Your Ultimate Guide to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Your Ultimate Guide to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Airports 2024-06-18 ParkingNearAirports.io

As one of the most significant airports in the country, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) welcomes around 58 million passengers each year. Navigating through SFO can be made more enjoyable by being aware of the available amenities, such as airport lounges, dining establishments, and shopping options. This ultimate guide aims to provide you with the necessary details to make the most of your airport experience. So, let's dive right in and explore what SFO has to offer!

Airlines serving San Francisco Airport

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San Francisco International Airport has dedicated terminals for both domestic and international flights. Domestic routes are handled by airlines, such as United, Delta, American, Alaska, and Southwest, while international carriers like Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, and Emirates connect travelers to destinations around the world. With a comprehensive network of over 50 airlines serving 128 destinations, SFO makes it effortless to connect you to the global community.

Lounges at SFO Airport

The terminals at SFO offer premium passengers the chance to unwind, enjoy a refreshing beverage and a delightful snack, and even freshen up with a shower. Explore the various lounge options available to you and take advantage of these amenities during your travel experience.

Terminal 1

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Delta Sky Club

This lounge boasts an impressive interior design, luxurious seating, breathtaking vistas, and ample power outlets. The business area provides both private cubicles and shared tables for those who need to work. In addition, the lounge offers a cold buffet with an assortment of culinary options. Delta premium travelers and American Express Platinum cardholders are granted access to this inviting space.

Terminal 2

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AA Admirals Club

First-class and business-class passengers on American Airlines or any Oneworld airline partner flights have access to this exclusive lounge. In addition, Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, as well as Admirals Club members with tickets on those airlines, can also utilize this facility. The lounge provides a business center equipped with computers connected to the Internet and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Moreover, conference rooms are available to book in advance. Showers are also on-site, and guests can purchase food and refreshments.

Terminal 3

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American Express Centurion lounge

This exclusive lounge is open only to American Express Platinum cardholders and Centurion members who have same-day tickets, along with their guests. Visitors can take a moment to refresh themselves in the shower suites, and a wine-tasting area showcases the finest wines from Napa Valley. The dining area offers table service and a menu curated by a renowned James Beard Award-winning chef, while a skilled mixologist prepares exceptional craft cocktails at the bar. The lounge also provides workspaces for those who need to attend to business during their visit.

United Club lounges

3 United Club lounges in Terminal 3, located near Gates 60, 71A, and 80, welcome United Club members with same-day boarding passes, as well as other Star Alliance passengers. Each of these lounges features a full bar, complimentary snacks and drinks, and a small business center, in addition to comfortable seating for guests.

International Terminal

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Air France/KLM lounge

Even if you're not flying with Air France, you can access this lounge if you're a first-class or business-class passenger on a plane that's part of the SkyTeam Alliance (AeroMexico, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Qantas, Finnair, Hong Kong Airlines, and Air Italy). This lounge offers a cold buffet, free Wi-Fi, and a wide selection of newspapers. However, it closes for a couple of hours every mid-afternoon.

Cathay Pacific lounge

This spacious lounge provides comfortable workstations and shower suites, allowing you to stay productive and refreshed while traveling. It also features an ample buffet and noodle bar to keep you well-fed. The lounge is open to Oneworld alliance members, including those flying in premium classes on Korean Air.

China Airlines lounge

This lounge caters to esteemed passengers from China Eastern, Iberia, Icelandair, and Norwegian. It provides an expansive bar, a noodle bar, televisions, complimentary wireless Internet access, and a selection of newspapers to help you while away the time as you wait.

The Emirates lounge

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This lounge, although compact, is sufficient in size to accommodate the first-class and business-class passengers on Emirates' sole daily flight from SFO. It features a separate dining area that offers both hot and cold meals, as well as a relaxation section with a self-service bar and snacks. The lounge also includes shower suites for passengers to freshen up before their flight, and a small business center to help them stay productive.

Philippine Airlines Mabuhay lounge

This lounge is accessible to premium passengers on Philippine Airlines or elite members of the airline's frequent flier program. It provides snacks and alcoholic beverages, and the staff work diligently to ensure the comfort of the flyers. The lounge also features a small business center with computers and printers.

United Airlines lounges

SFO provides United Club lounges that offer complimentary beverages, workspaces, and flight support (accessible with membership or day passes). Seeking maximum relaxation? The Polaris Lounge (for first- or business-class passengers on select airlines) features shower suites, nap areas, a restaurant, buffet, and barista service, making it an ideal choice for lengthy stopovers.

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Virgin Upper Class (business-class) passengers, as well as premium passengers on EVA Air, China Southern, and El Al, are welcomed to this sleek, high-end lounge. Guests can enjoy waiter service throughout the lounge and order from an appealing menu. Showers are available, the service is friendly, and the lounge also features a couple of computers for guests who need to get online.

Hotels near San Francisco Airport

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Since San Francisco International Airport is situated quite a distance south of the city center, it might be a good idea to reserve a hotel close to the airport if your flight is scheduled to arrive late in the day. Take a look at these excellent hotels that are conveniently located near the airport.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport

Situated just a short 5-minute drive from the airport, the Hyatt Regency offers a convenient and comfortable stay. Each room is equipped with coffee makers and refrigerators, allowing you to start your day at your own pace. The hotel boasts multiple dining options, perfect for both business meetings and nutritious meal choices. In addition, the on-site business center provides the necessary facilities to print any important documents. After a long flight, you can unwind and rejuvenate at the outdoor pool and fitness center, targeting any tense muscles.

The Westin San Francisco Airport

Nestled just a mile away from San Francisco International Airport, with a BART station situated conveniently close by, The Westin in Millbrae provides a serene oasis away from the noise of aircrafts. Guests can indulge in round-the-clock room service or savor a meal at the family-friendly hotel restaurant, Grill & Vine. The hotel also boasts 24-hour access to both the fitness center and business center, allowing you to keep up with your routine even when your body is in a different time zone.

Shopping opportunities at SFO Airport

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The SFO Airport offers a comprehensive shopping experience across its terminals. Whether you need to grab a last-minute gift at California Lifestyle in Terminal 3 or explore the duty-free luxury offerings at Burberry in the International Terminal, the airport has you covered. For travel essentials, you can stock up at Hudson in Terminal 1 or InMotion in Terminal 3, and find the perfect book at Compass Books scattered throughout the terminals. From Kiehl's skincare in Terminal 2 to gourmet chocolates at Marilla in Terminal 3, SFO has everything to keep you entertained and well-prepared for your journey.

Dining options at SFO

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SFO offers a delightful array of culinary delights across all its terminals! Explore local flavors at Green Beans Coffee (Terminal 1) or Napa Farms Market (Terminal 2). For a more leisurely dining experience, savor comforting dishes at Farmerbrown (Terminal 1), seafood specialties at Lark Creek Grill (Terminal 2), or soul-warming cuisine at 1300 on Fillmore (International Terminal). If you're looking for a quick bite, indulge in the burgers at Burger Joint (Terminal 2) or the tantalizing tacos at 24th & Mission Taco House (International Terminal). Whether you crave fresh juices or gourmet delis, San Francisco Airport has a satisfying option to delight every traveler's palate.

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By the way, we would also like to give you one helpful tip. Such information will be handy for those who prefer traveling by air and getting to the airport by their own car.


There is no question that a safe parking space must be arranged for your vehicle during a trip. However, in most cases, people aren't ready to spend a lot of money on this. It's a common problem among travelers, as they know that on-site parking (it may seem that it's the best option for this case) is pretty costly. So what can we do then?


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Being nearby doesn't always mean convenience when it comes to airport parking. Being in terminal parking is not convenient at all. Travelers have to find a spot in a crowded lot, carry their luggage throughout the parking lot, and pay high fees without great service. The off-airport parking provides excellent service with their award-winning customer service representatives available 24/7. In addition, the app looks for lots that offer baggage assistance and 24-hour security for peace of mind.


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Off-airport parking lots often provide free shuttle going back and forth between the parking lot and the airport, removing any worry of traveling to and from the airport or getting stuck in traffic on the way to the airport during peak hours. Arrive on time for flights and receive significant savings with airport parking.


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Let's take a good example. Imagine that you live in San Francisco, California, USA. If you're planning a trip to Europe, you can choose cheap long-term parking near SFO. If you're coming from any other state or city, the situation is the same. So it depends just on where you are flying from.


Also, please don't forget about the airport coupons. Such a coupon can easily help you save money at the beginning of your trip, making the price for parking almost two times less. So if we talk about the San Francisco International Airport, you can use a special San Francisco Airport parking coupon.


You can find the best deals, SFO car parking rates, and other information connected with parking near US and Canadian airports on our official website.