San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the major airport serving San Francisco, California and the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area. If you are taking a domestic flight, arriving from another country, meeting a passenger or connecting to your next destination, knowing how the airport works can make your journey easier.
Here you will find information on how to get there, international arrivals, baggage, connecting flights, booking help, the address, terminal map and airport map for San Francisco International Airport. It also tells you what to do if you want to change your travel date, fix the name on your ticket, cancel your booking or find another flight.
San Francisco International Airport: Fast Facts
| Airport detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official airport name | San Francisco International Airport |
| Common name | San Francisco Airport |
| IATA airport code | SFO |
| Location | San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA |
| Airport address | San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, CA 94128, United States |
| Number of terminals | Four passenger terminals |
| Terminal areas | Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal |
| Public transportation | BART, SamTrans buses, AirTrain, taxis, and rideshare services |
| Official website | flysfo.com |
| Airport map | Official interactive SFO map |
SFO serves domestic and international travelers with airline check-in areas, security checkpoints, baggage claim facilities, restaurants, shops, and connections to public transportation. Terminal assignments and flight schedules are subject to change. Please check with your airline for the most current information before traveling to the airport.
Where Is San Francisco International Airport?
San Francisco International Airport is in San Mateo County, California , south of downtown San Francisco, near the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno. It serves travelers heading to San Francisco, Silicon Valley, the Peninsula, and other parts of the Bay Area. People searching for “SFO San Francisco CA,” “airport in San Francisco,” “airport SFO,” or “SFO San Francisco” are generally looking for this airport.
San Francisco Airport Address
The airport’s mailing and general location address is:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco, CA 94128
United States
For driving directions, airport parking, passenger pickup, or a particular airline counter, use the relevant destination in your navigation app rather than relying on the general airport address alone.
San Francisco Airport Map
Use the official SFO Airport Map to locate terminals, boarding areas, airline facilities, parking garages, AirTrain stations, and other airport services.
The map is particularly useful if you need to:
- Find your airline’s check-in counter.
- Locate your gate of departure or baggage claim.
- Locate the A or G gates in the International Terminal.
- Arrange a transfer to a terminal.
- Locate parking, public transportation or the Rental Car Center.
Before you go to the airport, check your terminal and gate on your airline’s current flight information. A booking confirmation may show an airport code without specifying every detail of the terminal layout.
How Many Terminals Does San Francisco International Airport Have?
San Francisco International Airport has four passenger terminals. There are three domestic terminals and one International Terminal in the airport. The terminals have dedicated boarding areas and gate numbers.
1. Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Harvey Milk Terminal 1 This terminal is home to domestic flights and boarding areas B and C. It includes airline check-in facilities, security screening, dining options, passenger amenities and baggage claim.
If your boarding pass shows Terminal 1, follow your airline’s instructions to the appropriate check-in area and boarding gate. Not all flights operated by the same airline will use the same terminal.
2. Terminal 2
Terminal 2 serves domestic flights and includes the D boarding area. Travelers can find check-in facilities, security checkpoints, restaurants, shops, and baggage claim services.
Air Canada is an important exception for travelers planning international connections: its SFO check-in, boarding, and baggage claim operations are located in Terminal 2, rather than the International Terminal.
3. Terminal 3
Terminal 3 includes the E and F boarding areas and serves domestic flights, including United Airlines operations.
Passengers connecting through Terminal 3 should confirm their boarding gate and allow time for walking between facilities. Airport construction can affect access routes and transit stations. Please follow the latest signage at the airport.
4. International Terminal
The International Terminal serves many international departures and arrivals and includes the A and G boarding areas.
International passengers can find airline check-in counters, immigration and customs facilities, baggage claim, and connections to ground transportation. Some airlines, however, operate from domestic terminals, so the destination and airline alone do not always determine the correct terminal.
For current terminal information, consult the official Airlines at SFO directory.
San Francisco Airport International Terminal: A Gates and G Gates
The San Francisco airport international terminal has two main boarding areas: A Gates and G Gates. Your airline and flight determine which area you need.
Check your boarding pass or airline app for the terminal and gate information before you leave home. If you have a connecting flight, check both flights rather than assuming that your second departure will use the same boarding area as your arrival.
SFO has connections between terminal areas, but the most convenient route depends on where you arrive and where you depart.
- Terminal 1 to International A Gates There is a connecting walkway from Terminal 1 to International Terminal A Gates.
- International G Gates from Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 Walkway connections are available for eligible routes between these areas after security.
- International A Gates to G Gates Check current airport map and signs for best route.
- If your travels require you to go into a public area or exit and reenter security, follow your airport’s instructions. Connections that need a new security screening:
Those arriving from overseas will have to clear immigration and customs before they can board another flight. Connection times will vary based on the itinerary, baggage arrangements, airline rules and any required security screening.
Flights From San Francisco International
SFO offers service to destinations around the United States and beyond. Travelers can search for direct services, connecting itineraries, one-way tickets and round-trip reservations based on their dates and travel needs.
When comparing flights, it is not only the advertized ticket price that counts. It can affect the total trip in terms of departure time, total travel time, length of layover, baggage allowance, rules for change and even the airport used at the destination.
How to Find Flights From SFO
- Enter San Francisco (SFO) as your departure airport.
- Select your destination and travel dates.
- Select a one way or round trip itinerary as applicable.
- See the times of departure, connections, baggage conditions, total prices.
- Please check fare rules and passenger details before confirming your booking.
If your travel dates are flexible, compare nearby dates to find out whether another departure provides a better price/schedule combo. Fares and availability of seats are subject to change and the lowest published fare may not include all optional services.
Looking for a flight from San Francisco?
If you are planning a trip out of SFO and need help comparing flight options or understanding a reservation, We provides independent travel information to help you navigate the process.
For booking assistance, use the contact details displayed on Terminal-Hub, where available, and confirm the booking provider’s terms before making a payment. We are independent third-party informational website, not the official San Francisco airport or an airline.
Flight Changes, Cancellations, and Ticket Corrections
Travel plans can change after a ticket has been purchased. If your trip begins at SFO or you have a connection through San Francisco, review your ticket conditions before requesting a modification.
Changing dates on your flight
If you wish to change your departure day, please check with your airline’s change policy and your ticket’s conditions. Depending on the fare, a change fee, a fare difference or both may apply. Some tickets have different rules and some may not allow voluntary changes.
Before you agree to a replacement flight, confirm the new departure time and connections, baggage arrangements and the total amount due.
How to Fix a Name on Your Plane Ticket
Checking in can be tricky if your name is misspelled or if your ticket and travel document don’t match. Contact the airline or the agency that issued the ticket as soon as you can.
The permitted correction depends on the airline, the nature of the error, and the applicable ticket rules. A minor spelling correction is not necessarily treated the same as changing a ticket to another person.
If traveling internationally, ensure that the passenger name on the reservation matches the appropriate passport or travel document prior to departure.
Cancel a Flight
Cancelation options vary depending on the airline, fare type, and how and when you purchased. Before you cancel, see if your ticket is eligible for a refund, travel credit or other option.
If your ticket was issued by a travel agent, you may need to contact that agent to make the request. If the airline has changed the schedule or canceled the flight, review the options offered by the airline before accepting an alternative.
Flights Missed and Connecting Flights
If you miss a connection at SFO, please contact your airline right away. If the flights are on one ticket, the next steps will depend on the airline’s rules for rebooking if the first flight was delayed. Then you have separate tickets you may have less protection if you miss the next flight due to a delay. Allow sufficient connection time and review the conditions of your itinerary before purchasing separate reservations.
Arrivals, Departures, and Baggage Claim at SFO
The airport separates many passenger services by level and terminal. Domestic terminals generally have check-in and departures areas above their arrivals and baggage claim facilities. The International Terminal has its own layout, so use its signs and map rather than assuming that every level matches the domestic terminals.
Domestic Arrivals
After landing, follow signs to baggage claim or the terminal exit. If you are being picked up, arrange a meeting point with your driver in advance.
Drivers are not permitted to wait indefinitely at terminal curbs. SFO provides designated passenger pickup arrangements and a Cell Phone Waiting Lot for drivers who arrive before their passengers are ready.
International Arrivals
Most international passengers arriving in the United States must complete the applicable immigration and customs procedures, unless they qualify for an exception such as an eligible precleared arrival.
After immigration, passengers generally collect their checked baggage and proceed through customs. Travelers connecting to another flight should follow the signs for connecting flights and verify whether their bags must be rechecked.
Even when the next flight leaves from another terminal, passengers should follow the airport’s connection instructions because security screening and baggage procedures depend on the itinerary.
Missing or delayed baggage
If your checked bag is lost, damaged or missing, please contact the airline that operated your flight. Airlines trace and claim baggage, but they all do it differently.
Keep hold of your baggage tag, boarding pass and any claim reference. If the trip involved more than one airline, inform us which airline operated the flight in question and ask which airline should process your report.
How to Get to and From San Francisco Airport
SFO offers several ways to reach San Francisco and surrounding communities. The best choice depends on your destination, time of arrival, luggage, budget and whether you are traveling alone or with a group.
BART Train
BART connects SFO with San Francisco, northern San Mateo County, and the East Bay. The airport’s BART station is located at the International Terminal on the G Gates side.
Passengers arriving at other terminals can use AirTrain to reach the BART station. Check the latest BART schedule, fare, and service information before travelling.
AirTrain
SFO’s automated AirTrain system connects the passenger terminals with airport facilities, including parking garages and the Rental Car Center.
The Red and Blue lines serve different routes. The Blue Line connects the terminals with the Rental Car Center and long-term parking; the Red Line does not serve those two destinations. Check current station access and signage, particularly during construction or overnight maintenance.
Taxis and Rideshare Services
Look for the airport signage and check your rideshare app for directions to the right pickup spot, as it varies from service to service.
Please allow additional time during busy periods as traffic congestion or pick up queues may affect your journey. SamTrans has busses that go between SFO and the Bay Area. Check the current timetable before relying on a particular service as routes, stops and operating times vary.
Rental Cars & Hotel Shuttles
Rental cars are helpful for visiting places outside of central San Francisco. The AirTrain Blue Line connects to the airport’s Rental Car Center.
Some local hotels offer shuttle service, but times, places, and availability will vary. Please check arrangements directly with your hotel.
For official details, see the SFO ground transportation guide.
How Early Should You Arrive at SFO?
As a general guideline, SFO encourages passengers to arrive at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international departures.
These are planning guidelines, not assurances of how long check-in or security will be. If you have to check bags, are traveling with children, need assistance, have to do document checks or are traveling during a busy travel period, allow extra time.
Before you leave for the airport:
- Check the correct terminal and check-in counter.
- Check your airline’s baggage allowance and cut-off times.
- Check your travel document and boarding pass.
- Local Traffic & Flight Status
- Leave plenty of time to get to the gate before boarding closes.
Your airline may recommend a different arrival time for particular routes or circumstances, so follow its instructions when they are more specific.
Useful Tips for Travelers Using SFO
Check your terminal before leaving: Airline assignments and operating arrangements can change. Confirm the latest information with your carrier.
Review your connection carefully: A connecting itinerary may include walking between terminals, additional screening, immigration, customs or baggage rechecking.
Keep your booking details handy: Write down your confirmation number, your airline record locator and your baggage information in a place you can easily find.
See the total cost of the ticket: Don’t just go by the base fare shown. Look at checked baggage, seat selection, change conditions and cancelation terms.
Use official airport information for airport operations: For up-to-date terminal maps, transportation, and airport services, see SFO’s official website.
Contact the right provider for ticket problems: The right place to go to make reservations, to cancel, to get refunds and to correct tickets is usually the airline or the agency that issued the ticket.
Plan Your Next Visit to SFO with Confidence
San Francisco International Airport serves as a major transportation hub for the Bay Area, with both domestic and international flights, several passenger terminals, and many ground transportation options. Being aware of your terminal, flight details and ticket conditions can help you sidestep common travel problems.
Terminal-Hub is an independent source of information and guidance for travelers planning a trip from San Francisco or who may need help navigating flight options. For any queries about booking, changing or canceling a ticket or correcting a name, please contact the relevant details on the website and confirm all final fares and conditions with the airline or ticket provider concerned.
Travel tip: Before you go to SFO, check with your airline about your terminal, flight status and reservation conditions. For airport operation and current terminal information, please visit the official SFO website.
1. Planning a trip across California? Compare your options in our guide to flights from New York to Los Angeles and learn how to choose flights that fit your schedule and budget.
2. Traveling through Florida? Read our Miami International Airport guide for information about terminals, airport facilities, transportation, and passenger services.
