San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

International passengers disembarking at SFO follow a standardized border entry procedure comprising passport clearance, baggage retrieval, and customs inspection prior to entering the public arrivals hall.

• Follow signage from the arrival gate to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) passport control facility in the International Terminal.
• Present travel documentation and passport for biometric inspection and immigration clearance at the border checkpoint.
• Proceed to the international baggage claim area to collect all checked luggage from the designated carousel.
• Complete customs screening, presenting any required declarations regarding restricted items, agricultural products, or currency over 10,000 USD.
• Exit the secure customs area into the public arrivals hall to access ground transportation, connecting flights, or airport services.

• Train

  Rail (BART)

  Bay Area Rapid Transit links the International Terminal directly to downtown San Francisco stations.

  Time:

  Roughly 30 minutes to central San Francisco

  Typical cost:

  Typically 10-12 USD

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare

  App-based pickup zones are located on the top level of the domestic garage and designated areas of the International Terminal roadway.

  Time:

  Roughly 30-45 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  Typically 35-65 USD

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Metered taxis depart from designated stands located on the roadway center islands outside the arrivals level.

  Time:

  Roughly 30-45 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  Typically 45-70 USD plus airport fee and tip

• Bus

  Public Bus (SamTrans)

  Local bus routes (including Routes 292 and ECR) connect terminal stops to San Mateo County and downtown San Francisco.

  Time:

  Roughly 60-75 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically 2-5 USD

Transferring between terminals landside is facilitated by the free AirTrain system, whilst post-security connections vary by terminal layout.

• The automated AirTrain system operates 24 hours daily on two lines (Red Line and Blue Line) connecting all terminals, parking garages, and the BART station landside.
• Post-security pedestrian corridors connect Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Boarding Area G in the International Terminal.
• Transfers to or from International Boarding Area A require exiting the secure area and re-clearing security screening.

Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout all terminal buildings.

• Select the official network SSIDs, such as '#SFO FREE WIFI', from your device settings.
• Launch an internet browser and accept the terms and conditions on the portal landing page to connect.
• Session renewals may be requested periodically during extended stays in the terminal.

Financial facilities and automatic teller machines are distributed across all terminals.

• ATMs accepting major international card networks are positioned pre- and post-security in every terminal.
• Foreign currency exchange counters are situated in the International Terminal both before and after security.
• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted for almost all retail, dining, and transit purchases.

A wide range of local and national food and beverage vendors are located across all terminals.

• Dining outlets are situated both landside (pre-security) and airside (post-security) in each terminal.
• Options range from quick-service coffee shops and grab-and-go kiosks to sit-down restaurants.
• Operating hours vary by concourse schedule, with limited overnight options in main common areas.

Multiple airline-operated and independent passenger lounges are available airside.

• Major domestic and international carriers operate lounges in Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal.
• Independent pay-per-use or membership-based lounges are available in select concourses.
• Access depends on ticket class, frequent flyer status, or purchase of a single-entry pass where accepted.

Accommodation is accessible directly on airport grounds and via local shuttle services.

• The Grand Hyatt at SFO is situated on site and directly accessible via the AirTrain Blue Line.
• Numerous off-site airport hotels operate complimentary shuttle buses picking up from designated zones outside the terminals.
• Hotel reservation boards and courtesy telephones are located near baggage claim areas.

Baggage facilities include luggage storage options and handling equipment across the airport.

• Short-term and long-term luggage storage services are available at the Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal main hall landside.
• Luggage carts are available for rental near terminal entrances and baggage claim carousels.
• Inquiries regarding lost checked luggage must be directed to the arriving airline's baggage service desk.

Amenities for passengers travelling with children are provided throughout the airport.

• Dedicated nursery and lactation rooms (Mamava pods or dedicated suites) are available in all terminals.
• All unisex accessible restrooms feature baby changing tables.
• Interactive play areas for young children are situated airside in selected domestic concourses.

• Free Wi-Fi
• ATMs & Currency Exchange
• Luggage Storage
• Nursing & Lactation Rooms
• Pet Relief Areas
• Reflection Room
• Hydration / Water Bottle Refill Stations

Local emergency number: 911

• For urgent medical, police, or fire assistance within the airport, dial 911 from any telephone or notify airport personnel.
• First aid and preliminary medical assistance are coordinated via the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Airport Bureau.
• Passengers who lose a passport should contact their national embassy or consulate in San Francisco and report the loss to airport police.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• San Francisco International Airport Official WebsiteOfficial airport source
• U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionGovernment source
• Bay Area Rapid TransitOfficial transit source