San Francisco Airport: Is It Safe?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is generally considered a safe place to be, even at night. Travellers have reported feeling safe on the AirTrain and in the airport itself, even when travelling alone with luggage. There is a constant presence of other travellers and airport staff, and one user on TripAdvisor even suggested that it might be possible to walk to the Hyatt from the airport. However, as with any large city, it is always important to remain vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings.

Safety of the AirTrain at night

San Francisco Airport, also known as SFO, is generally considered a safe airport, including at night. The AirTrain, which operates within the airport perimeter, is also considered safe at night, with travellers reporting no problems with safety. The AirTrain is used by other travellers and airport staff, so you will not be alone when using it.

However, it is always good to be vigilant and keep your wits about you when travelling, especially at night. Keep your valuables close to you and out of sight, and be aware of your surroundings. If you are uncomfortable, you can choose to sit in the front carriage of the AirTrain, near the train operator.

Some travellers have suggested that, if you prefer, you could walk to your hotel, or use a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft.

Safety of the airport itself at night

San Francisco Airport (SFO) is considered safe at night. Travellers report feeling safe on the AirTrain and in the airport itself, even when travelling alone at night. One person notes that they had "absolutely nothing to worry about" and that they were "surrounded by other travellers and airport staff". Another traveller mentions that they had "no problems" travelling on the AirTrain at night.

If you are staying overnight in the airport, the international and domestic terminals are open 24 hours. However, there will be few shops or restaurants open. If you are looking for accommodation, there are several airport hotels with shuttles nearby.

Safety of the surrounding area

San Francisco Airport (SFO) is generally considered a safe place to be, even at night. There is a constant presence of other travellers and airport staff, and one can even walk to the Hyatt hotel from the airport. However, the surrounding area is not the most exciting, and it is not recommended to stay there if you are visiting San Francisco for the first time. The airport area is described as "bland", and it is not walkable like the city itself. If you do stay near the airport, you will have to commute into the city, which can take up valuable time and detract from the experience of being in San Francisco.

If you do decide to stay near the airport, there are several hotel options with shuttle services. These include the Cow Hollow Motor Inn, Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square, Fairmont San Francisco, and Holiday Inn San Francisco-Golden Gateway.

When travelling to and from the airport, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is a safe and affordable option. However, it can be a little grimy, and you may encounter homeless people. If this is a concern, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available and may be preferable, especially if you have luggage.

In terms of safety in the city itself, common sense and street smarts will go a long way. Keep your wits about you, and be aware of your surroundings and your belongings, especially when using public transportation. It is recommended to avoid the Tenderloin area, and to stay out of empty streets late at night. Overall, the risk of getting mugged is higher than that of getting raped or murdered.

Safety of luggage on the train

San Francisco International Airport is considered a safe place to travel through, with one source saying there is "absolutely nothing to worry about" when travelling on the AirTrain at night. The AirTrain is busy with other travellers and airport staff, and the whole airport is under video surveillance. However, it is always a good idea to keep your wits about you and use common sense when travelling.

• Only pack the essentials to reduce the number of bags you need to carry and oversee.
• Store your luggage somewhere safe. If you are travelling with multiple bags, consider storing some of them in a secure luggage storage facility rather than at your hotel.
• Use zip ties on your luggage before they get loaded onto the AirTrain. This reduces the risk of tampering and gives you a guarantee that your bags are intact. If the zip ties are missing when you collect your luggage, do not touch your bags. Instead, ask a security officer to come over and inform them that someone has tampered with your bag.
• Never leave your bags unattended. Keep your bags within eyesight at all times, whether you are in a terminal, a cafe, or on the AirTrain.
• Secure your luggage before travelling so that no one can steal anything if you let your guard down.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and keep a hand on your luggage on the train. The AirTrain can go faster than expected, and unattended bags can roll away.

Safety of women travelling alone

San Francisco is generally considered a safe city for women travelling alone. It is known for its diversity, friendly community, and ample public transportation options. However, like any other big city, it has areas that are more crime-prone than others and certain risks that women should be aware of. Here are some tips to help ensure your safety when travelling through San Francisco Airport and the city itself:

• The airport is generally considered safe, especially during the day. You will be surrounded by other travellers and airport staff.
• If you are taking public transportation from the airport, such as the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), it is generally safe during daylight hours. However, it is important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially during off-peak times and in less crowded areas. Keep your valuables close to you and avoid displaying expensive belongings openly.
• When travelling with luggage, it is recommended to keep a hand on your bags at all times, especially on the BART, as it tends to go faster than expected.
• If you are walking to your hotel from the BART station, try to stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded or unfamiliar areas.
• Keep your wits about you and use common sense. Trust your instincts—if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
• Be cautious in tourist-dense areas like Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and the ferries to and from Alcatraz, as these areas tend to be targets for scammers and pickpockets.
• San Francisco has a severe homelessness problem, and you may encounter homeless people and panhandlers. While they may ask for change, they will not typically approach you. You can choose to keep your distance or give them money if you wish; if you feel uncomfortable, simply ignore them and continue on your way.
• Avoid the Tenderloin District, especially at night, as it is known for having a higher rate of crime.
• Dress in layers, as the weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable, with cool mornings and grey skies giving way to sunshine or rain later in the day.
• Keep your valuables locked up in your accommodation, and only take what you need for the day.
• Be careful about your drinking. Drink less than you ordinarily would, and never leave your drink unattended.

Overall, San Francisco is a great city for solo female travellers, offering a wide range of activities, diverse neighbourhoods, and a friendly, queer-positive community. By staying vigilant and following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your trip is a safe and enjoyable one.

Frequently asked questions