San Francisco International Airport SFO: Departures and guide

Flying from/to San Francisco International Airport

Find out the best way to get from San Francisco International Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, bus or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to San Francisco International Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

Travel from San Francisco city center to San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco is officially known as the city as well as the county of San Francisco. It is the Northern California's cultural, financial and commercial center. The city is the 13th most populous in America and the fourth most populous in California. The city is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful architecture, popular landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, its Chinatown district and the former Alcatraz Penitentiary. The city has several airports including commercial and federal airports. One such facility is the San Francisco International Airport which is near San Bruno and Millbrae, 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of downtown San Francisco. It is the largest airport in the Bay area and the second busiest airport in California. It is the 7th busiest airport in the United States of America and the 24th busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger count.

What's the best way to get to San Francisco International Airport from the San Francisco city center?

There are a number of ways to get to San Francisco International Airport. You can use the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) from the city center and this will take you right to the airport where there is a designated BART stop.  In order to use the Bay Area Rapid Transit, you need to book a ticket before your trip. You can also use a super shuttle from the city center which will drop you off right at the airport. Passengers can also use taxis, Uber and Lyft which also offer ridesharing services to passengers. Passengers can also drive themselves using car rentals or their personal cars.

How far is it from San Francisco city center to San Francisco International Airport?

By bus, the San Francisco International Airport is approximately 18.7 miles (30 kilometers) from the city center and it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to the airport. For those who opt to drive themselves or use a taxi, the airport is approximately 14 miles (22 kilometers) from the city center and it takes about 25 minutes to the airport via Anzavista Avenue.  For those who opt to cycle, the airport is 15.6 miles (25 kilometers) from the city center and it takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there.

What facilities are there at the San Francisco International Airport?

San Francisco International Airport offers services and amenities to travelers to make their trips memorable. For instance, the airport provides baggage assistance services to travelers upon their request and they also have Automated External Defibrillators. Travelers also have easy access to their money since the airport has a number of ATMs, banks and currency exchange bureaus. For passengers who would like to freshen up, there are showers, spas and a medical clinic at the airport. Additionally, there is free WiFi access and a full-travel agency for last minute bookings, tours and tickets. There is even a yoga room. The airport also has museum galleries that you can visit right before you board your flight.

How accessible is the San Francisco Airport for those with limited mobility?

The airport has put in place measures to take care of the needs of people with limited mobility. For instance, there are designated parking facilities at the airport and a domestic garage that can easily be accessed by vans. In addition to that, the airport's air train has designated spaces for wheelchairs in each and every air train car and there are elevators in all air train stations.  For passengers who require wheelchairs, they need to make arrangements with their airline for them to receive the necessary assistance. The airport also has ramps to ease the movement of passengers with limited mobility.  Additionally, there are specially designed restrooms for those with limited mobility.

Local tips: how to travel to the airport like a local

Getting to the San Francisco International Airport should be easy if you use the public transit from the city center. You can use BART rapid rail that connects the city center to the airport. Additionally, you can use Caltrain commuter rail which also serves the airport and the Sam Trans buses which link the airport to the city center.  You can also use car rental services offered at the airport which is more convenient for those who have a lot of luggage. You can also use other modes of transportation like vans, charter bus operators, pre-arranged buses and airport buses.