Owais Crawford
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main international airport serving the city of San Francisco, USA. Located in San Mateo County, it is the largest airport in Northern California and the second busiest after Los Angeles Airport. SFO is a hub for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, offering non-stop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and within the US. The airport is a global transportation hub, with an international terminal and three domestic terminals, providing convenient door-to-door travel options for passengers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | San Francisco International Airport |
| Airport Code | SFO |
| Location | 13-14 miles south of downtown San Francisco, California |
| Nearest Cities | Millbrae, San Bruno |
| County | San Mateo |
| Management | San Francisco City and County |
| Ranking | 9th in the US in terms of passengers, 13th in terms of air cargo tonnage |
| Yearly Passengers | 39.7 million (2010-11), 50,196,094 (2023) |
| Airlines | United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air India, Avianca El Salvador, Copa Airlines, EVA Air, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Aer Lingus, Flair Airlines, WestJet, SkyWest Airlines/United Express, Pacific Air Lines, Bonanza Air Lines, West Coast Airlines, Air West, Hughes Airwest |
| Services | ATMs, Animal relief area, Baggage wrapping, Business center, Cell phone rentals, Family restrooms, Currency exchange, Free Wi-Fi, Public phones, Information Booths |
| Transport | BART, AirTrain, Taxi, Bus, Rental car |
| Dining | Wag Brigade (therapy dogs and a pig), various dining options |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in California, USA
SFO is among America's largest airports, with four terminals and seven concourses. It is a hub for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, and it offers nonstop flights to Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and within the US. The airport is easily accessible via public transportation, with the BART connecting the airport to downtown San Francisco and the AirTrain people mover transporting passengers between terminals, garages, and the rental car center.
SFO has a long history of aviation and has been a trailblazing institution. It has been recognised for its sustainability initiatives, such as integrating in-line baggage screening into its baggage handling system and committing to using sustainable fuels. The airport also prioritises the comfort and enjoyment of its passengers, offering amenities such as the "Wag Brigade" therapy dogs and a Juliana-breed therapy pig named Lilou.
The airport is a significant gateway for Pacific traffic and serves as a domestic hub for United Airlines. It is conveniently located near the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, providing easy access to the city of San Francisco and its surrounding areas. SFO is also known for its impressive architecture, with the International Terminal's soaring roofline and gleaming glass-and-steel exterior serving as a magnificent visual centerpiece.
Sticker Collecting: Airport Editions and Their Existence
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
SFO is 13-14 miles from downtown San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in the state of California, USA. It is the main international airport serving the city of San Francisco, being the largest airport in Northern California and the second busiest airport after Los Angeles Airport. SFO is 13-14 miles from downtown San Francisco, close to the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno. The airport is located in San Mateo County and is managed by San Francisco City and County.
SFO offers nonstop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US, as well as world-class facilities, shopping, and dining options. The airport consists of four terminals, including an international terminal and three domestic terminals. It is a hub for United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Air West (formerly Pacific Air Lines).
The distance from SFO to downtown San Francisco is approximately 13 miles or 21 kilometers. This distance can be easily covered by car, taxi, or public transportation. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system provides a direct connection between the airport and downtown, with a journey time of around 30 minutes.
Additionally, SFO has introduced several unique programs to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. For example, in 2013, SFO launched the "Wag Brigade" program, which brings trained therapy dogs to the terminals to comfort nervous fliers. The airport has also taken initiatives towards sustainability, such as signing an agreement in 2018 to use sustainable aviation fuels supplied by Shell and SkyNRG for flights operating out of SFO.
The Many Gates of ICT Airport: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
SFO is the second busiest airport in the US after Los Angeles Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in the US state of California, serving the city of San Francisco. It is the main international airport in the Bay Area, situated 12-13 miles south of downtown San Francisco in San Mateo County. SFO is the second busiest airport in the US state of California, after Los Angeles Airport (LAX). In 2023, SFO was the 13th busiest airport in the US by passenger traffic, registering 50,196,094 passengers.
SFO has an international terminal and three domestic terminals, with a total of four boarding areas. The airport is a hub for several airlines, including United Airlines, which uses SFO as its primary transpacific gateway and a major maintenance facility, and Alaska Airlines. The airport offers nonstop flights to various destinations, including Asia, Europe, and North America.
The history of SFO dates back to the late 1950s when it became the base of operations for Pacific Air Lines, which introduced the first jet service to several cities in California. In the 1960s, the airport saw the introduction of jet bridges and new airlines, such as Western Airlines and Air California. SFO has also been recognised for its achievements, being voted the Best International Airport in North America in 2008 and introducing sustainable fuels in 2018.
SFO provides various services and facilities for passengers, including ATMs, baggage wrapping, a business centre, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi. The airport is easily accessible via the BART, bus, taxi, or AirTrain, which connects the terminals and garages.
Sarasota Bradenton Airport: Reopening Timeline and Updates
You may want to see also
Explore related products
SFO has four terminals and seven concourses
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in California, USA, and is the largest airport in the Bay Area. It is a major gateway to the United States, offering nonstop flights to Asia, the South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and domestically within the US.
- International Terminal: This terminal hosts all inbound and outbound international flights and is the largest terminal at SFO, spanning 1.8 million square feet. It consists of two concourses, Boarding Areas A (Gates A1-A15) and G (Gates G1-G14), with a total of 24 gates. The concourses feature shops, dining options, and lounges for eligible passengers. The terminal also includes the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Museum and Library and the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum.
- Domestic Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal 1): This terminal is one of the three domestic terminals at SFO and is home to Boarding Areas B (Gates B6-B27) and C (Gates C2-C11). It has one concourse with various shops and restaurants, as well as airline lounges.
- Domestic Terminal 2: This terminal is home to Boarding Area D (Gates D50-D59).
- Domestic Terminal 3: This terminal is home to Boarding Areas E (Gates E1-E13) and F (Gates F1-F22), sharing some gates with the International Terminal.
Passengers can easily navigate and transfer between the terminals using the AirTrain, which also connects to parking garages and the rental car center. SFO provides clear and abundant signage throughout the airport, ensuring a smooth travel experience for its passengers.
Runway Glidescopes: How Do They Guide Pilots Safely?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
SFO offers nonstop flights to Asia, Europe, and beyond
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in California, USA, and offers non-stop flights to Asia, Europe, and beyond. SFO is the largest airport in Northern California and the second busiest airport after Los Angeles Airport. It is located 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco, in San Mateo County, and is managed by San Francisco City and County.
SFO has an international terminal and three domestic terminals, serving as a hub for major airlines such as United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Air West. The airport offers non-stop flights to various destinations in Asia, including Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Shanghai, and Bengaluru, which is the route with the longest flight time from SFO. Additionally, SFO provides non-stop services to European cities such as London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Vancouver.
The airport caters to 53 airlines, connecting San Francisco to 174 airports worldwide. Some of the airlines operating at SFO include Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and many more. SFO also offers world-class facilities, dining, and shopping options for travellers.
In recent years, SFO has implemented several initiatives to enhance the airport experience. In 2013, they launched the "Wag Brigade" program, introducing therapy dogs and a therapy pig to the terminals to comfort nervous travellers. SFO was also an early adopter of sustainable practices, signing an agreement in 2018 to use sustainable fuels supplied by Shell and SkyNRG for flights operated by KLM, SAS, and Finnair.
Montreal Airport: Best Time to Arrive and Why
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
SFO Airport is in California, USA.
SFO Airport is located 13-14 miles from downtown San Francisco.
You can get to SFO Airport from the city centre by taxi, ride share, bus or train. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train is the best way to get to downtown and only costs $10 one way.
SFO Airport has plenty of shopping and dining options, as well as free WiFi, ATMs, currency exchange, business centres and more.
SFO Airport is a hub for Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Other airlines that fly from SFO include Air India, Avianca El Salvador, Copa Airlines, EVA Air, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Aer Lingus, Flair Airlines and WestJet.
![2 Pack - World Map Poster & USA Map Chart [Tan/Color] (LAMINATED, 18” x 29”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1aLNThapcS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
