Due to its sheer scale, San Francisco International Airport, the Golden City’s gateway to Europe, Asia, and destinations throughout North America, can be daunting. But once you know the lay of the land, this thoroughly modern transport hub becomes much more approachable. Dozens of shops, eateries, a museum, and even a space for innovative brainstorming sessions make it easy for travelers to pass the time here.
The key to ensuring a smooth arrival at your departure gate or an effortless airport escape is a little pre-planning. Here are some helpful tips and need-to-know information to make your next trip as stress-free as possible:
Getting To and From the Airport
There’s lots of nuts-and-bolts information you need to know so you can get in and out quickly.
- Check the Uber airport page: From fare estimates to vehicle options, all of your questions can be answered on our San Francisco International Airport page.
- Save with uberPOOL: Taxi fares to or from the city can add a hefty price tag to your journey. Sharing a ride via uberPOOL cuts the cost of your trip from downtown San Francisco to about $17 to $23. As an added bonus, your trip will go easy on the environment—apt for this eco-conscious Californian city. If you’re traveling with friends or would prefer a little privacy, uberX offers another economic option, with fares typically between $25 and $32.
- Know your terminal: With four terminals spread across a sizable area, it’s essential to know where to meet your driver or where you want to be dropped off. Bear in mind that all international flights depart from the third level in Terminal 4, while domestic flights depart from the second level of Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. If you’re being picked up, your driver will meet you at the departures area of your designated terminal. Not sure where to go? Check out the terminal map.
- Allow plenty of time: San Francisco International Airport is located 13 miles from the city center, which translates to approximately 20 minutes of driving time with minimal traffic or up to 45 minutes in rush hour. To err on the safe side, the TSA recommends that passengers arrive at the airport two hours before a domestic departure and three hours before an international departure. If traveling with uberPOOL, be sure to leave a little extra time.
Pre-departure Prep Work
A few simple steps can save you tons of time and a mad dash to the gate.
- Check out the expected wait times: If you’re thinking of cutting it close, be sure to take a look at the security wait times on the TSA website to avoid a last-minute crunch.
- Scan the security guidelines: Even if you’ve flown dozens of times, it’s easy to make a mistake when packing. Save yourself some time at the airport by quickly double-checking that you’ve followed all of the TSA guidelines before you leave home.
While You Wait
With its state-of-the-art facilities and thoughtful extras, San Francisco International Airport is a particularly pleasant place to spend a couple hours.
- Grab a bite: The array of dining options at San Francisco International Airport is staggering, with standouts including gourmet fast food at the Burger Joint, small plates at Cat Cora, and a wide selection of regional wines and tapas at SF Uncork’d.
- Culture for the canny: Thanks to a long-running collaboration with SFO Museum, roughly 40 rotating exhibitions are presented annually throughout the airport. Check the website map to find out where they are. And keep an eye out for works of art curated by the San Francisco Arts Commission in each of the terminals.
- Get a history lesson: Few airports boast an attraction like the Aviation Museum & Library, which offers educational programs and exhibits in the International Terminal.
- Be playful: Long flights can be tough on tiny travelers, which is why the Kids’ Spots located post-security in Terminal 2 and 3 are such a boon for families. Alternatively, the airport offers self-guided tour itineraries for all ages in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal.
