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![San Francisco International Airport [SFO] — Ultimate Terminal Guide](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/San-Francisco-International-Airport.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1420&height=650&fit=crop)
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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the seventh busiest airport in the U.S. for passenger numbers and has won awards for its green approach to sustainability and environmental impact. SFO’s 5-year strategic plan is to become the first airport in the world to achieve zero carbon, zero waste, and zero net energy.
As well as making improvements to its impact on the environment, SFO has been carrying out regular construction projects to improve its facilities for passengers.
Phased redevelopments are ongoing at Terminal 1 with full completion in 2023, including a new connector bridge to International Terminal A gates within the secure area to speed up flight connections.
Airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Terminals: 4 — including Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and the International Terminal (with boarding gate areas A and G)
Airport Address: Highway 101, San Francisco, CA 94128
Distance From San Francisco: 13 miles (21 km)
Website: flysfo.com
Phone Number: 800-435-9736
Destinations Served: 125+ nonstop destinations
Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here
SFO airport is a circular shape with the terminal boarding gate areas located on the outside of the circle and parking and ground transportation on the inside of the circle.
The airport has 1 international terminal and 3 domestic terminals, easily connectable via pedestrian walkways or by riding the AirTrain.
SFO has good public transport links with regular buses serving the airport, as well as the BART train station with direct services to downtown San Francisco.
Other modes of transportation are also easily accessible from the terminals with the AirTrain connecting passengers to the car rental center and shuttle buses running to/from the long-term parking garages.
The International Terminal has a central main hall for ticketing, services, shops, and restaurants located on level 3. This is also where passengers access the BART Station for connections to San Francisco.
Arrivals and baggage claim are located on level 2 and the AirTrain stations are located on level 4.
The departures area is split across 2 concourses — A and G — with parking facilities and AirTrain stations located on either side.
The international A gates are located on the southern side of the airport and consist of gates numbered A1 to A15. The concourse has its own security checkpoint and dedicated parking garage for passengers departing on A gate airlines.
The concourse has shops and dining opportunities, as well as the Emirates Lounge for eligible passengers.
The international G gates are located on the northern side of the airport with gates numbered G1 to G14.
The concourse has a main security checkpoint and a smaller one for passengers connecting from international flights to domestic flights departing from Terminal 3. The G gate concourse has shops and restaurants, a United Polaris Lounge, and a United First Lounge.
Passengers departing on G side airlines are advised to utilize the G side car parking garage as it is the closest to their check-in and departure area.
Harvey Milk Terminal 1 is one of the 3 domestic terminals at SFO with flights operated by American Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines.
The terminal has 1 concourse with gates numbered B6 to B27, with a security checkpoint at the entrance of the gate area. There are also a few shops, restaurants, and an Admirals Club.
Passengers can walk within the secure area to connect to a flight at the International Terminal. To connect to any other terminals, this would require walking outside of the secure area or riding the AirTrain.
Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate flights from Terminal 2’s 2 concourses, with gates C2 to C11 and D1 to D18.
The terminal has a good selection of shops and restaurants and a Delta Sky Club in Concourse C, as well as an Alaska lounge. Passengers can walk within the secure area between Concourses C and D or take the walkway to connect to terminal 3 but would need to ride the AirTrain for any other terminal connections.
Terminal 3 consists of 36 gates across 2 concourses. 1 concourse has gates numbered E1 to E13 and the other has gates F1 to F22.
Only United Airlines operates flights from this terminal, and there are 2 United Club lounges and an American Express Centurion Lounge. There are also shops and restaurants throughout the terminal and concourses.
Passengers connecting from an inbound flight to Terminal 3 to an international flight from the G gates can walk along the connector bridge within the secure area. Any passengers looking to connect to an international flight from the A gates would need to re-clear security. Passengers can access terminal 2 on a walkway (there’s one pre-security and one post-security)
The AirTrain is a convenient people mover that connects passengers between terminals and to/from the car rental center and long-term parking.
The red line runs clockwise stopping at all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, and the Grand Hyatt. The blue line runs counter-clockwise stopping at all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, the Grand Hyatt, the car rental center, and long-term parking.
Trains depart as frequently as every 4 minutes and operate 24 hours a day, connecting passengers outside of the secure area.
The terminals are all connected in a loop — Terminal 1 – Terminal 2 – Terminal 3 – International Terminal G – International Terminal A – Terminal 1 — although ongoing construction work may prevent you from walking between some terminals.
Passengers connecting from the International Terminal to Terminal 1 can walk outside the secure area. Passengers connecting between gates C2 to C11 and gates D1 to D18 can walk inside the secure area without reclearing security.
Terminal 3 is connected to the International Terminal outside of the secure area, and passengers connecting from Terminal 3 to departure gates G in the International Terminal can walk via an airside connector bridge without the need to re-clear security.
Terminals 2 and 3 are connected by 2 walkways; one is pre-security and one is post-security.
Any passengers connecting to departure gates A in the International Terminal must re-clear security at the entrance to the A gates.
Each terminal at SFO has 2 security checkpoints, excluding Terminal 1 that has 1 checkpoint. The checkpoints have different opening hours:
| Checkpoint | Opening Hours | Serving Gates |
| Security checkpoint A | 4:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. | Gates A1 to A15 |
| Security checkpoint B | 4 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. | Gates B6 to B27 |
| Security checkpoint C | 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. | Gates C2 to C11 and D1 to D18 |
| Security checkpoint D | 4 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. | Gates D1 to D18 and C2 to C11 |
| Security checkpoint F1 | 4 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. | Gates F1 to F22, E1 to E13, and G1 to G14 |
| Security checkpoint F3 | 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Gates F1 to F22, E1 to E13, and G1 to G14 |
| Security checkpoint G | 4:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. | Gates G1 to G14, E1 to E13, and F1 to F22 |
SFO has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at all checkpoints for expedited screening.
The airport also has a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center located in the International Terminal near the G gates security checkpoint. This enables passengers to apply online and arrange their interview for when they are next passing through SFO. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
SFO also participates in Global Entry for expedited clearance of passengers arriving on international flights.
An application can be submitted online and an interview will need to be scheduled at an enrollment center, of which SFO has 1 located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal. Office hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SFO participates in Mobile Passport Control, allowing passengers to submit their details via the app on arrival at the airport.
Passengers may then proceed through the Mobile Passport express lane and present their instant receipt and passport to a CBP agent.
CLEAR allows expedited security clearance at SFO for approved members and is accepted at all terminals.
There are 20+ lounges at SFO with some reserved exclusively for passengers flying in premium cabins, elite tier frequent flyers, or selected credit cardholders.
If you aren’t eligible for lounge access with your airline or cabin class, there are few options to purchase a day pass (subject to capacity allowance). The prices for these lounges are indicated below, where available.
| Lounge | Location | Opening Hours* | Day Pass Fee per Person** |
| Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge | Terminal 2, after security | N/A | |
| Air France/KLM Lounge | International Terminal A, left after security | Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday: 7:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. | N/A |
| Alaska Lounge | Terminal 2, just beyond the D security checkpoint | 5:00 a.m.– 10:00 p.m. | $60 |
| American Admirals Club | Harvey Milk Terminal 1, near gate B13 | Daily: 5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | $79 |
| British Airways First and Business Class Lounge | International Terminal A, after security | Daily: 12:30 p.m. to last departure | N/A |
| Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge | International Terminal A, near gate A1 | Daily: 8:14 a.m. to 12:05 a.m. | N/A |
| The Centurion Lounge | Terminal 3, near gate F2 | Daily: 8: a.m. to 6 p.m. | N/A |
| China Airlines Dynasty Lounge | International Terminal A, left after security, level 4 | Daily: 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. | N/A |
| Delta Air Lines Sky Club | Terminal 2, near gate C3 | Daily: 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. | N/A |
| Emirates Lounge | International Terminal A, between gates A2 and A6 | Daily: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. | N/A |
| Freshen Up | International Terminal G, outside of the entrance to security | Daily: 24 hours | $40 |
| Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge | International Terminal A, near gate A1 | Daily: 10:35 a.m. to 1:05 p.m. | N/A |
| Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge | International Terminal A, near gate A1 | Daily: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. | N/A |
| United Club | Terminal 3, near gate E2 | Daily: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. | $59 |
| Terminal 3, near gate E4 | Daily: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. | ||
| Terminal 3, in the rotunda of Concourse F | Daily: 5:45 a.m. to 11 p.m. | ||
| United Global First Lounge | International Terminal G, between gates G6 and G9 | Daily: 6:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. | N/A |
| United Polaris Lounge | International Terminal G, near gate G1 | Daily: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. | N/A |
| USO Lounge (Free for Active Military) | Terminal 1, pre-security above the American Airlines ticket counter | Daily: 24 hours | N/A |
| Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse | International Terminal A, left after security, level 5 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. | N/A |
*Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
**Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as N/A only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.
Hot Tip: Avoid paying lounge entry fees simply by having a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access.
The following lounges accept Priority Pass entry, but are also subject to capacity allowance:
Priority Pass holders can also use their membership to receive a discount at:
SFO has over 70 restaurants, bars, and grab-and-go options. There’s a good selection outside of security in the International Terminal Main Hall, so if you arrive early for your flight, you’ll have somewhere to pass the time.
If you want to check out your dining options at the airport, visit the airport’s website where you can filter results by terminal and location pre- or post-security.
Free Wi-Fi is available to passengers throughout the terminals and car rental center. To connect, select the Wi-Fi network “#SFO FREE WIFI,” launch your browser, accept the terms and conditions, and click Connect.
For any issues, you can contact the Wi-Fi support line at 855-415-9434.
Hot Tip: Not all airports offer free Wi-Fi. If you don’t want to worry about being disconnected, you may want to pick up a mobile hotspot to keep you connected.
Charging Stations: These can be found throughout the terminals and in the Terminal 2 food court with dedicated power bars.
Travelers’ Workstations: Desks with charging stations can be found in every terminal for passengers wanting to use and charge laptops while comfortably waiting for a flight.
If you lose an item at the airport, then you need to follow up with the appropriate department depending on where the item was misplaced.
There are information booths situated in every terminal at SFO in the main central areas.
There is no travelers aid center at SFO. The nearest center is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Marin County in San Rafael.
SFO is one of the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S., so it’s clear SFO is focused on family travel. SFO has 3 Kids Spots that have interactive and educational features to keep children entertained before your flight. Terminal 2’s Kids Spot is located near gate D7 and Terminal 3’s near gate E7 and F18.
SFO has nursing stations in every terminal, located at:
While not a top pet-friendly U.S. airport, SFO still offers a lot when traveling with Fido. SFO has pet relief areas in every terminal, and these are located at:
Duty-free shopping is available at the International Terminals, located near gates A11 and G4.
Smoking is only permitted in designated areas outside of the terminals, outside of the secure area.
SFO has a video arts room showing documentaries, experimental films, and animations that are no more than 15 minutes. The airport also presents the Wag Brigade with trained dogs (and even a pig) roaming the airport wearing “Pet Me” vests.
There are no chapels or dedicated places of prayer at SFO, however, the airport has the Berman Reflection Room for quiet reflection and meditation.
ATMs are located throughout the terminals, and currency exchange desks are located in the International Terminal and Terminal 3 near gate E1.
Luggage storage is available at the Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal, outside of G security.
Hydration stations are available in every terminal and at the departure concourses.
General Inquiries: 800-435-9736
Parking: 650-821-7900
Airport Travel Agency (luggage storage:) 650-877-0422
Shared-ride and private ride shuttles are available from each terminal at SFO. These can be prebooked or arranged on arrival by checking in at the shared ride van monitor located in the arrivals hall. A list of operators can be found here.
Metered taxis are available from outside of each terminal on the arrivals level. SFO to downtown will cost around $45, depending on your destination and traffic.
Lyft, Uber, and Wingz are approved ride service operators. At the international terminal, drivers can drop off and pick up on both levels. At the domestic terminals, shared-ride services should pick up from level 5 of the domestic garage and private services should pick up curbside on the departures level.
Take US-101 southbound until exit 438 where you continue on CA-1/Veterans Blvd. Use the right 3 lanes to turn slightly right onto Junipero Serra Blvd. and take the slip road onto I-280. Take exit 43A for I-380 towards US 101/SF Int’l Airport and then take exit 6A towards US-101 where you then follow the signs for the terminals.
Join the US-101 northbound until exit 422 towards San Francisco International Airport where you can follow signs for the terminals.
Head northwest on US-101 for around 12 miles and keep right at the fork to continue on I-80 East. Follow signs for Bay Bridge and take exit 1 for 7th Street towards US-101 North. Continue on Charles J. Brenham Place, turn left onto McAllister Street, and finally turn right onto Leavenworth Street towards Union Square.
There are over 5,000 spaces at SFO for passengers looking to park short- and long-term.
The domestic garage is located in the center of the airport close to the entrance of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This is the largest parking garage at the airport with rates at $2 per 15 minutes or $36 per 24 hours. This garage offers covered and uncovered parking with a maximum clearance of 6 feet 6 inches.
Valet Parking is also available in the domestic garage on level 4. Fees are $45 for the first 24 hours with subsequent hours charged at $2 per 15 minutes or $45 per 24 hours.
International Terminals A and G both have parking garages located close by with covered and uncovered parking. Rates are $2 per 15 minutes or $36 per 24 hours.
Long-term parking is available in the long-term surface lot or inside 2 long-term garages. These options are located a little way from the terminals and cost $2 per 15 minutes or $18 per 24 hours. A courtesy shuttle bus transports passengers from the parking areas to the terminals every 5 to 15 minutes.
Hot Tip: Passengers with a credit card linked to a FasTrack account can use the FasTrak lanes at the parking garages for quicker payment via their account.
The cell phone waiting lot is situated near the long-term parking lots and allows friends and family 60 minutes of free parking to await a call from the passenger for pick up. Vehicles must not be left unattended while waiting and the lot is closed from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Friends or family dropping off passengers can avoid the terminal traffic by utilizing the kiss and fly lot located at the car rental center.
The free AirTrain runs between the airport terminals and car rental center with the journey taking around 10 minutes.
Hot Tip: Many domestic airlines enable passengers to check-in and bag drop at the car rental center lobby to avoid carrying luggage on the train.
The cheapest parking is not always available at the airport parking lots. Off-site lots and hotels will often offer you the most competitive rates while still transporting passengers to/from the airport with a courtesy shuttle service.
If you’ve got a bit more time to spare, it’s worth checking out these alternative parking options with daily rates starting at $9. Airportparkingreservations.com is a good website to use with a clear layout and pricing format.
Accessible parking is available in all airport parking lots with spaces close to the elevators in the domestic and international parking garages. The long-term parking lots have wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses running to and from the terminals.
For height clearance, accessible cars exceeding 6 feet 6 inches cannot enter the domestic garage and are advised to proceed to the valet parking on the departures roadway for assistance. The international parking garages and long-term garage 2 can accommodate vehicles up to 8 feet 2 inches, while the long-term garage has a maximum clearance of 6 feet 10 inches.
General parking inquiries: 650-821-7900
The car rental center is located on airport property away from the terminals and passengers can ride the AirTrain in 10 minutes for access.
The following agencies operate from the car rental center at SFO:
The following agencies are located off-airport property with a courtesy shuttle bus connecting from the car rental center:
Hot Tip: There are credit cards with car rental insurance included as a perk so you can avoid paying the rental companies for their (often) expensive insurance!
SFO airport accommodation ranges from 2 to 4 stars with hotels located from 0.4 miles of the terminals. Hotels usually provide a courtesy shuttle bus to/from the airport and may also offer parking as a combined package.
We’ve included a list of hotels below that are up to 3 miles from the airport with contact details for booking.
| Hotel | Address and Phone Number | Star Rating | Distance From the Airport (Miles) |
| Grand Hyatt at SFO | 55 S. McDonnell Rd., San Francisco, Millbrae, CA 94128
650-452-1234 | 4 | 0.4 |
| El Rancho Inn, BW Signature Collection | 1100 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
650-588-8500 | 3 | 0.8 |
| La Quinta by Wyndham San Francisco Airport West | 1390 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
650-952-3200 | 3 | 0.9 |
| The Millwood | 1375 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
650-583-3935 | 3 | 0.9 |
| 1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
650-452-6549 | 2 | 1 | |
| The Westin San Francisco Airport | 1 Old Bayshore Hwy., Millbrae, CA 94030
650-692-3500 | 4 | 1 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Airport | 250 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
650-259-0400 | 3 | 1 |
| Aloft San Francisco Airport | 401 E. Millbrae Ave., Millbrae, CA 94030
650-443-5500 | 3 | 1.1 |
| Ritz Inn | 151 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
650-589-3553 | 1 | 1.2 |
| Hotel Aura SFO Airport | 190 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
650-588-0800 | 3 | 1.2 |
| San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront | 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-692-9100 | 4 | 1.3 |
| The Dylan Hotel at SFO | 110 S. El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA 94030
650-697-7373 | 3 | 1.3 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites San Francisco-Burlingame-Airport South | 1755 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-697-5736 | 3 | 1.3 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham San Bruno /SF Intl Arpt West | 421 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
650-835-7650 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Vagabond Inn Executive SFO | 1640 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-692-4040 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Ramada by Wyndham San Bruno SFO Airport | 500 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
650-452-6253 | 2 | 1.5 |
| Comfort Inn & Suites San Francisco Intl. Airport West | 611 San Bruno Ave. E., San Bruno, CA 94066
650-589-5089 | 3 | 1.5 |
| Gateway Inn and Suites | 516 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
650-583-4555 | 3 | 1.6 |
| Bay Landing Hotel | 1550 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-259-9000 | 3 | 1.6 |
| Regency Inn at San Francisco Airport | 411 San Bruno Ave. E., San Bruno, CA 94066
650-589-7535 | 2 | 1.6 |
| Villa Montes Hotel | 620 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
650-745-0111 | 3 | 1.7 |
| Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport | 1333 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010
650-347-1234 | 4 | 2 |
| Hotel Nova SFO By FairBridge | 410 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-875-7878 | 3 | 2 |
| Bayhill Inn | 950 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
650-588-4967 | 2 | 2 |
| Courtyard by Marriott San Francisco Airport | 1050 Bayhill Dr., San Bruno, CA 94066
650-952-3333 | 3 | 2.1 |
| Holiday Inn Express San Francisco Airport South | 1250 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-347-2381 | 3 | 2.1 |
| Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel | 380 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-873-3200 | 3 | 2.1 |
| Holiday Inn Express San Francisco Airport North | 373 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-589-0600 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Airport North | 326 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-741-4222 | 2 | 2.2 |
| Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport | 1177 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-342-9200 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Holiday Inn San Francisco International Airport | 275 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-873-3550 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Park Pointe Hotel | 245 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-589-7200 | 2 | 2.4 |
| Four Points by Sheraton – San Francisco Airport | 264 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-624-3700 | 3 | 2.4 |
| Hotel V – South San Francisco/SFO | 222 S. Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-589-9055 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Hotel Focus SFO | 111 Mitchell Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-877-0770 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Sonesta ES Suites San Francisco Airport San Bruno | 1350 Huntington Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066
650-588-0770 | 3 | 2.5 |
| DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport | 835 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-344-5500 | 3 | 2.6 |
| La Quinta by Wyndham San Francisco Airport North | 20 Airport Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-583-2223 | 2 | 2.6 |
| Red Roof Inn PLUS+ San Francisco Airport | 777 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-342-7772 | 3 | 2.7 |
| Embassy Suites San Francisco Airport – Waterfront | 150 Anza Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-342-4600 | 3 | 2.7 |
| Comfort Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport North | 121 E. Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-589-7100 | 3 | 2.8 |
| Embassy Suites San Francisco Airport – South San Francisco | 250 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-589-3400 | 3 | 2.8 |
| Hampton Inn San Francisco Airport | 300 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 9408
650-876-0200 | 3 | 2.9 |
| Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco Airport North | 670 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-872-1515 | 3 | 2.9 |
| Larkspur Landing South San Francisco-An All-Suite Hotel | 690 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
650-827-1515 | 3 | 2.9 |
| Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront | 600 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-340-8500 | 4 | 3 |
Depending on the season, hotels in San Francisco can be quite pricey. Fortunately, with points and miles, your stay in the bay area doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are some of the best award booking options near San Francisco International Airport.
| Hotel | Address and Phone Number | Star Rating | Distance From the Airport (Miles) | Hotel Loyalty Program | Point Redemption Cost |
| The Westin San Francisco Airport | 1 Old Bayshore Hwy., Millbrae, CA 94030
650-692-3500 | 4 | 1 | Marriott Bonvoy | 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
| Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport | 1333 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-347-1234 | 4 | 2 | World of Hyatt | 12,000 World of Hyatt points |
| San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront | 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame, CA 94010
650-692-9100 | 4 | 1.3 | Marriott Bonvoy | 40,000 to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
The Westin San Francisco offers a state-of-the-art fitness studio, heated indoor saltwater pool, and complimentary bike rental. Guests can enjoy spectacular views with rooms overlooking San Francisco Bay. A free shuttle runs to/from the airport every 20 minutes to make your trip even easier. Guests who are members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program can book award nights starting at 40,000-60,000 points per night.
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport offers premium convenience as the hotel is right next door to the airport. It not only offers the standard free shuttle service but also boasts an on-site Hertz rental car desk. With several large meeting spaces and a 24-hour business center, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport is an ideal choice for business travelers. Members of the World of Hyatt loyalty program can book award nights for 12,000 points per night.
The San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront offers breathtaking views through the massive wall of windows in their lobby: it’s mesmerizing to watch planes take off over San Francisco Bay from one of the comfy chairs. Sleek, streamlined rooms and amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, and hot tub will no doubt make your stay a pleasant one. Members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program can book award nights for 40,000-60,000 points per night on average.
Hot Tip: If you’re looking to top off your points to stay at any of these options, see our guides on the best ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt points.
SFO is San Francisco’s primary airport for international flights to Europe and Asia and is conveniently located for many of San Francisco’s main attractions and business districts.
However, flight operations are regularly affected by San Francisco’s famous bay fog, so if you’re looking to reach Yosemite National Park or other areas outside of San Francisco, you also have the option of flying into Oakland International Airport (OAK).
Navigating San Francisco International Airport is easy with the convenient AirTrain and the ability to walk between some terminals outside and within the secure area of some terminals.
If you’re an AvGeek and have some time to burn before your flight, you might like to check out SFO’s observation deck. Located at Terminal 2, SkyTerrace is free to the public (outside of the general secure area) and offers views of the runways and airport operations.
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Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.
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18 comments
william
August 06, 2019
Very helpful, I’m planning on flying out of SFO with interjet to mexico, this article shows I go to terminal “A”, but my itinerary shows “I”.
Katie Seemann
August 06, 2019
Hi William,
Sometimes terminals can change temporarily. I would suggest sticking with the terminal listed on your ticket. Have a great trip!
Aaron Linsdau
January 07, 2020
These maps and directions are great – they inspired me to make a video showing all of SFO so you can see what you’re up against:
https://youtu.be/xCHw8lN4L2k
Eric
February 02, 2020
SFO has renumbered all of its gates, which are not reflected on here.
Anne
July 24, 2020
Thanks for this site- just pointing out a typo. Near the top of the page it says SFO is 13 miles from Los Angeles. Apparently a common misconception, a hotel chain just tried to book me into an SF hotel when their Dana Point hotel was full.
Jarrod West
July 24, 2020
Hi Anne,
Thanks for pointing that out! I’ve correct the post.
Cheng Su
April 28, 2021
For passengers pickup area is located at which level? Departure level or Baggage’s Claim level? I’m talking about pickup by friend not by Uber.
Jarrod West
April 28, 2021
Hi Cheng,
Ppassenger pick up should be at the baggage claim level.
Katherine Weimer
May 21, 2021
I am staying at the Holiday Inn SF North on S. Airport Blvd. Is there a side or surface street that I can use to get to Terminal A International parking lot without getting on the 101 south? I can’t seem to figure this out by looking at the on line maps, and driving directions says to use 101 S.
Jarrod West
May 24, 2021
Hi Katherine,
That does not appear to be possible. In looks as though you will have to get on 101 S in order to access the airport.
Patrick Ryan
May 30, 2022
Great resource, thanks for the info! Heads up, in November 2021, SFO opened a new walkway inside security to connect Terminals 2 and 3. Here’s the info: https://www.flysfo.com/media/press-releases/connecting-between-terminals-sfo-just-got-whole-lot-easier
Katie Seemann
June 06, 2022
Hi Patrick,
Thanks for the info! We will get this post updated.
Uday V Wagle
February 27, 2023
Air Canada operates out of T2, not the International Terminal.
Jarrod West
February 27, 2023
Hi Uday,
Thanks for pointing that out. We have just corrected the post.
Joe
April 02, 2023
The FAQ needs to add that there is NO requirement to re-clear security between T2 and T3 using the walkway within the secure zone connecting the two terminals.
FAQ –
Can you walk from Terminal 2 to 3 at SFO?
Passengers can walk between Terminals 2 and 3 at SFO outside of the secure area so it would be necessary to re-clear security again.
Jarrod West
April 03, 2023
Hi Joe,
Thanks for pointing that out. I’ve corrected the post.
Larry
June 24, 2023
Where are the location of the family friendly bathrooms at SFO? My wife has Parkinson’s and cannot walk any distance.
Keri Stooksbury
June 24, 2023
Hi Larry – SFO has an interactive map where you can locate these restrooms. In the search box at the top left, enter Restroom-All and this will pull up the companion bathrooms. SFO also provides details on accessibility. Thanks for reading!
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