Sachin Walls
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County. It is one of the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic, acting as a hub for United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The airport offers nonstop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US. The best way to get from the airport to the city centre is via the San Francisco BART, although a private car service is also available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | U.S. Route 101, 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco |
| Mailing Address | San Francisco |
| County | San Mateo County |
| Distance from San Francisco | Approximately 12-13 miles (19-21 km) southeast |
| Transport to City | SanTrans lines 292, 397, and KX; taxi; San Francisco BART; private car |
| Parking | Short-term in the central terminal area and international terminal garages; long-term on South Airport Blvd. and San Bruno Ave., and at select BART stations |
| Pick-up Area for Ride Apps | Fifth floor of the adjacent garage for domestic terminals; Departures/Check-In Level roadway center island for the International Terminal |
| Ranking | 13th busiest airport in the US and 29th busiest in the world by passenger traffic |
| Facilities | Nonstop flights to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the US; shopping, dining |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
San Francisco Airport is 13 miles south of the city
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located approximately 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. The airport has been in operation since 1927 and was originally named Mills Field Municipal Airport of San Francisco. It was renamed San Francisco Airport in 1931 and then San Francisco International Airport after World War II to reflect the growing international air service.
SFO is a major transportation hub, offering both domestic and international flights to various destinations. The airport has four terminals (1, 2, 3, and International) and seven concourses, with a total of 121 gates. Terminal 1 is home to Boarding Area B, while Terminal 2 houses Boarding Areas C and D. Terminal 3, formerly known as the "North Terminal", comprises Boarding Areas E and F. The International Terminal handles international flights and some domestic flights.
SFO is owned and operated by the City & County of San Francisco and is located primarily in unincorporated San Mateo County. Due to its location, the City of San Francisco has agreements in place that allow the San Francisco Police and Fire Departments to operate at the airport. SFO is easily accessible from the city via the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system, and the airport also has its own landside people-mover system called the AirTrain, which connects all four terminals and the BART station.
The airport has a variety of amenities for travellers, including artwork installations, restaurants serving various cuisines, and luxurious accommodations nearby, such as the Grand Hyatt, which offers stunning views of the bay and airport. SFO also has a British Airways Terraces Lounge, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment for travellers to unwind before their flights.
Managing Kids at Airports: A Stress-Free Guide for Parents
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is located on US Route 101
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located on US Route 101, about 12 to 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. It is situated in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County, southeast of the city of San Francisco. The airport is a major transportation hub, offering both domestic and international flights to various destinations.
US Route 101 is a major north-south highway that traverses California, Oregon, and Washington on the West Coast of the United States. It spans over 1,500 miles from its southern terminus in Los Angeles to its northern terminus near Olympia, Washington. The highway generally follows the Pacific Ocean and is also known as the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in certain sections.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, US 101 is known as the Bayshore Freeway. It approaches the city of San Francisco from the south and traverses it on city streets to reach the Golden Gate Bridge. North of the city, the highway is heavily travelled by commuters. US 101 continues north along the coast, passing through Redwood National and State Parks before entering Oregon.
The section of US 101 in California is designated as Route 101 in the state highway system. It is part of the California Freeway and Expressway System and is considered a vital part of the National Highway System. US 101 plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient air travel and connecting passengers to cities worldwide through San Francisco International Airport.
Singapore's Changi Airport: A City Within a City
You may want to see also
Explore related products
San Francisco has a comprehensive transport system
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located 13 to 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco, in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County, between the Bayshore Freeway (U.S. Highway 101) and the San Francisco Bay. The airport has been operating in the same location since 1927 and was renamed from Mills Field Municipal Airport of San Francisco to San Francisco Airport in 1931.
The airport is easily accessible via a comprehensive transport system. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) connects the airport directly to San Francisco, Oakland, and other cities across the San Francisco Bay Area. SamTrans, San Mateo County's transit agency, also serves the airport with several bus routes. Additionally, BART trains and SamTrans buses connect the airport to Caltrain, providing further connectivity to the region.
The city of San Francisco itself boasts an extensive transportation network. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) offers a range of options, including Muni transit, biking, walking, and driving. The Muni Metro, a light rail system, operates within the city, providing convenient intra-city travel.
San Francisco is also known for being a bike-friendly city, with Bay Wheels offering a public bicycle-sharing system. The city's transport system also includes cable cars, commercial buses, and taxis. With its mix of transit options, San Francisco provides a comprehensive and accessible transportation network for both visitors and residents alike.
Doha Airport: Smooth Transfers Without Security Checks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport is easily accessible by taxi
San Francisco International Airport is easily accessible by taxi. The airport is located on U.S. Route 101, 12 to 13 miles southeast of downtown San Francisco. It is situated in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County.
Taxis depart from designated taxi zones located at the roadway centre islands on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals. Uniformed taxi coordinators are available from 7:00 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. to assist passengers with any questions or concerns. Wheelchair-accessible taxis can also be requested by contacting the taxi coordinator or by phoning *1191 from any airport courtesy phone.
If you're travelling with a group, you can request an UberXL from the Uber app, which can accommodate up to six riders. UberX requests may be fulfilled by licensed taxi drivers, offering the same affordable prices as UberX. Alternatively, you can use a taxi service to get to the airport, such as Airport Taxi Cab Services, which offers reliable transportation throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Reservations are recommended for the best airport transportation services.
Lawrence, Kansas: Airport or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
SanTrans has three lines connecting the airport to the city's downtown area
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located about 14 miles south of San Francisco, in an unincorporated area of
SanTrans operates three lines that link San Francisco Airport with the city's downtown area: 292, 397, and KX. These lines end at the Transbay Terminal on Market Street. The first two lines are urban and cost $4 per fare.
There are several ways to get from the airport to the city centre. The most recommended way is through the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) all-electric trains, which are a fast, inexpensive, and dependable way to get from SFO to San Francisco. The BART trains connect the airport directly to San Francisco, Oakland, and numerous other cities across the San Francisco Bay Area.
Another option is to take a taxi, which is not the most affordable option but is convenient. Typically, taxis charge about $60 to take you to San Fran's Downtown area.
The most comfortable option is to book a private car from the airport to your hotel. This is the most stress-free option, although not the cheapest.
Streamlined Baggage Handling: Airport Operations and Logistics
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in San Mateo County, California, and serves the San Francisco Bay Area. The airport is approximately 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco.
There are various ways to get to San Francisco Airport from the city centre. The most recommended way is to take the San Francisco BART, which connects SFO Airport with downtown San Francisco. A one-way ticket costs $10, and the journey takes around 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which costs around $60, or use the SanTrans bus service, which costs $4.
San Francisco Airport offers world-class facilities, shopping, and dining. The airport also features an Aviation Museum and Library, located in the International Terminal, as well as an observation deck called Sky Terrace, from which you can watch planes take off and land.
