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 — about 30 minutes and under $9 to downtown San Francisco.
Terminals at SFO
SFO has four terminals arranged in a horseshoe: Terminals 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 — 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 — first hour | About $8 per hour ($2 per 15 min) |
| Domestic Garage — daily max | About $39 per day |
| International Garage — daily max | About $37 per day |
| Long-Term Parking (with AirTrain) — daily | About $27 per day |
| Cell Phone Waiting Lot | Free |
🚆 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 roughly $8.95 one-way. 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 — 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.
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🛋️ 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 — 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.
📶 Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi covers all terminals and the rental-car center — connect to '#SFO FREE WIFI', open your browser, and accept the terms. No time limit.
😴 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 — from a domestic terminal, take the free AirTrain to reach it, then ride ~30 min to downtown for under $9.
- 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 — 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 — check current location before relying on it.
SFO airport — FAQ
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.
How do I get from SFO to downtown San Francisco?
Take BART from the station inside the International Terminal — about 30 minutes to downtown (Powell, Montgomery, Embarcadero) for roughly $8.95 one-way. From a domestic terminal, ride the free AirTrain to reach BART. Rideshare and taxis pick up on the upper/Departures level.
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.
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.
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 — convenient for overnight layovers.
Sources
This guide is independent and not affiliated with San Francisco International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often — always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.