Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Overview & Terminal / Gate Layout
For the most up-to-date details, visit the official San Francisco International Airport (SFO) website.
This guide brings together the most useful SFO airport information—including maps, parking, lounges, and transportation—all in one easy-to-access page, perfect for quick viewing on mobile devices.
- SFO has four terminals:
- The terminals form a kind of “ring” configuration, with a main central connector and the AirTrain system (see below) linking them.
- There are post-security connectors / walkways between certain terminals, so you may not always need to exit security to move between them (depending on airline and routing)
Parking & Vehicle Access
SFO offers multiple parking options (short-term, long-term, garages, valet) both on and off-airport.
On-Airport Parking Options
- Domestic Parking Garage (Central / Domestic Garage)
This is centrally located and has tunnels or walkways connecting to Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
- International Parking Garages A & G
These are adjacent to the International Terminal (north and south sides).
- Garage A is best for A-gates; Garage G is closer for G-gates.
- From these garages, you can walk to the International Terminal or take the AirTrain to reach domestic terminals. - Long-Term Parking Garages
For extended stays. Shuttles typically run from long-term lots to terminals. - Valet Parking & Grand Hyatt
SFO offers valet parking (on-airport) and a connection via the Grand Hyatt hotel.
Off-Airport Parking Options
- Off-Airport / Private Lots
Tips & Notes on Parking
- Book in advance when possible (especially for valet or long term) to guarantee a spot.
- Check height limits: Domestic Garage max ~ 6’6″, International Garages may allow taller vehicles (~8’2″) in some sections.
- Use the pedestrian pathways or AirTrain to go from parking garages to terminals.
- Off-airport lots may be cheaper, but allow extra time for shuttle pickup/dropoff.
Public Transportation & Ground Connections
AirTrain (Internal Transit)
- The AirTrain is the internal automated people mover that runs between terminals, parking garages, and the BART station/gate area.
- It operates 24 hours a day, with headways as frequent as ~4 minutes.
- Stations are located at all terminals, in the parking garages, and at the BART station.
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
- The SFO BART station is directly connected to the airport via the AirTrain (you ride AirTrain to the “BART / Rental Car Center” station).
- From there, BART trains can take you into San Francisco, Oakland, and beyond.
- It’s often one of the fastest and most economical ways to get to/from downtown.
- Check schedules and fares; you may need to allocate extra time for the AirTrain + BART segments.
Other Ground Transportation
- Shuttles & Airport Buses (SamTrans, etc.)
- Ride-hailing / Taxis / App pickups
- Charters / Limousines
- Often pick up/drop off in designated zones around the terminals, as per airport signage.
- Often pick up/drop off in designated zones around the terminals, as per airport signage.
- Car rentals
- Typically located at the Rental Car Center (accessible via AirTrain).
Lounges & Relaxation Areas
SFO has many lounges distributed across terminals and concourses. Some highlights:
| Lounge | Location / Terminal | Notes / Access |
| Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge | Terminal 2, post-security | Serves Air Canada & Star Alliance flights |
| Air France – KLM Lounge | International Terminal A, near Gate A1, Level 3 | Post-security lounge for SkyTeam / partner flights |
| Alaska Airlines Lounge | Harvey Milk Terminal 1, retail street, Level 2 | Post-security |
| American Airlines Admirals Club | Harvey Milk Terminal 1, near Gate B13, Level 2 | Post-security |
| American Express Centurion Lounge (temporary location) | Terminal 2, near Gate D12 | Due to Terminal 3 renovation, the usual Centurion in T3 is closed; a temporary one is in T2. |
| Golden Gate Lounge | International Terminal A, Level 4 | Post-security |
| The Club SFO | Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Level 3 | Accepts Priority Pass / lounge passes |
| United Club | International Terminal G (between G6 & G9) | Post-security, Star Alliance / United |
| United Club (Terminal 3, Rotunda F) | Terminal 3, near F gates | Post-security |
| United Polaris Lounge | International Terminal G, near Gate G1 | Post-security, for Polaris / premium international flyers |
| Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse | International Terminal A, near Gate A1 | Post-security |
| British Airways Lounge | International Terminal A, between Gates A5 & A9 | Post-security |
Note / Temporary Change: The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 is temporarily closed (as of May 2025) for a multi-year renovation. During this time, a substitute Centurion Lounge operates in Terminal 2.
Many lounges are post-security, so you’ll need to go through screening first.
🕓 SFO Airport Gate Connection Times
| From → To | Connection Type | Approx. Walking Time | Notes / Additional Time |
| Terminal 1 ↔ Terminal 2 | Airside (past security, via connector) | 5–10 min | No need to re-clear security. |
| Terminal 2 ↔ Terminal 3 | Airside (past security, via secure walkway) | 10–15 min | Seamless walk; stay airside. |
| Terminal 1 ↔ Terminal 3 | Airside (through T2 connector) | 15–20 min | Long walk but all inside secure area. |
| Domestic (T1/T2/T3) ↔ International (G Concourse) | Airside (from T3 to International G) | 10–15 min | United and Star Alliance gates are connected airside. |
| International (A Concourse) ↔ Terminal 1 | Airside via connector | 5–10 min | New connector open between T1 and International A. |
| International A ↔ International G | Landside only | 15–20 min | Must exit and re-clear security; use AirTrain for faster transfer. |
| Any Terminal ↔ AirTrain Station | Airport train | 2–5 min wait + 5–7 min ride | Fastest option if you’re outside security. |
| Remote Gates (United Express in T3) | Airside shuttle bus | 5–10 min | Check signage for “Gate F bus.” |
Tips
- Stay Airside: If your arriving and departing flights are both United or Alaska (in T2/T3 or Intl G), you can walk airside without re-clearing security.
- Allow extra time if:
- Changing airlines between different terminals not connected airside.
- Traveling during peak hours (7–10 AM, 4–8 PM).
- You need to collect and recheck luggage.
- Changing airlines between different terminals not connected airside.
