San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major gateway to Asia, Europe, Oceania, and across the Americas. With four passenger terminals including Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal (A & G); SFO is designed to balance efficiency with traveler comfort. Each terminal offers its own mix of airlines, dining, and services, making the airport feel like a city in itself.

Know All About SFO At A Glance 

Through this table you will get a brief insight into the San Francisco International Airport. 

How Many Terminals Does SFO Have? 

San Francisco International Airport is organized into four main passenger terminals, each designed to serve specific airlines and traveler needs. From the modern Harvey Milk Terminal 1 to the expansive International Terminal, every section of the airport offers distinct facilities and services that reflect SFO’s role as both a domestic hub and a global gateway.

• Harvey Milk Terminal 1: This is SFO’s newest terminal with modern design and expanded facilities. 
• Terminal 2: This terminal is passenger friendly and has umpteen amenities and facilities all throughout for the convenience of travellers. You will find convenient places to shop, stores for books and news, restaurants, and a lot more. 
• Terminal 3:  The main and most prominent airline at terminal 3 of SFO is the United Airlines. You will find quite a number of stores here as well from fashion to accessories, beauty products, and more. 
• International Terminal (A & G): This is the heart of SFO’s global network, serving airlines such as Air France, Air India, Air China, and Air New Zealand.

To know more about the SFO Terminals in detail you may check our page where we have discussed about each one of them at length

Which Airlines Fly Out Of San Francisco International Airport (SFO)?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) supports a wide range of domestic and international airlines, serving more than 50 airlines, making it one of the most connected airports in the U.S. Some prominent airlines at SFO include:

• Aer Lingus 
• Air Canada
• Air China
• Air France 
• Air Premia
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines 

To know more do check our airlines at SFO page, and you will get a detailed insight.  

What Services Will You Be Provided With At the San Francisco International Airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers services that go far beyond the basics, ensuring every traveler’s experience is comfortable, convenient, and even inspiring.

Wi-fi services 

The free wi-fi services available all across the terminal makes it easy for you to browse online as you await your flight. It is a simple process. You need to connect to #SFO FREE WIFI, launch your browser, and you are good to go. If you have questions about the wi-fi details you may contact 855.415.WiFi. 

Shops

When you are enquiring about the shops at SFO, you will be relieved to know that there are plenty of them available for your convenience. You may want to pick up some travel essentials, or buy a gift or souvenir, the shops at the airport have it all available for you. 

Restaurants 

SFO is not at all behind when it comes to places to eat. From bakeries to burger joints, cafes to full course restaurants, the airport has all of it for you across different terminals. Do not miss out on checking our page about SFO’s restaurants. 

Smoking Areas

Smoking at SFO is prohibited within a distance of 20 feet of the main entrance, airport building’s operable windows as well as exits. If you have to smoke you can do the same outside the terminal only within designated areas. 

ATMs

You have several automated teller machines or ATMs across several SFO terminals like Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and even the international terminals. 

Currency Exchange 

SFO has plenty of currency exchange counters as well at varied locations across the international terminals for passenger’s convenience.  

Baggage Drop

SFO has plenty of baggage carts, baggage porters, and baggage wrapping services across terminal 1, terminal 2, terminal 3 and even its international terminal. All departing guests will get baggage services at SFO. Upon arrival, you must approach the attendant at the curbside or even call 9.821.9187, or 650.821.9187 (when dialing from your cell phone). 

Lounges

The SFO lounges are indeed a delight to access for those eligible for the same. You will find lounges of prominent airlines here like Air Canada, Air France, Alaska, American Airlines, British Airways. Cathay Pacific, and so on. 

Security Check Areas

You will find security checkpoints at SFO throughout the terminals for which you will require a valid boarding pass. Do access our page to know more about SFO’s security checkpoints. 

Nursing Stations

For the convenience of nursing mothers SFO has several nursing rooms and Mamava Pods located throughout the terminals. 

Shower services and restrooms 

Freshen Up! Offers shower facilities, toiletries, nap rooms, and ironing facilities at the Level 3 international terminal. For more details you may contact Freshen Up! at 6508770798. 

Information Desks 

You may need assistance with ground transportation, parking lots, terminal details and a lot more. SFO has several information booths across all its terminals to help their passengers. They even have provisions for language assistance. 

Animal Relief Areas

SFO’s animal relief areas located across different terminals is indeed a boon for people travelling with pets.These zones are equipped with essential facilities like places to drink, bowls, and also areas to dispose of garbage. 

Medical Clinic 

If you or any of your kin are feeling unwell at the airport, SFO has several medical services to help you instantly. The medical clinic has travel medicines, urgent care services and a lot more. There are experienced physicians as well as registered nurses to provide treatment in state of the art facilities. 

Accessibility Services

Of the several accessibility services SFO provides, some of the prominent ones include the sensory rooms, TSA Care, wheelchair and guided assistance services and more. 

Flights Status 

To check flight status you may access SFO’s official website and enter the airline name, and flight details. However, SFO always recommends you to check your respective airline for flight status. 

SFO’s Parking Spots

Travelers at SFO can choose from several parking options, all located conveniently on airport grounds and connected to terminals via the AirTrain. Online booking is recommended to guarantee a space, with flexible options allowing changes or cancellations up to 2 hours before entry.

• Domestic Garage: Maximum height 6’6” (78”); 
• International Garage A: Maximum height 8’2” (98”)
• International Garage G: Maximum height 8’2” (98”); 
• ParkFAST → It is situated within the Domestic Garage; separate entry for faster access; maximum of 166 parkers allowed; 
• Long‑Term Garage: It has two garages (Garage 1 max height 6’10” / Garage 2 max height 8’2”); 

The occupancy and number of spots in particular garages, keep on varying and are subject to availability. Check SFO’s parking spots please check our page where we have discussed parking lots in detail. 

Premium Valet Parking

SFO also offers Valet Parking at the Grand Hyatt, directly connected to all terminals via the AirTrain. Travelers can select valet with EV charging and return to a fully charged vehicle. Booking is simple: choose travel dates, enter details, and prepay online for a seamless start and finish to your trip.

Airport Transport and Communication Options At SFO Terminal 

SFO’s transportation system is designed in a way that is easy and convenient, with multiple options available for travelers. The airport connects directly to major public transit systems in the Bay Area and offers a wide range of ground transportation services.

• Lyft/Uber Rides: Designated pickup and drop‑off zones make ridesharing simple and efficient.
• Personal Vehicle Sharing: Options for car‑sharing services are available on airport grounds.
• Public Transit: SFO links to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and other regional transit systems, providing direct access to downtown San Francisco and beyond.
• Rental Cars: Centralized at the SFO Rental Car Center, easily reached via the AirTrain.
• Hotel Shuttles: Complimentary shuttles connect travelers to nearby hotels.
• Biking: Bike racks and access routes are available for cyclists.
• Passenger Pick‑Up & Drop‑Off: Clearly marked zones for smooth curbside access.
• Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free lot for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. It is even an appropriate waiting zone for those waiting to meet their friends or family. 
• Charters: Charter bus and van services available for groups.
• Getting Around SFO / AirTrain: Free automated people mover connecting all terminals, garages, and the Rental Car Center.
• Go SFO Shuttle: Shared‑ride shuttle service for convenient transport to destinations across the Bay Area.

SFO’s integrated transport network ensures travelers can choose the option that best fits their schedule, budget, and destination.

Kids’ Spots at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

If you’re traveling with children, SFO makes family travel easier with seven Kids’ Spots located throughout the terminals. These interactive play areas are all post‑security, giving kids a safe and colorful space to play, stretch, and burn off energy before a flight. Many of the installations are maintained by the SFO Museum and include works by Bay Area artists, blending play with art and local culture.

Map

When you have the map of SFO at hand, this makes it easier for you to commute through the airport and access the different facilities with ease. 

Conclusion 

So, in a nutshell it can be said that SFO ranks quite high when it comes to the busiest airports, handling quite a number of flights and passengers each day. When you are aware of the terminals, amenities provided, parking lots, and other important facilities, commuting across JFK becomes easier and more convenient. 

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