San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Traveler Essentials
- Terminals
- Terminals 1, 2, 3 (domestic) and the International Terminal, arranged in a ring connected by the free AirTrain people-mover.
- Distance to city
- 21 km / 30 min by BART train to downtown San Francisco
Overview
A major West Coast gateway 21km south of downtown San Francisco, SFO is known for its design-forward terminals, museum exhibits, and the famous yoga room.
Transport to city center
BART train direct to downtown: ~30 min, around USD 10. Taxis USD 55–70; rideshare USD 30–55. The AirTrain connects all terminals to BART and car rental.
Wi-Fi
Free unlimited WiFi at SFO — connect to '#SFO Free WiFi'; no time limit.
Lounges
United Polaris and United Club lounges, Centurion Lounge, KLM/Air France, Cathay Pacific, and multiple Priority Pass options.
Security & customs
International arrivals clear US Customs and Border Protection — use Mobile Passport Control or Global Entry to skip lines. Standard 100ml (3-1-1) liquid rules apply at TSA security; TSA PreCheck speeds screening. Fog can cause delays, so book morning flights when possible, and use the free AirTrain to move between terminals.
Travel tips
BART is the fastest, cheapest route downtown. Fog can cause delays — book morning flights when possible. The International Terminal has excellent local food.