Therapy animals, California cuisine, wellness amenities galore: San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a stylish reflection of NorCal culture and packed with modern touches. Just 14 miles south of the city, SFO boasts plenty of passenger-friendly features, from efficient security checkpoints to kids’ play areas. And a massive renovation project, including an overhaul of Harvey Milk Terminal 1, has elevated the passenger experience even further. SFO was my home airport for nearly a decade, and every time I’m there, I find something else to love. Here’s how to make the most of your next visit.
Getting to and from SFO
Ride services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available. Follow the signs to Level 5 of the Domestic Garage, about a 10-minute walk from baggage claim. Taxis can be more convenient for pickup, as they’re located at roadway center islands on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level of all terminals. But to avoid rush hour traffic, public transit is often your best bet.
How to take BART to SFO
For about the price of a drink, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) is a great choice. The Antioch–SFIA/Millbrae (Yellow) or Richmond–Millbrae/SFIA (Red) lines both stop in popular neighborhoods including the Mission and the Embarcadero, and SFO will always appear in the train name when you’re heading to the airport. Get tickets via Clipper, which works on all Bay Area transit (I recommend visitors use the free digital app instead of buying a physical card). The BART station is located in the International Terminal, a short walk from T1 and T3.
How to take the Caltrain or bus to SFO
The Caltrain Commuter Rail runs between San Jose and San Francisco. However, it’s slightly confusing because it requires taking a transfer train (via BART) from the Millbrae stop, which is the closest to SFO. If you prefer the bus, Route 292 on SamTrans Public Bus Service stops at airport terminals, though 24-hour SFO bus service is provided by SamTrans routes 397 and ECR OWL.
How to take an Airporter to SFO
If you’re traveling to or from Marin County, I highly recommend the Marin Airporter. (There’s also a Wine Country Airporter that services Sonoma and Napa.) You’ll pay about one-half to one-third the cost of a taxi or ride service. Drivers are friendly and helpful.
Book tickets online or via the app, or pay the driver with cash (having exact fare is helpful). Buses usually run every hour but can arrive a few minutes late, so plan accordingly.
Take the AirTrain at SFO
The free SFO AirTrain can be a handy resource, too. The automated pre-security train, which runs as frequently as every four minutes, connects the BART station and rental car pickup area with all terminals via two routes. The Red Line moves clockwise, connecting all terminals, terminal garages, the BART Station, and Grand Hyatt at SFO, while the Blue Line goes counter-clockwise and also reaches the Rental Car Center and Long-Term Parking.
How to navigate SFO
SFO has three domestic terminals (T1, T2 and T3) spanning boarding areas B, C, D, E and F, plus an International Terminal with boarding areas A and G that services many Asian and trans-Pacific routes. TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and CLEAR are available, and security is generally quick and efficient.
Sign up for messaging from your airline to stay updated, and check the SFO website for travel alerts like weather delays and flight cancellations.
Great news for travelers: Following recent renovations, all terminals are connected airside. That means you can enter through any security checkpoint and access your gate, no matter which airline you’re flying. This is a big advantage for folks who want to dine or shop at a different terminal than where their gate is located.
However, the entire walking loop through all terminals takes approximately 25 minutes, with the average walk time between adjacent terminals being about six minutes. Signage can be confusing, too. Walking from T1 to T3 recently, I noticed that signs for the E gates stopped appearing, even though I was headed in the right direction. So if you opt to walk between terminals, pay close attention and don’t be afraid to ask an airport employee if needed.
Terminal guide and current updates
SFO is always evolving, which is great for travelers but can be a headache if you don’t know what’s new. Here’s the scoop on the terminals so you can navigate like a pro.
The new Harvey Milk Terminal 1
SFO’s newest addition is the award-winning Harvey Milk Terminal 1, named after the late human rights activist. The $2.4 billion facility serves American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines, with Southwest now operating from Terminal 2. It’s a marvel, with a new check-in area, gates, concessions, museum gallery, and a walkway connecting with every other terminal post-security. It’s such a lovely experience that it’s worth choosing those airlines just to experience it.
Several of SFO’s outstanding dining options are found here, too. A few can’t-miss spots: Amy’s Drive Thru, which serves up delectable comfort food; Bun Mee, the SFO outpost of the Fillmore District favorite (there’s also a location in Terminal 3); and Starbird Chicken, famous for its crispy chicken. There are also outposts of other SF shops, such as Green Apple Books, a must-stop for bookworms.
Heads up on Terminal 3 renovations
Originally built in 1979, Terminal 3 is undergoing a $2.6 billion modernization. This ongoing project will renovate the existing 650,000-square-foot western half of Terminal 3 and add approximately 200,000 square feet of new space for expanded food, beverage, and retail concessions. The renovated and expanded western half, new six-story building and renovated check-in lobby on the eastern end are expected to open over the next few years.
During the process, United Airlines is opening new ticket counters at the west side of Terminal 2 for passengers departing from D and E gates, while ticket counters at the west end of Terminal 3 are closing. In addition, you’ll likely have to take a temporary walkway around the construction area. If you’re flying United, be sure to check your departure gate ahead of time.
Choose from several upscale lounges at SFO
SFO has long been a pioneer in the airport lounge concept, perhaps most notably with the United Polaris Lounge. It’s available for passengers traveling in United Polaris business class on long-haul international flights, as well as passengers traveling in long-haul international First or Business Class on a Star Alliance member airline. It opened as the airline’s second Polaris concept, showcasing a two-level design full of upscale extras like a sit-down restaurant. Most major airlines have their own lounges, and two upscale lounges that opened in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 in 2024 offer more reasons to arrive earlier for a flight.
The Club SFO: The first Priority Pass lounge at SFO
Good news for Priority Pass and LoungeKey members: The Club SFO, which recently opened, is a stunner. The 12,000-square-foot space, SFO’s first Priority Pass lounge, evokes a lovely NorCal vibe, with a faux fireplace and redwood wall mural. California wines and beers and vegetarian-leaning cuisine in the buffet also are Cali inspired. On a recent visit, I was highly impressed with the high-quality food and friendly, efficient staff.
The lounge also has a wellness center with fitness mirrors and yoga equipment, showers available for a fee of $25 per person, and a first-of-its-kind amenity: Luminescence Rooms. These private sanctuaries with adjustable color-temperature lighting supposedly help passengers adjust to a new time zone or decompress ahead of a long flight.
The new Alaska Lounge in Terminal 1
Alaska Lounge members, Admirals Club members and passengers holding eligible First Class tickets are in for a treat at SFO with the new 11,000-square-foot lounge in T1, which recently opened with approximately 55 percent more seating capacity than its predecessor. Members can enjoy iconic Alaska loungers, West Coast wines and craft beers, and a pancake machine, another Alaska lounge staple. In addition to complimentary offerings, the lounge features a menu of hot food items available for purchase.
Unique amenities and extras at SFO
Even if you don’t have lounge access, SFO boasts plenty of features that make pre-departure hours virtually fly by.
Take advantage of curbside check-in
One of SFO’s best-kept secrets: curbside check-in. United, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest provide it for a tip, while American Airlines charges a convenience fee starting at $4 per bag, in addition to any standard checked baggage charges. This handy service, which I used many times while traveling with my young son, can be a game-changer, especially for parents. If you take advantage, be sure to tip accordingly.
Soak up numerous wellness offerings
SFO sets a high bar for wellness offerings. When it debuted, the yoga room was the first of its kind, and SFO now has three yoga rooms located in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, sparking a trend across other airports. (Heads-up: Practice your postures only, no napping allowed.) And don’t forget your water bottle: Multiple touchless refill stations are located in all terminals (some even have hot water for DIY tea).
Bring the littles to Kids’ Spots
SFO is a solid airport for families, thanks in part to Kids’ Spots: seven beautifully designed, interactive play areas located post-security. Two standouts: In T1, Tree Town near Gate B18 features structures made from a salvaged oak tree; Spirogyrate, in T3 near Gate E7, showcases trippy, six-foot rotating spiral discs.
Enjoy creature comforts
It’s not just dogs doing the rounds: the SFO Wag Brigade also includes Lilou (a Juliana-breed pig), Alex the Great (a Flemish Giant rabbit), and Duke Ellington Morris (a rescue cat). These certified stress-relief animals, whose vests say “Pet Me!”, bring smiles to passengers, especially kiddos.
Alternate international airports to SFO
Several other international airports within fairly easy distance of SFO can be helpful for finding cheaper airfare or alternate flights or airlines. The closest is Oakland International Airport (OAK), previously known as San Francisco Bay Oakland International Terminal. You can reach OAK via BART, which is a convenient way to avoid the often gridlocked traffic on Interstate 80 East to the East Bay from San Francisco.
Farther south is San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), which is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and officially markets itself as “Silicon Valley’s Airport,” serving as a convenient gateway for the region. Finally, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is located about 100 miles north of San Francisco. If you’re headed to wine country in Napa or Sonoma, SMF can be a more convenient option.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
