San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the largest airports in the United States and serves as the primary gateway to the San Francisco Bay Area.

Terminal Layout

SFO is made up of 4 terminals with 7 concourses connecting them. Here’s a breakdown of each terminal:

• International Terminal (Dianne Feinstein International Terminal): Divided into Gates A and G, this terminal was once the largest in North America at approximately 1.8 million square feet. It features a striking soaring roofline with a glass-and-steel façade and is home to 24 gates.

• Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal 1): Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful airport terminals in the world, thanks to major investment by Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The terminal is named in honor of Harvey Milk, a pioneer of the gay rights movement.

• Terminals 2 & 3: Primarily used by domestic carriers. Terminal 3 is currently undergoing a major renovation.

Getting Between Terminals: AirTrain

The free AirTrain connects all terminals and can be boarded on the 3rd or 4th floor. It operates on three lines: the Red Line connects the terminals, the Blue Line serves the Rental Car Center and parking garages, and the Purple Line links to the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. Trains run 24 hours a day with departures approximately every 5 minutes.

Airport Amenities

SFO goes well beyond standard airport facilities, offering a range of unique spaces:

• SFO Museum: America’s first accredited airport museum, with exhibits distributed across all terminals.

• Aviation Library & Museum: An aviation history museum located inside the International Terminal.

• Wellness Spaces: Three yoga rooms, a Reflection Room for meditation and prayer, and a Sensory Room designed for neurodivergent travelers.

• Lounges: A total of 17 airline and public lounges are available throughout the airport.

• Grand Hyatt Hotel: A luxury hotel located directly on airport grounds, accessible via the AirTrain.

• Family & Pet-Friendly Facilities: Children’s play areas, nursing rooms, pet relief areas, and the SPCA-certified Wag Brigade therapy animal program.

Getting from SFO to Downtown San Francisco

There are four main transportation options for getting from SFO to the city center: BART, public bus, taxi/rideshare, and private transfer.

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) — Recommended

Both SFO and Oakland Airport are connected to downtown San Francisco via the BART system. To reach the BART station near Concourse G of the International Terminal, take the free AirTrain.

• Fare: $11.80 one-way

• Hours: Weekdays 4:00 AM – midnight | Saturdays 6:00 AM – midnight | Sundays 8:00 AM – midnight

• Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes

• Paper tickets are not accepted — you’ll need a Clipper Card (available at station kiosks for $3) or a digital wallet

• Contactless credit cards are also accepted for a convenient tap-and-go experience

SamTrans Public Bus — Most Affordable

SamTrans routes 292 and 397 run between SFO and downtown San Francisco and operate 24 hours a day.

• Fare: $2.25 (cash) / $2.05 (Clipper Card)

Bus Stop Locations:

• Terminal 2: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, center island adjacent to Courtyard 2

• Terminal 3: Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, curbside adjacent to Courtyard 4

• International Terminal: Level 1 at Courtyard A and curbside adjacent to Courtyard G

Taxi & Rideshare

• Taxi fare to downtown: $55–$70

• Uber/Lyft: From $40 with no traffic — note that fares can exceed taxi rates during peak congestion hours

Private Transfer

A private airport transfer service offers door-to-door convenience from SFO to your hotel in San Francisco.

• Fare: From $53.60

Rental Car

If you’re planning to explore the surrounding area — such as Napa Valley or Yosemite — renting a car is a great option. Take the AirTrain Blue Line directly to the Rental Car Center, where multiple rental companies are available. Online booking in advance is recommended.

• Daily rate: From $47.69/day