San Francisco (SFO) airport guide & terminal map

Airport details change — always confirm your terminal, gate, and fares on your boarding pass before you travel.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest airports in the United States. In 2025 it handled about 54.5 million passengers — up roughly 4% from the year before — making it the 13th-busiest airport in the country and the second-busiest in California after LAX. It is the main gateway for the Bay Area and a major hub for United Airlines, with more than 50 airlines flying to over 140 cities worldwide. Just under a third of its traffic is now international, much of it to Asia and Europe.

SFO has four terminals — Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal — and more than 115 gates. The buildings are arranged in a horseshoe around the runways, with parking garages in the middle and the AirTrain looping the outside. That round layout can be confusing on a first visit, which is exactly why a clear SFO map helps so much: it lets you find your gate, switch terminals, park, and catch the AirTrain without stress.

This guide walks you through every part of the airport in plain steps — whether you are catching a quick domestic hop or a long-haul flight to India.

Quick facts about SFO

SFO Airport Map Overview

The SFO map is easy to read once you know the shape. The four terminal buildings sit side by side in a horseshoe; the parking garages fill the middle; the AirTrain circles the outside and links everything.

There are two main zones:

• Domestic area: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handle flights within the United States plus a few nearby countries such as Canada and Mexico.

• International area: The International Terminal handles long-haul flights to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, and is where all international arrivals clear Customs.

How the four terminals connect. They are all linked, so moving between them is simple once you know the rule:

• After security (airside): Walk between connected terminals through indoor post-security walkways without re-screening. This is the route for connecting flights. Allow 15–20 minutes to cross between the far ends of adjoining terminals.

• Before security (landside): Ride the free AirTrain between terminals, garages, and BART. If you take the AirTrain, you will clear security again at your next terminal.

SFO Terminal Layout Explained

SFO has four terminals. The International Terminal is split into two boarding areas, A and G. Here is the simple version of where the gate letters live:

So if your boarding pass says F12 you are flying United from Terminal 3; if it says A6 you are leaving from the International Terminal's Boarding Area A.

SFO Terminal 1 Map (Harvey Milk Terminal)

Terminal 1 is named after Harvey Milk, the first openly gay person elected to public office in California. It reopened after a $2.5 billion rebuild and is now one of the most modern terminals in the country, with bright art, automated bag drops, and a children's play area.

Airlines in Terminal 1: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier, and Porter. (Alaska moved here in 2024; Delta also now checks in from T1's north lobby.)

Gates: B gates (B1–B27) and C gates (C1–C11).

Security: A main checkpoint plus a smaller upper-level checkpoint near the AirTrain — handy if you arrive by train and want to skip the ticket-counter level.

Dining (named): Terminal 1 has SFO's biggest food lineup. Standouts include Tony Gemignani's Sicilian-style pizza, Sam Choy's Hawaiian/Pacific Rim plates, Maillards for burgers, and Bun Mee for Vietnamese bánh mì and rice bowls. Gott's Roadside is a reliable Northern California burger-and-fries stop.

Lounges: American Airlines Admirals Club, the Alaska Lounge, and The Club SFO (Priority Pass). Access details are in the lounge section below.

SFO Terminal 2 Map

Terminal 2 is one of the smallest but most loved terminals at SFO, known for its calm, open design and strong food.

Airlines in Terminal 2: Air Canada and Breeze Airways. During the Terminal 3 project, the AirTrain stop here is renamed "Terminals 2 & 3," and many United check-ins have shifted to T2 (see the T3 note below).

Gates: D gates (D1–D18), across Concourse C and Concourse D, linked after security.

Dining (named): Lark Creek Grill (a longtime favorite), Cat Cora's, Burger Joint, Napa Farms Market, and Peet's Coffee. There is also a pre-security outdoor terrace — a rare spot for fresh air before screening.

Facilities: A temporary Amex Centurion Lounge currently sits in Concourse D while the main lounge is rebuilt during the T3 project. The terminal also has a yoga room, clean restrooms, charging points, and water-refill stations.

SFO Terminal 3 Map

Terminal 3 is United's domestic home and the airport's busiest building.

Airline: United Airlines (domestic).

Gates: E gates (E1–E13) and F gates (F1–F22) — about 35 gates, including United Express regional flights from the F gates.

Amenities: Two United Club lounges, a yoga room in Boarding Area E, art installations, and a window wall for plane-watching.

Connections: After security you can walk from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 and to the International Terminal's G gates without leaving the secure area — which keeps United connections smooth.

2026–2027 renovation note (important): SFO is partway through the $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project. Since November 2025, the Terminal 3 AirTrain station is closed and the Terminal 2 stop now serves both ("Terminals 2 & 3"). United has moved many check-in counters: passengers departing from D and E gates check in at Terminal 2, while F-gate passengers check in at Terminal 3. Part of the T3 departures curb (Doors 6–13) is closed, so drivers should drop off at Terminal 2 or the T3 arrivals level. The renovated western half is expected to open in fall 2027. If you fly United, leave extra time and re-check your gate.

SFO International Terminal Map

The International Terminal is the largest building at SFO and is split into two boarding areas.

Boarding Area A (gates A1–A15) is used by international carriers other than United — including Emirates, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Air China, ANA, Asiana, and Turkish Airlines. Air India and other India-bound carriers use Boarding Area A, so most travelers flying to India start here.

Boarding Area G (gates G1–G14) is used by United for its international flights, including nonstop service to Delhi. The United Polaris Lounge and a United Club are here.

International arrivals (Customs & Immigration): All international flights land at the International Terminal. After deplaning you clear Immigration, collect your bags, and pass Customs before exiting to the AirTrain or BART. Customs waits average about 10–25 minutes but can exceed 30–40 minutes at peak times.

Dining (named): Valencia Street Station at the far end of the A gates is a strong all-day option; Boudin serves the classic clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl; Napa Farms Market and Mustards round out the choices.

SFO Terminal Map With Airlines

Knowing your terminal saves real time. Here is the major-airline breakdown.

Airlines move terminals from time to time, so always check your boarding pass before you leave home.

SFO Gate Map Guide

Gates are grouped by letter, and each letter sits in one terminal. Know your gate letter and you know your terminal:

• A Gates — International Terminal, Boarding Area A

• B & C Gates — Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk)

• D Gates — Terminal 2

• E & F Gates — Terminal 3

• G Gates — International Terminal, Boarding Area G

SFO AirTrain Map & Terminal Connections

The AirTrain is SFO's free automated train. It runs 24 hours a day, about every 4 minutes, and connects the terminals, parking garages, BART, and the Rental Car Center. There are two lines:

• Red Line: Loops clockwise around the central airport area, connecting all terminals, the terminal garages, and BART. A full loop takes about 9 minutes — best for quick terminal-to-terminal trips.

• Blue Line: Loops counterclockwise and goes a little farther, stopping at the same stations plus the Rental Car Center and Long-Term Parking. Use it for a rental car or long-term parking.

Transfers: The AirTrain runs outside security, so riding it between terminals means re-clearing security. For connecting flights, use the indoor post-security walkways instead.

During the T3 project: The Terminal 3 station is closed; use the "Terminals 2 & 3" station instead.

SFO Airport Parking Map & Rates

SFO has several on-airport options. All on-airport garages charge the same hourly rate — $2 per 15 minutes ($8/hour) — and differ only in their daily cap (rates verified spring 2026; confirm current pricing at flysfo.com). Pre-booking online usually saves money.

For trips longer than a few days, off-site lots near SFO can run as low as ~$8/day with a free shuttle. Pick the garage that matches your terminal for the shortest walk: Domestic Garage for T1–T3, the A or G garage for your international boarding area.

SFO Lounges by Terminal

SFO is one of the best US airports for lounges — about 20 across the four terminals, including several open to Priority Pass and Amex cardholders rather than just elite flyers. Because the T3 project is relocating some lounges through 2027, confirm the current location on flysfo.com before you rely on one.

If you hold an Amex Platinum or a Priority Pass card, SFO is unusually rewarding — confirm exact gate locations on the day, since the T3 work is shifting some lounges.

WiFi, Charging & Connectivity at SFO

Free WiFi is available in every terminal. Connect to the network "#SFO FREE WIFI" and open your browser. All terminals have charging points and water-refill stations, and the rebuilt Terminal 1 and renovated Terminal 3 boarding areas added extra seating with power.

Security at SFO: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR & Global Entry

SFO has six main checkpoints. Standard waits average about 10–30 minutes, rising to 40–50 at peak.

• TSA PreCheck is offered at all checkpoints except F3, and averages well under 10 minutes.

• CLEAR is offered at every checkpoint, though hours vary and the Terminal 3 Checkpoint F lane is closed during construction.

• Global Entry kiosks are in Customs at the International Terminal, and SFO runs "Enrollment on Arrival," letting conditionally approved applicants finish their interview when they land. There is also a Mobile Passport lane.

Terminal 1's upper-level checkpoint near the AirTrain is often the shortest line.

SFO Arrivals & Departures Map

Like most large airports, departures and arrivals are on different levels:

• Departures (upper level): drop-off, check-in, and security.

• Arrivals (lower level): baggage claim and pickup.

Domestic bags arrive in your terminal's claim area; international bags are collected at the International Terminal after Customs. Taxi and rideshare pickup areas are just outside the arrivals doors — tell your driver your terminal name and gate letter so they meet you in the right spot.

SFO Food Map & Dining Guide

SFO genuinely outperforms the airport-food stereotype, leaning on Bay Area names instead of only chains.

Terminal 1 (the biggest lineup): Tony Gemignani pizza, Sam Choy (Hawaiian), Maillards burgers, Bun Mee (Vietnamese), Gott's Roadside.

Terminal 2 (a food-lover favorite): Lark Creek Grill, Cat Cora's, Burger Joint, Napa Farms Market, Peet's Coffee, plus a pre-security outdoor terrace.

Terminal 3 (United): quick bites, sandwiches, and sit-down spots across the E and F gates, plus coffee for early departures.

International Terminal (before a long flight): Valencia Street Station at the A gates, Boudin's sourdough clam-chowder bread bowl, Napa Farms Market, and Mustards — a good place for a full meal before a long haul to India, Asia, or Europe.

Hotels at SFO

The Grand Hyatt at SFO is the only on-airport hotel. It has its own AirTrain stop and connects to all four terminals, which makes it ideal for very early departures, long layovers, or red-eye arrivals from India. Numerous off-airport hotels along South Airport Boulevard and the Bayfront run free shuttles and are a cheaper option for longer stays.

Family & Accessibility Facilities

SFO is well set up for families and travelers needing assistance. You'll find children's play areas (including in Terminal 1), nursing rooms, pet-relief areas, and yoga rooms in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. The AirTrain is fully accessible with level boarding and space for wheelchairs and mobility aids, and wheelchair assistance can be arranged through your airline. The SFO Museum displays rotating art and aviation exhibits throughout the terminals — a genuine way to pass time on a layover.

SFO Airport Transportation Map (Getting To & From SFO)

SFO sits about 12 miles south of downtown San Francisco — roughly 25–45 minutes by car on US-101 depending on traffic.

Reaching SFO from around the Bay Area: From the Peninsula take US-101 or I-280 to I-380 West. From the East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley), BART connects via a downtown transfer. From San Jose, US-101 North or Caltrain-plus-BART are both workable. For pickups, use the free Cell Phone Waiting Lot and wait there until your traveler texts that they have their bags.

Rental cars: All companies are at the Rental Car Center; take the AirTrain Blue Line.

Flying From SFO to India + Connection Guide

Because many Myflyyatra travelers fly between the Bay Area and India, here is the part most general SFO guides skip.

Departing SFO to India. All India flights leave from the International Terminal. United flies nonstop to Delhi from Boarding Area G; Air India, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and others use Boarding Area A. Arrive at least 3 hours early, and budget extra time for the long walk to the far A or G gates.

Popular routes From SFO to India

Most cities other than Delhi (and United's network) are reached with one stop in a hub such as Dubai, Frankfurt, Singapore, or Hong Kong.

Arriving from India and connecting to a US domestic flight — the step-by-step.

This is where tight layovers go wrong, so plan for it:

1. Deplane at the International Terminal (Boarding Area A for Air India/Emirates/Singapore/Cathay; Boarding Area G for United).

2. Immigration. Use Global Entry or the Mobile Passport lane if eligible; Customs/Immigration waits average 10–25 minutes but can hit 30–40 at peak.

3. Collect your checked bags at baggage claim — even if you have an onward connection.

4. Clear Customs.

5. Re-check your bags with your onward carrier, unless they were tagged through to your final destination at your origin airport.

6. Go to your domestic terminal and clear TSA security again (United domestic is Terminal 3, reachable airside from Boarding Area G).

How much connection time to leave.

SFO has a separate international terminal, so for an international-to-domestic connection, target 2.5–3 hours. Travelers with Global Entry and only carry-ons have done it in well under an hour, but a 30-minute inbound delay is enough to miss a tight connection — don't book the bare minimum. If you're on a single ticket and miss a connection through no fault of your own, your airline must rebook you at no extra cost.

SFO Airport Tips for First-Time Travelers

• Arrive early. At least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight.

• Use airside walkways for connections. They avoid re-screening; save the AirTrain for landside trips.

• United flyers, mind the T3 work. Check whether you check in at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, and leave extra time.

• Pick the short security line. Terminal 1's upper-level AirTrain checkpoint is often quieter; PreCheck and CLEAR speed things up further.

• Fly in the morning. Afternoon fog can cause delays at SFO, so morning departures are usually more reliable.

Note: Airline and terminal assignments at SFO can change, including during ongoing airport upgrades. Always confirm your terminal and gate with your airline or your boarding pass before you travel.