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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco and is the primary entry point for the city. SFO offers non-stop flights to Asia, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US, and is served by major airlines such as United, American Airlines, and Air Canada. The airport features various amenities, including dining options, shopping, and a rental car center. SFO is easily accessible via Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains, which connect the airport with downtown San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations. When booking flights to San Francisco, it is recommended to book in advance and be flexible with travel dates to find the best deals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | San Francisco International Airport |
| Airport Code | SFO |
| Location | 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco |
| Connectivity | Connected to 121 airports globally through 51 airlines |
| Airlines | United, SkyWest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air New Zealand, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Air Canada, Virgin Australia |
| Facilities | Cafes, fast food places, restaurants, designer boutiques, bookstores, souvenir shops, kids' spots |
| Transport | Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) trains, Yellow Line, Red Line, SFO AirTrain |
| Car Rental | Available at the Rental Car Center |
| Best Day to Book | Sunday (8% cheaper than Friday) |
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What You'll Learn
Transport to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is easily accessible via several transport options. The airport is connected to all major public transit systems in the San Francisco Bay Area, including Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and the AirTrain.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)
BART trains connect SFO with downtown San Francisco, downtown Oakland, and other Bay Area destinations. The BART station is located in the International Terminal, a short walk from Terminals 1 and 3. Trains depart from the SFO International Terminal, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach downtown San Francisco. To reach the BART station, passengers can take the free SFO AirTrain from any terminal. BART offers inexpensive multi-day parking at many stations, which can be reserved online.
AirTrain
SFO's AirTrain operates 24 hours a day, with departures as frequent as every four minutes. The AirTrain connects passengers to BART via the Garage G AirTrain/BART station stop. The Blue Line takes passengers to the Rental Car Center and Long-Term Parking, while the Red Line connects all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, and the Grand Hyatt at SFO. The AirTrain is wheelchair accessible, with designated spaces and elevator service at all stations.
Rental Cars
The San Francisco International Airport Rental Car Center allows travellers to conveniently pick up and drop off rental cars at a central location.
Additionally, passengers can reach their destinations by taxi or private cab services, which are easily accessible from the airport.
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Amenities at SFO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a wide range of amenities to cater to the diverse needs of its passengers. From essential services to unique experiences, here's an overview of the amenities you can expect at SFO:
Grand Hyatt at SFO:
The Grand Hyatt at SFO, located at the entrance to the airport, offers unmatched luxury and premier meeting spaces. With over 14,000 square feet of flexible event space across 11 unique meeting rooms, it's perfect for any event. The hotel features a variety of dining options, including the Quail & Crane Restaurant, Twin Crafts Bar, and Twin Crafts Market. Guests can also take advantage of the 1,500-square-foot fitness centre and the exclusive Grand Club. The Grand Hyatt has received numerous awards, including the SkyTrax Passengers' Choice Award for "The World's Best Airport Hotels 2024".
San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront:
The San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront is another excellent accommodation option located just a mile from SFO. It offers beautiful bay views, dining options featuring fresh California cuisine, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport for added convenience.
SFO Museum and Galleries:
SFO is known for its unique art and cultural offerings. The SFO Museum's galleries, video arts room, Aviation Museum, and Library provide a feast for the imagination. Passengers can explore various exhibitions and artistic endeavours to make their time at the airport memorable.
Yoga Rooms and Showers:
For passengers who want to stretch and relax before their flight, SFO offers yoga rooms located in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, showers are available to help passengers feel refreshed and energised during their travels.
SkyTerrace Observation Deck:
The SkyTerrace Observation Deck offers a unique viewing experience. Passengers can take in the action on the airfield and enjoy a different perspective of the airport's operations.
Accessibility Services:
SFO provides comprehensive accessibility services for passengers with special needs. Wheelchair assistance is available, and passengers are encouraged to notify their airline when booking their flight. Visual paging screens are located throughout the airport, and phone services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing are also provided.
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Best days to book flights
When it comes to booking flights, there are a few strategies you can employ to find the best deals, especially when flying out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Firstly, it's important to note that there is no magical day of the week when airfares are consistently cheaper. However, you can still save money by avoiding booking on the busiest travel days, which are usually Fridays and Sundays. Instead, aim for the generally cheaper days, which include Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. For example, departing on a Thursday can save you around 16% compared to travelling on a Sunday. Similarly, Sundays are typically the best day to book flights, with savings of about 8% compared to booking on a Friday.
Secondly, consider the time of year you're planning to travel. San Francisco's peak season is during the summer months of June to August, and prices are typically higher during this period. If you're flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting during the autumn, from September to November, when the city often experiences warmer and less foggy weather.
Thirdly, for domestic trips, it's recommended to book your flights one to three months in advance. For international travel, aim for two to five months ahead of your trip. Booking too early or too late can result in higher prices. Additionally, consider using price alerts or a service that tracks airfares, such as Google Flights or Kayak, to monitor prices and notify you when they drop.
Lastly, don't forget to compare prices across different airlines and airports. Flying with a different carrier or choosing an alternative airport, such as Oakland International Airport (OAK) instead of SFO, can sometimes offer significant savings.
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Alternative airports
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the closest airport to San Francisco, located about 13 miles south of the city. However, there are several alternative airports in the Bay Area that may be worth considering, depending on your destination and travel plans.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oakland International Airport is situated in the Bay Area, 25 miles from downtown San Francisco. It is served by a variety of major airlines, including budget carriers like Allegiant and Southwest, and offers nonstop flights to 55 destinations. OAK experiences fewer delays than SFO due to its location outside the fog belt and lower passenger volume. However, it has limited nonstop international flights, primarily serving Mexico and select European cities. OAK is conveniently connected to San Francisco via the BART, making it a viable alternative for those visiting the city.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Jose International Airport is about 33 miles from SFO and offers both international and domestic flights. It is accessible via the BART by connecting from Oakland or directly from San Jose.
Other Alternatives
Other nearby airports include San Carlos Airport (SQL), Crissy Army Air Field (JFO), Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF), China Basin Heliport (JCC), Hayward Executive Airport (HWD), and Emeryville Heliport (JEM). These smaller airports may offer additional options for private or chartered flights.
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$17.95
Connecting flights
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the second busiest airport in California and the seventh busiest in the United States. It is located 22km (14 miles) from the city centre.
If you are taking a connecting flight at SFO, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, all connecting passengers are required to clear security before boarding their next flight. If you have an onward connection, you should exit the arrivals hall through the doors marked "Connecting Flights". If your bags have been tagged to your final destination, you can re-check them at the baggage desks located outside the exit. If an agent is not available, or your bags are not tagged, you should visit your airline's ticket counter.
All arriving passengers, regardless of their connection status, must claim their baggage after immigration, proceed through customs, and exit via the connecting flight exit. You will then need to be screened through a security checkpoint to access your next flight. Passengers arriving on a domestic flight can walk to their next gate without exiting and re-entering security.
It is recommended to allow at least 2 to 3 hours for connecting flights to account for the time needed to clear immigration and customs, re-check luggage, go through security, and reach your departure gate. For connections under one hour, it is recommended to alert your airline. If you are connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight, you should ensure you have your boarding pass and ID ready, as passengers must go through security again after re-checking luggage for an international flight.
If you are travelling to or from the airport by train, BART trains connect SFO with downtown San Francisco, downtown Oakland, and many other Bay Area destinations. The BART station is located in the International Terminal, a short walk from Terminals 1 and 3. You can also take the free SFO AirTrain from all terminals directly to the BART station.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major airport that offers non-stop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US. It is a central transatlantic stopping point for Western-bound flights and is the 7th busiest airport in the US.
If you are driving, you can purchase multi-day reserved parking at Millbrae Station and take a train to the airport. Alternatively, you can take a Yellow Line (San Francisco/Antioch) or Red Line (San Francisco/Richmond) train to one of the four downtown San Francisco BART stations and walk or take a cab to the airport.
SFO offers a variety of cafes, fast-food places, restaurants, designer boutiques, bookstores, souvenir shops, and kids' spots.
