- Next, head to the Mission District, one of the most bustling areas of the city, with vibrant streets such as Mission and Valencia offering a variety of cafes, eateries, and bars.
- If you're interested in art and culture, check out the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Legion of Honor, or the Asian Art Museum, depending on your preferences and time constraints.
- For a unique perspective of the city, consider riding a cable car or hopping on a sightseeing bus. You can also utilise rideshare services like Lyft to get around efficiently.
Throughout your exploration, be mindful of time management. Factor in travel time back to the airport, and ensure you allow sufficient time to clear security and make it to your boarding gate. With strategic planning and prioritisation, you can make the most of your layover and gain a memorable glimpse of what San Francisco has to offer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover in San Francisco. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provides direct trains between the airport and the city. However, you will need to factor in the time it takes to clear immigration, travel to and from the airport, and clear security again.
It depends on how much time you have during your layover. With a 7-hour layover, you may only have 1-2 hours to explore the city. With a 10-hour layover, you will have more time to get acquainted with the city and see the main sights.
You can store your luggage at the Airport Travel Agency, which is located in the International Terminal near the entrance to Terminal G. The prices vary depending on the size of your luggage and how long you leave it.
There are many things to do in San Francisco during a layover, including visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, riding a cable car, exploring the Ferry Building, and visiting museums such as the Asian Art Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
