San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Complete Airport Guide 2025

Welcome to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of travelers each year. Whether you’re connecting through or starting your journey here, this guide will help you make the most of your time at SFO.

Best Restaurants and Dining

Terminal 2: Napa Farms Market, Yankee Pier, Cat Cora’s Kitchen

International Terminal: Señor Sisig (Filipino-Mexican), Tomokazu (Japanese)

Terminal 3: Lark Creek Grill, Firewood Café

Airport Lounges

United Club: Multiple locations in Terminal 3

Centurion Lounge: Terminal 3 (Amex Platinum)

Alaska Lounge: Terminal 2

Air France/KLM Lounge: International Terminal

Shopping and Amenities

SFO features Bay Area artisans and tech accessories. International Terminal has luxury boutiques and California wine shops. Aviation museum in Terminal 2.

Insider Tips

  • SFO has an excellent BART connection to downtown
  • AirTrain connects all terminals (free)
  • Known for being more organized than LAX
  • International Terminal is beautiful and spacious

Essential Travel Gear for Airport Comfort

Make your airport experience more comfortable with these highly-rated travel essentials:

Portable Power Bank

Never run out of battery during long layovers. This high-capacity power bank can charge your phone multiple times and works with all devices.

Travel Neck Pillow

Get comfortable during delays or while waiting at your gate. This memory foam pillow provides excellent support.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Block out airport noise and enjoy your music, podcasts, or movies in peace.

TSA-Approved Toiletry Bag

Breeze through security with this clear, compliant toiletry bag designed for travel.

Getting Around SFO

The airport offers various transportation options including rental cars, ride-sharing pickup zones, taxi stands, and public transportation connections. Check airport signage or the airport’s mobile app for real-time information.

Pro tip: Download the airport’s official mobile app before you travel for real-time gate information, interactive maps, and wait time updates for security and restaurants.

Marcus Bellamy

Marcus Bellamy

Author & Expert

Marcus Bellamy is a former U.S. Air Force C-17 loadmaster with over 15 years of experience in military airlift operations. He flew missions across six continents, including humanitarian relief and combat support operations. Now retired, Marcus writes about C-17 history, operations, and the crews who keep these aircraft flying.

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