San Francisco Airport (SFO) has four terminals: International Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Each terminal offers a variety of amenities and services to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible. This terminal guide will help you understand and navigate the airport with ease, scroll down for more detailed information.
Do you know your specific departure or arrival terminal at San Francisco Airport? Select it from the list of terminal maps below, and use the interactive map to find all available amenities, and even navigate to them, or to another terminal if you're connecting at the airport.
SFO Airport (SFO) has 4 terminals: International Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. The International Terminal is located at the north side of the airport, while the other terminals are located at the south side. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected, while Terminal 3 is located across the airport roadway.
The International Terminal at SFO is the largest terminal and serves international airlines such as Air France, British Airways, and Emirates. It also has amenities like duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. Terminal 1 is home to Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, while Terminal 2 serves American Airlines and Virgin America. Terminal 3 is used by United Airlines and has recently undergone renovations to improve the passenger experience.
If you need to transfer between terminals at SFO, there are several options available. AirTrain is a free automated people mover system that connects all terminals, parking garages, and the rental car center. It runs 24/7 and takes about 10 minutes to travel between terminals. There is also a shuttle bus service called the Blue Line that connects the International Terminal with Terminal 3. If you have a connecting flight, be sure to check your itinerary and allow enough time to transfer between terminals.
The airport is known for its wide range of food and shopping options. With four terminals, there are plenty of amenities to keep travelers entertained and well-fed.
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 offer a variety of dining options, from fast food chains to sit-down restaurants. Terminal 3 is home to a food court with options for every taste bud, including Mexican, Italian, and Asian cuisine. The International Terminal boasts a selection of international cuisine, including sushi, dim sum, and Mediterranean fare. No matter what terminal you're in, you're sure to find something delicious to eat.
When it comes to shopping, San Francisco International Airport has something for everyone. From luxury brands like Gucci and Burberry to more affordable options like The Body Shop and Sunglass Hut, there are plenty of stores to peruse. Terminal 2 even has a branch of the beloved San Francisco-based bookstore, Book Passage. And if you're in need of some last-minute travel essentials, there are several convenience stores and newsstands throughout the airport.
SF International Airport has security checkpoints located in each of its four terminals. Terminal 1 has two checkpoints, one near Gate 40 and another near Gate 50. Terminal 2 has one checkpoint near Gate 25. Terminal 3 has two checkpoints, one near Gate 70 and another near Gate 90. The International Terminal has three checkpoints, one near Gate A4, another near Gate G1, and a third near Gate G101. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow enough time for security screening.
SFO offers a Fast Track program for eligible passengers to expedite the security screening process. The Fast Track program is available for passengers traveling in First or Business Class, as well as those who hold elite status with participating airlines. The Fast Track lanes are located at each of the security checkpoints in the airport's four terminals. Passengers who are eligible for the Fast Track program should look for signs indicating the location of the Fast Track lanes.
The Passport and Immigration Control locations at San Francisco Airport are located in the International Terminal. Passengers arriving on international flights will proceed to the Federal Inspection Area, where they will undergo passport and immigration control. The International Terminal has 14 passport control booths and 20 automated passport control kiosks to expedite the process. After completing passport and immigration control, passengers can collect their baggage and proceed to the Customs and Border Protection area for inspection. Passengers should allow ample time for passport and immigration control, as wait times can vary depending on the volume of arriving passengers.
At San Francisco Airport (SFO), there are multiple TSA and TSA Pre Checkpoints located throughout the terminals. These checkpoints are designed to help expedite the security screening process for travelers. TSA Pre Check is a program that allows eligible passengers to go through a separate security line where they can keep on their shoes, belts, and light jackets, and leave laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags. This program is available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as members of the U.S. Armed Forces. To enroll in TSA Pre Check, travelers can visit the TSA website or apply in person at an enrollment center.
SFO Airport (SFO) is one of many airports in the United States that offers Global Entry, a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Global Entry members can use automated kiosks to complete their customs declaration and biometric scanning, which can save time and reduce wait times. To enroll in Global Entry, travelers must complete an online application and schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry enrollment center. At SFO, the enrollment center is located in the International Terminal, near the A side security checkpoint.
If you're looking for a faster way to get through security at the airport, you might want to consider using CLEAR services. CLEAR offers expedited security screening for travelers, allowing them to skip the regular security lines and get to their gates faster. CLEAR Plus lanes are located in the following terminal(s):
If you are unsure of when to leave for the airport, you can check wait times at SFO. This will give you an idea of how busy the airport is and how long it might take to get through security. With CLEAR, you can save even more time and make your travel experience a little less stressful.
In partnership with iFly, you can now get CLEAR for 2 months free! You can enjoy the convenience of CLEAR on your next trip without the hassle and stress of long lines at the TSA checkpoint. Enrollment is fast and easy.
San Francisco International Airport offers a variety of lounges for travelers to relax and unwind before their flight. The airport has lounges located in all four terminals, including the International Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.
Some of the major airline lounges at SF International Airport include the United Club, located in Terminal 3 near Gate 69, and the American Airlines Admirals Club, located in Terminal 2 near Gate 58. Other lounges include the Delta Sky Club, located in the International Terminal near Gate A12, and the Cathay Pacific Lounge, located in the International Terminal near Gate A4. No matter which terminal you are departing from, there is a lounge available to make your travel experience more comfortable.
SFO has multiple baggage claim areas located in each terminal. The baggage claim areas are easily accessible and well-marked with signs and directions. Once you arrive at the baggage claim area, you can easily locate your baggage carousel by checking the flight information displays. The airport staff is always available to assist you with any queries or concerns regarding your baggage.
San Francisco Airport provides luggage carts for passengers to carry their luggage around the airport. These carts are available at various locations throughout the airport, including the baggage claim areas, parking garages, and terminal entrances. The carts are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can pay for them using cash or credit card. The airport staff is always available to assist you in case you face any issues while using the luggage carts.
San Francisco Airport provides luggage storage facilities for passengers who want to store their luggage for a few hours or days. The luggage storage locations, also known as left luggage, are available in each terminal. You can store your luggage securely and conveniently at these locations for a fee. The fees vary depending on the size and duration of storage. The airport staff is always available to assist you with any queries or concerns regarding the luggage storage facilities.
Updated on: 2023-11-13
