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San Francisco International (SFO) — Airport Guide

Complete guide to San Francisco International (SFO) in San Francisco, United States. Find lounges, restaurants, sleep options, transport links, and jetlag recovery facilities.

Top Lounges

  • United Club— Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, between gates G6-G9
  • United Club— Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, opposite gates E2-E3, mezzanine level
  • United Club— Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, opposite gates E2-E3, mezzanine level
Airports/SFO/Guide

San Francisco International Airport Guide

Lounges, food, WiFi, sleep, hotels, and transport at SFO

Official website

Terminal Transfers

How to navigate between terminals

FromToWalkRecommendedSecurityTransport
INTL-AT17 min15 min-
Train
T1T27 min15 min-
Train
T2T38 min20 min-
Train
T3INTL-G7 min15 min-
Train
INTL-AT212 min25 min-
Train
T1T315 min30 min-
Train
T2INTL-G15 min30 min-
Train
INTL-AINTL-G15 min60 min
Recheck
Train
T3-FINTL-G5 min35 min-
-
T3-ET2-D7 min20 min-
-

Lounges at San Francisco International

30 lounges · 13 terminals

30 lounges found

Air France Golden Gate Lounge

Air France Golden Gate Lounge

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal A, left immediately after security, 4th floor
Priority Pass
Air France KLM Lounge

Air France KLM Lounge

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal A, left immediately after security checkpoint
Priority Pass
China Airlines Dynasty Lounge

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal A, left immediately after security, 4th floor
Priority Pass
Freshen Up!

Freshen Up!

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, landside (outside security), near the G1-G14 security checkpoint
Priority Pass
San Francisco Giants Clubhouse

San Francisco Giants Clubhouse

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse F, near gate F13
Priority Pass
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, between gates G6-G9
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, opposite gates E2-E3, mezzanine level
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, opposite gates E2-E3, mezzanine level
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, opposite gates E2-E3, mezzanine level
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, between gates G6-G9
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, between gates G6-G9
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse F, near gate F11
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse F, near gate F11
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse F, near gate F11
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse E, near gate E3
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse E, near gate E3
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse E, near gate E3
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, near gate G94
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, near gate G94
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, near gate G94
United Global First Lounge

United Global First Lounge

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, between gates 98-100
The Centurion Lounge

The Centurion Lounge

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 2, Concourse D, left after security, before the shopping area
The Centurion Lounge

The Centurion Lounge

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse F, near gate F1
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, opposite gates E2-E3, mezzanine level
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, between gates G6-G9
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal G, between gates G6-G9
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, opposite gates E2-E3, mezzanine level
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse F, near gate F11
United Club

United Club

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), Terminal 3, Concourse F, near gate F11
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Terminal San Francisco, CA (SFO), International Terminal A, left immediately after security, 5th floor
Priority Pass
All lounges at San Francisco International

Food & Drink

14 dining options

Cafes

Black Point Cafe

cafe

Dolores Park Cafe SFO Terminal 2 Concourse C

cafe

Equator Coffee + Tea

cafe

Green Beans Coffee

cafe

Marina's Cafe

cafe

Peet's Coffee - Gate 8

cafe

Peets Coffee

cafe

Ritual Coffee Roasters

cafe

Roasting Plant Coffee

cafe

San Francisco International Airport Coffee

San Francisco International Airside Cafe

San Francisco International Costa Airport

San Francisco International Starbucks Airport

San Francisco International Starbucks Airport

San Francisco International Terminal Cafe

All cafes

Sleep & Rest

Rest and recovery options

Sleep Pods

Provider: Minute Suites

Quiet Zones

Designated quiet areas for resting.

Lounge Beds

Some lounges offer lie-flat beds for rest.

Spa Services

Spa treatments available in the terminal.

Showers

Shower facilities in the terminal

Shower Facilities

Showers available in the terminal.

San Francisco: Better than most US airports, Harvey Milk T1 nice, but delays common.

Layover Tips

Making the most of your time at San Francisco International

Minimum connection time: 45 minutes
4h: With 4 hours at SFO, it’s best to stay close to the airport. Clear immigration/security, then: 1) Explore SFO’s terminals: check out the Aviation Museum & Library (International Terminal), rotating art exhibits, and yoga rooms (Terminals 2 & 3). 2) Grab a quality coffee or meal from local brands like Boudin Bakery (sourdough), Napa Farms Market, or Klein’s Deli. 3) If you want fresh air, take a short taxi or rideshare to Bayfront Park in Millbrae for a quick walk along the Bay with runway views. 4) Return to the airport at least 90 minutes before your next flight (more for international) to clear security.
8h: With around 8 hours, you can get a taste of San Francisco. 1) From SFO, take BART toward San Francisco (about 30 minutes) and get off at Embarcadero or Montgomery Street. 2) Walk the Embarcadero waterfront to the Ferry Building Marketplace for local food stalls (Acme Bread, Hog Island Oyster Co., Cowgirl Creamery). 3) Continue by Muni F-line historic streetcar or on foot toward Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 for Bay views, sea lions, and Golden Gate Bridge photo ops. 4) If time allows, detour up to North Beach (Italian neighborhood) or Chinatown for a quick stroll and snack. 5) Head back to SFO by BART or rideshare, aiming to leave downtown 2.5–3 hours before departure to allow for transit and security.
24h: With 24 hours, you can see several classic San Francisco neighborhoods. Day: 1) Take BART or rideshare from SFO to your hotel in Union Square, SoMa, or Fisherman’s Wharf. 2) Start at the Ferry Building, then walk or ride the F-line to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. 3) Continue to Ghirardelli Square and walk or rideshare to the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field for Golden Gate Bridge views. 4) Head to the Presidio Tunnel Tops or Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center to walk part of the bridge. Evening: 5) Explore North Beach (Italian cafés and restaurants) or Chinatown for dinner. 6) If you have more time the next morning, visit Alamo Square (Painted Ladies), Haight-Ashbury, or Golden Gate Park (Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences). 7) Return to SFO by BART or rideshare, leaving the city at least 3 hours before an international flight or 2–2.5 hours before a domestic flight.

By Layover Duration

4-Hour Layover

With 4 hours at SFO, it’s best to stay close to the airport. Clear immigration/security, then: 1) Explore SFO’s terminals: check out the Aviation Museum & Library (International Terminal), rotating art exhibits, and yoga rooms (Terminals 2 & 3). 2) Grab a quality coffee or meal from local brands like Boudin Bakery (sourdough), Napa Farms Market, or Klein’s Deli. 3) If you want fresh air, take a short taxi or rideshare to Bayfront Park in Millbrae for a quick walk along the Bay with runway views. 4) Return to the airport at least 90 minutes before your next flight (more for international) to clear security.

8-Hour Layover

With around 8 hours, you can get a taste of San Francisco. 1) From SFO, take BART toward San Francisco (about 30 minutes) and get off at Embarcadero or Montgomery Street. 2) Walk the Embarcadero waterfront to the Ferry Building Marketplace for local food stalls (Acme Bread, Hog Island Oyster Co., Cowgirl Creamery). 3) Continue by Muni F-line historic streetcar or on foot toward Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 for Bay views, sea lions, and Golden Gate Bridge photo ops. 4) If time allows, detour up to North Beach (Italian neighborhood) or Chinatown for a quick stroll and snack. 5) Head back to SFO by BART or rideshare, aiming to leave downtown 2.5–3 hours before departure to allow for transit and security.

Overnight Layover

With 24 hours, you can see several classic San Francisco neighborhoods. Day: 1) Take BART or rideshare from SFO to your hotel in Union Square, SoMa, or Fisherman’s Wharf. 2) Start at the Ferry Building, then walk or ride the F-line to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. 3) Continue to Ghirardelli Square and walk or rideshare to the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field for Golden Gate Bridge views. 4) Head to the Presidio Tunnel Tops or Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center to walk part of the bridge. Evening: 5) Explore North Beach (Italian cafés and restaurants) or Chinatown for dinner. 6) If you have more time the next morning, visit Alamo Square (Painted Ladies), Haight-Ashbury, or Golden Gate Park (Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences). 7) Return to SFO by BART or rideshare, leaving the city at least 3 hours before an international flight or 2–2.5 hours before a domestic flight.

Full layover guide for San Francisco

Getting There & Away

Transport options to/from the airport

tips: Allow extra time for hills and traffic when planning trips, especially to and from SFO during rush hours. Dress in layers; weather can be cool and windy even in summer, especially near the water. For short stays, base yourself near Union Square, SoMa, or Fisherman’s Wharf for easier transit connections. Consider walking or using rideshares at night when bus frequencies drop. If you plan to ride cable cars or Muni frequently, look into 1- or 3-day Muni passes via the MuniMobile app.
from_airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 13 miles south of downtown. BART runs directly from the International Terminal to downtown stations like Powell Street, Montgomery Street, and Embarcadero in about 30 minutes; follow signs for the BART station and buy a Clipper card or use contactless payment. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) are available curbside and typically take 25–40 minutes to central areas depending on traffic. Shared shuttles operate to some hotels but are less common than they once were. If renting a car, take the AirTrain Blue Line to the Rental Car Center.
public_transit: San Francisco’s main public transit is Muni, which runs buses, light rail (Muni Metro), historic streetcars, and cable cars. BART connects SFO and the East Bay to downtown San Francisco. The F-Market & Wharves historic streetcar runs along the Embarcadero and Market Street to Fisherman’s Wharf. Cable cars connect Union Square and Market Street to Nob Hill and Fisherman’s Wharf. Use a Clipper card or contactless payment across most systems. Caltrain links San Francisco to the Peninsula and San Jose from the 4th & King Street station.
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Local Dining

Food areas and local cuisine near the airport

Food Areas

Ferry Building Marketplace

Indoor market along the Embarcadero with artisan food vendors, cafés, and restaurants highlighting Northern California ingredients.

Mission District

Top area for Mexican food, Mission-style burritos, and a wide range of global eateries and trendy restaurants along Valencia Street.

Chinatown

Dense cluster of dim sum houses, noodle shops, bakeries, and banquet-style restaurants along Grant Avenue and Stockton Street.

North Beach

Italian-influenced neighborhood with pizzerias, trattorias, espresso bars, and late-night cafés near Washington Square.

SoMa (South of Market)

Warehouse district turned dining hub with upscale restaurants, cocktail bars, and casual spots near major museums and Moscone Center.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Tadich Grill

Seafood

Historic seafood restaurant near the Financial District known for cioppino, grilled fish, and classic San Francisco atmosphere.

Sotto Mare

Seafood

North Beach favorite serving cioppino, oysters, and fresh local seafood in a casual, bustling setting.

Boudin Bakery Café at Fisherman’s Wharf

Bakery

Home of San Francisco sourdough, offering clam chowder in bread bowls and sandwiches with views of the Wharf.

Swan Oyster Depot

Seafood

Counter-service institution on Polk Street known for fresh oysters, crab, and smoked fish; expect a line.

La Taqueria

Mexican

Mission District staple famous for Mission-style burritos and tacos, often cited among the city’s best.

Services

Airport amenities and facilities

Spa

5 locations

Medical

Medical services available

Currency & ATM

Currency exchange

Luggage Storage

Storage available

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this airport

Average security wait time at San Francisco International is approximately 22 minutes. Consider TSA PreCheck or fast track options for shorter waits.

Flying through SFO?

Search routes and compare jetlag recovery scores

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San Francisco City Guide

Explore flights, hotels, attractions, and layover tips for San Francisco.

OverviewFlightsHotelsThings to DoLayover
SFO Airport (SFO) Guide — Lounges, Food, Sleep… | Aerobase