San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco, the city of opportunity, is a perfect place to meet people from every country and culture. As you step off the plane at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you will be greeted with the scent of salty sea breezes mingled with a hint of gourmet coffee.
It is not just a regional airport but is also a major international hub connecting the United States to destinations across the globe. SFO has a dedicated team who are focused on eco-friendly practices. They take care of everything, right from energy-efficient facilities to water conservation and waste reduction. In fact, the airport has been recognised as the first airport in the world to achieve a Zero Net Energy status. While you wait for your flights to San Francisco, explore contemporary art exhibitions that adorn the terminal.
San Francisco is not just a city but a kaleidoscope of innovation, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. From buzzing neighbourhoods like Chinatown, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, museums, and historic architecture, San Francisco has everything to keep you hooked.
- The airport is located 21 km south of downtown San Francisco, California. The SFO airport is situated close to Silicon Valley, making it the preferred choice for many tech executives and entrepreneurs.
- It provides round-the-clock arrival and departure all year.
Read more - Fly to San Francisco with ease: IndiGo offers connectivity via codeshare connection with Turkish Airlines
How to reach San Francisco International Airport?
- Car: You can easily access SFO via the U.S. Highway 101 when travelling by car, which directly connects to the airport
- Airport shuttle: There are several shuttle services operating to and from SFO, offering shared rides to various locations in the Bay area. These tend to be convenient and effective ways of reaching the airport.
- SamTrans bus: The SamTrans bus system operates throughout San Mateo County. Several bus lines connect the airport to nearby cities and transit centres.
- Cycling: The SFO airport is bike-friendly. They even have bike racks and lockers for cyclists. You can choose to travel via nearby bike routes to get to the airport.
- Caltrain: Caltrain is a commuter rail system that serves the Peninsula region, including San Mateo County and parts of Santa Clara County. You can connect to SFO from the Millbrae Caltrain Station via BART or free AirTrain.
San Francisco Airport Details
Locating San Francisco is quite easy, both online and offline. However, if you still need help navigating the exact location of the airport, the following information will help you:
- Address - San Francisco, CA 94128, USA 94128
- IATA code - SFO
- Airport Pin Code - 94128
- Distance from San Francisco - 21 km
- Flight tracker - Check your flight status for real-time updates
Terminal Information
San Francisco consists of four terminals. Terminal 1, also known as Harvey Milk Terminal, primarily serves domestic airlines, while Terminal 2 (T2) serves both domestic and international airlines. Terminal 3 (T3) exclusively serves United Airlines and Terminal 4 is dedicated to airlines operating international flights.
Airport Facilities
At San Francisco Airport, you will enjoy various facilities such as:
Child care facilities
Museum galleries
Lost and found services
Car wash services
Airport butler
Free Wi-Fi connection
Banking services
Currency exchange
Medical services
San Francisco Airport lounge information
There are various lounges at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) where travellers can relax and unwind before their flights. The lounges provided by San Francisco are the United Airlines Lounges, American Airlines Lounges, Delta Sky Club, Air France-KLM Lounge, Cathay Pacific Lounge, the Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass Lounges, and Alaska Lounge.
Things to do at San Francisco Airport
Arrived at the San Francisco airport ahead of schedule or facing a lengthy layover? There are many ways to spend your time at the San Francisco Airport. Here are some things you can do while here:
- From fine-dining restaurants to pop-up concession stands, the airport has everything to serve your taste buds. You can savour local flavours, international cuisine, or grab a quick bite that compliments your appetite.
- The airport boasts a remarkable collection of art installations, rotating art exhibitions, and galleries that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- If you are up for some last-minute shopping, you can shop at SFO for clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and more at the retail stores in the airport. From luxury brands to duty-free shops, you get plenty of opportunities for retail therapy.
- Visit Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum and Library at the International Terminal to learn about the history of aviation and the airport’s role in it.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport which can help you stay connected with family or friends, catch up on work, or browse the web.
- SFO hosts live music performances in terminals, adding a touch of entertainment to your journey.
- Some of the terminals of SFO have designated areas for children to play.
Hotels near San Francisco Airport
You can find several resorts/hotels located near the San Francisco Airport. Here are some of them:
- Kasa the catrina San Mateo: 167 S B Street, San mateo, United States CA 94001
- Best Western Coyote Point Inn: 480 N Bayshore Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401, United States
- Grand Hyatt at SFO: 55 S McDonnell Road, San Francisco, CA 94128, United States
- Hotel Aluxor SFO: 500 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066
Places to visit near San Francisco Airport
The conventional location of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) makes it easy for travellers to visit nearby places of interest. Below, we have highlighted some of the best attractions to visit near SFO:
- San Mateo County: If you are a nature lover, this can be a great place to explore. You can enjoy beautiful parks, coastal areas, and hiking trails. You can also indulge in various outdoor activities like biking, hiking, surfing, golfing, and horseback riding. Some of the best historic sites in this attraction are the Filoli House and Garden, and San Mateo County Historical Museum which provides insights into the rich culture and history. If you are with family, you can visit the science museum and wildlife centre, San Mateo County Fair, and family-friendly beaches.
- Sausalito: Sausalito is just a short drive from SFO, where you will get to see a charming waterfront town. The destination is popular for having stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, a relaxed atmosphere, and artistic community. Its location along the San Francisco bay offers some of the most breathtaking views of Alcatraz Island, the city skyline, and Golden Gate Bridge.
- Muir Woods National Monument: Situated just north of San Francisco, the place is filled with ancient redwood trees. Nestled in the narrow valley along the slopes of Mount Tamalpais, and is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It also has several well-maintained hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. The main loop trail is the most popular one, which is approximately 1.5 miles long. The place is also home to various floras and faunas. The interplay of light and shades within the dense forest makes it a favourite spot among photographers.
Visa and immigration
To visit the United States from India, you need to obtain a non-immigrant B-1/B-2 visitor visa. The process involves completing the application form, paying the visa application fee, and scheduling a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. Documents required include a valid passport, photograph, and proof of financial resources, among others. It is essential to carefully follow the instructions and requirements set by the U.S. authorities to ensure a smooth visa and immigration process. Travellers can check the USA visa guide.
