San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Guide
Quick summary
SFO's four terminals sit in a ring linked by the free 24-hour AirTrain, and BART runs a station right into the International Terminal β about 30 minutes and around $11 to downtown San Francisco.
The bottom line on SFO
SFO feels seamless thanks to the free 24-hour AirTrain looping all four terminals, but watch the airside split: the International Terminal's secure area stands apart from the domestic ones, so some connections mean re-clearing security. The other recurring headache is rideshare pickup, whose zones keep shifting with construction, so confirm yours in the app first.
For parking, skip the roughly $39-a-day Domestic Garage and use Long-Term Parking at about $27 a day, which includes AirTrain access. Downtown, BART wins easily β about 30 minutes and $11 from the station inside the International Terminal, reachable from any domestic terminal on the free AirTrain.
AirportScore
Our own 1β5 rating of the SFO traveler experience, scored from the verified data on this page. See airport rankings β Β· How we score β
Traps most travelers fall for at SFO
- The International Terminal's secure area stands apart from the domestic ones, so some connections mean re-clearing security even though the free AirTrain links every terminal landside.
- Rideshare pickup zones keep shifting with ongoing construction, so confirm your assigned terminal zone in the app before you head out.
- Skip the roughly $39-a-day Domestic Garage for Long-Term Parking at about $27 a day, which includes free AirTrain access.
Terminals at SFO
SFO has four terminals arranged in a horseshoe: Terminals 1 (officially Harvey Milk Terminal 1), 2, and 3 for domestic flights, plus the International Terminal (with boarding areas A and G) for most overseas carriers. Boarding areas run alphabetically around the ring β roughly Gates B in T1, C/D in T2, E/F in T3, and A/G in the International Terminal. The domestic terminals connect to each other airside in places, but the International Terminal's secure area is separate, so some transfers require re-clearing security. Everything is stitched together landside by the AirTrain, a free automated people mover that runs 24 hours a day on two loop lines (departing about every four minutes) and links all terminals, the rental-car center, BART, and long-term parking. The Red Line circulates the terminal core, while the Blue Line extends out to the rental cars and Long-Term Parking.
SFO parking rates & options
| Hourly garages β first hour | About $8 per hour ($2 per 15 min) |
| Domestic Garage β daily max | About $39 per day |
| International Garage β daily max | About $37 per day |
| Long-Term Parking (with AirTrain) β daily | About $27 per day |
| Cell Phone Waiting Lot | Free |
Where the money actually goes at SFO
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is $12 a day β $27 at the long-term parking (with airtrain) β daily versus $39 at the domestic garage β daily max. Over a week that is $84, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above β not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
π Getting to & from the airport
BART is the standout option: a station sits inside the International Terminal, and trains reach downtown San Francisco (Powell St, Montgomery, Embarcadero) in about 30 minutes for about $11.15 one-way (BART raises fares slightly each January, so check the current fare). From any domestic terminal, ride the free AirTrain to the BART station. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxis pick up on the Departures/upper level at most terminals β check the app for your assigned terminal zone, as pickup points shift with construction. Door-to-door vans, hotel shuttles, and regional buses (to the East Bay, Peninsula, and wine country) load on the terminal roadways. The free AirTrain also connects you to the rental-car center and long-term parking without a separate shuttle.
SFO vs LAX vs SEA: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
ποΈ Lounges
SFO is lounge-rich, especially in Terminal 3 and the International Terminal. Terminal 3 has United Clubs and a United Polaris lounge for international premium flyers. American Express Centurion access has been shifting during the Terminal 3 West modernization β a substitute Centurion Lounge opened in Terminal 2 near Gate D12 while the original T3 space is renovated (expected through 2027). The International Terminal hosts a cluster of partner lounges (KLM/Air France, Cathay, Lufthansa, and others), several of which accept Priority Pass. The Club SFO in Terminal 1 near Gate B6 takes Priority Pass or a paid walk-in.
πΆ Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi covers all terminals and the rental-car center β connect to '#SFO FREE WIFI', open your browser, and accept the terms. No time limit.
π΄ Layovers & overnight
SFO handles long layovers well: the domestic terminals share a lot of dining and the International Terminal has extensive shops and food, plus quiet upper-level seating. Because the AirTrain runs 24 hours, you can move between terminals overnight, though note that switching to or from the International secure area may mean re-clearing security. For a real bed, the on-site Grand Hyatt at SFO connects to the AirTrain, and several more hotels sit a short free AirTrain or shuttle ride away near the rental-car center. Overnight sleepers tend to favor the International Terminal's main hall for its seating and 24-hour access.
Insider tips
- BART's station is inside the International Terminal β from a domestic terminal, take the free AirTrain to reach it, then ride ~30 min to downtown for about $11.
- The AirTrain runs 24/7 every ~4 minutes; use the Blue Line for rental cars and Long-Term Parking, the Red Line to loop the terminals.
- Long-Term Parking (~$27/day) is far cheaper than the terminal garages and includes AirTrain access β worth it beyond a day or two.
- Confirm your rideshare pickup zone in the app before heading out; SFO construction has moved pickup points around.
- Centurion Lounge access is temporarily in Terminal 2 (near D12) during the T3 renovation β check current location before relying on it.
SFO airport β FAQ
οΌ β How much is parking at SFO?
Garage parking is about $8 per hour ($2 per 15 minutes), with daily maximums around $39 in the Domestic Garage and $37 in the International Garage. The Long-Term Parking lot is about $27 per day and includes free AirTrain access. The Cell Phone Waiting Lot is free.
οΌ β How do I get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
Take BART from the station inside the International Terminal β about 30 minutes to downtown (Powell, Montgomery, Embarcadero) for about $11.15 one-way. From a domestic terminal, ride the free AirTrain to reach BART. Rideshare and taxis pick up on the upper/Departures level.
οΌ β How do I get between terminals at SFO?
Ride the free AirTrain, which runs 24 hours a day about every four minutes and connects all four terminals, BART, the rental-car center, and long-term parking. Note that moving to or from the International Terminal's secure area may require re-clearing security.
οΌ β Is Wi-Fi free at SFO?
Yes. Connect to '#SFO FREE WIFI', open a browser, and accept the terms for free Wi-Fi across all terminals and the rental-car center, with no time limit.
οΌ β Is there a hotel at SFO?
Yes. The Grand Hyatt at SFO is on-airport and connects to the AirTrain, and several more hotels sit near the rental-car center a short free AirTrain or shuttle ride away β convenient for overnight layovers.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with San Francisco International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often β always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.