San Francisco's Airports: A Comprehensive Guide To Air Travel

San Francisco is a vibrant city and popular tourist destination, known for its iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Prison, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the San Francisco Giants, among others. The city is served by three international airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO), Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC/KSJC), and Oakland International Airport (KOAK/OAK).

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO offers nonstop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US. The airport provides various amenities, including shopping, dining, Wi-Fi, postal services, ATMs, showers, and lounges. SFO is also home to the SFO Museum, which includes the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Museum and Library and the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum.

Transport options to and from the airport include the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) rail, which connects SFO to East Bay, San Francisco, and San Mateo County. The Caltrain commuter rail is also an option, with passengers able to transfer at Millbrae from the BART rail. SamTrans bus routes are available to Palo Alto, San Francisco, and San Mateo County, and car rentals are available at the airport's Rental Car Center.

The history of SFO dates back to 1927 when the City and County of San Francisco leased 150 acres of land for a temporary and experimental airport project. The airport was officially named Mills Field Municipal Airport of San Francisco and was later purchased by the city in 1930, expanding the site to 1,112 acres. The airport's name was changed to San Francisco Airport in 1931, and "International" was added at the end of World War II as overseas service expanded.

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

For travellers arriving at or departing from Oakland International Airport, there are several transportation options available. Car rental services are offered by various agencies, including Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, and Thrifty. The airport also works with shuttle companies to provide seamless travel, and metered taxis can be found 24 hours a day at the ground transportation area. Additionally, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train system provides a fast and convenient connection between the airport and Coliseum Station.

When it comes to operations, Oakland International Airport experiences some unique considerations. During periods of heavy winds or when there are conflicts with departures from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Runways 1L and 1R cannot be used. In such cases, all arrivals and departures utilise Runways 28L and 28R, which can accommodate up to 60 aircraft per hour. This configuration is known as the West Plan.

Oakland International Airport is a significant gateway to the San Francisco Bay Area, providing convenient access to the East Bay region. With its range of transportation options and amenities, it serves as a vital hub for travellers visiting or departing from this vibrant part of California.

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)

SJC offers basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, postal services, ATMs, showers, and lounges. The airport also features various shopping and dining options. SJC is one of three transit-friendly major airports in the Bay Area, along with San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport.

SJC is served by a variety of airlines, including Alaska Airlines, which has a focus city at the airport. Other airlines that operate at SJC include Southwest Airlines, which previously shifted all of its services from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Oakland and San Jose airports due to delays during poor weather. However, Southwest returned to SFO in 2007.

The airport is easily accessible by various transportation options, including bus, car rental, and inter-terminal shuttles. SJC is well-connected to the surrounding area, providing convenient access to Silicon Valley and the wider Bay Area.

Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS)

STS is one of three transit-friendly major airports in the Bay Area, along with San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport. The airport with the second highest level of traffic in the region is San José Mineta International Airport, which is also the closest to the Silicon Valley region.

STS is one of several airports in the region with an air traffic control tower. These include Oakland International Airport, which has two terminals, and San Francisco International Airport, which has four terminals and seven concourses.

San Francisco International Airport is the second-largest airport in the Bay Area, with almost 58 million passengers travelling through it. It offers nonstop flights to Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US. It also features world-class facilities, shopping, dining, and more.

Oakland International Airport is partnered with 13 airlines that fly to 55 domestic and international destinations. These include Alaska, Allegiant, Azores Airlines, Contour, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest, Spirit, Volaris, and JSX.

Montgomery Field / Marina Airfield

In August 1930, the City and County of San Francisco purchased the property and the surrounding area, expanding the site to 1,112 acres. The airport, originally named Mills Field Municipal Airport of San Francisco, officially changed its name to San Francisco Airport in 1931, upon the purchase of the expanded land.

The name "International" was added to the airport following World War II, as overseas service rapidly expanded. Today, the airport offers nonstop flights to Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US, serving almost 58 million passengers.

Frequently asked questions