San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is Northern California’s primary international gateway, connecting travelers to the Bay Area and destinations around the world.
From local restaurants and neighborhood shops to art, aviation history, and helpful travel tips, here’s how to make the most of your time at SFO.
Northern California is served by several major airports, each offering convenient access to a different part of the region. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers the area’s largest international route network, as well as access to San Francisco and destinations throughout the Bay Area. Oakland International Airport (OAK) serves the East Bay, Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) offers access to Silicon Valley, and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a practical choice for California’s capital and the surrounding Sacramento Valley.
For travelers headed to San Francisco or flying internationally, SFO offers an extensive selection of airlines and nonstop destinations. It’s also a convenient starting point for trips to Napa and Sonoma wine country, the California coast, and other Northern California destinations.
Did You Know? San Francisco International Airport is home to the SFO Museum, the world’s first museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums to operate within an airport. Its rotating exhibitions explore aviation history, design, photography, science, popular culture, and more.
San Francisco’s food and culture are inspired by California’s agricultural roots and the communities that have shaped the Bay Area. At SFO, you can experience some of that local character before you even leave the airport.
From hometown favorites to picks from CLEAR Ambassadors, here’s where to eat, shop, and explore before boarding.
From San Francisco sourdough and Berkeley-born coffee to chef-driven dining, SFO offers plenty of ways to experience Bay Area flavors before takeoff.
CLEAR Ambassadors recommend starting in Terminal 1 with Bourbon Pub for classic cocktails, local beers, and elevated bar bites, or Perry’s, a longtime San Francisco restaurant serving classic American favorites.
In Terminal 2, CLEAR Ambassadors recommend Peet’s Coffee for coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Founded across the Bay in Berkeley, Peet’s is a fitting taste of the region’s coffee culture.
Before an international flight, stop by Boudin Bakery in International Terminal A for San Francisco sourdough, sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats. Boudin has been baking in San Francisco since 1849 and still uses a portion of its original mother dough.
You’ll find even more Northern California flavors throughout the airport. Napa Farms Market, with locations in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and International Terminal G, features ingredients and products from local and regional artisans.
Travelers passing through International Terminal G can also visit 1300 on Fillmore, which serves modern takes on Southern classics inspired by San Francisco’s historic Fillmore District.
SFO’s shops reflect the Bay Area’s creative side, with independent booksellers, local makers, and design-forward finds that offer plenty of ways to bring a little Northern California home.
In Terminal 1, stop by 49 Mile Market for San Francisco souvenirs, snacks, books, and travel essentials. Design lovers can also browse The Bay Collection, a museum-inspired shop featuring apparel, home décor, jewelry, and gifts from SFMOMA, the Asian Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, along with pieces from California makers.
In Terminal 2, browse Books Inc., an independent bookseller with deep Bay Area roots, for books, magazines, and gifts. You can also stop by 16th & Dolores General Store for books, snacks, souvenirs, and other travel essentials.
There’s plenty for passengers at SFO to explore beyond the gate. With its museum program, aviation history, local dining, and direct BART connection to San Francisco, there are many ways to make more of your time before your journey continues.
Local Insight: Listen closely as you explore SFO and you may hear the familiar sound of a San Francisco cable car bell. The airport uses the city’s iconic bell as a subtle wayfinding cue throughout its terminals, a small reminder that you’ve arrived somewhere uniquely San Francisco.
SFO's post-security walkways connect every terminal and boarding area, making it easy to explore beyond your departure gate without going through airport security again.
Take time to discover another terminal, browse local shops, enjoy SFO Museum exhibitions, or grab a meal from one of the Bay Area restaurants throughout the airport.
If you have about an hour before your flight, visit the SFO Aviation Museum and Library in International Terminal G.
The museum explores commercial aviation history through exhibitions and research collections in a space designed to evoke SFO’s 1930s passenger lobby. It’s located before airport security, making it easy to visit if you arrive early or have extra time before checking in.
Have several hours between flights?
SFO's direct BART connection reaches downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes, making it easy to visit the Ferry Building, stroll along the Embarcadero, or explore the city before your next flight.
Prefer to stay closer to SFO? Take BART to Millbrae for a California classic at In-N-Out Burger, located near the Millbrae BART station.
Making a quick connection? Check your departure gate as soon as you land. If time is short, head directly to your next gate before stopping for food, shopping, or other airport experiences.
CLEAR Concierge Arrival Service is now available at SFO for CLEAR+ Members. Your dedicated CLEAR Ambassador will greet you at the gate when you land, help with your bags, and bring you to your connecting flight or ground transportation.
A little planning can make your time at SFO even more enjoyable. From accessibility services to helpful travel tools and dedicated support, these resources can help you navigate your travel day with confidence.
Before heading to the airport, download the free CLEAR App to know exactly when to leave based on current traffic, real-time airport conditions, security wait times, and the walk to your gate.
CLEAR Concierge is your personal airport concierge for a stress-free airport experience. Your dedicated CLEAR Ambassador will meet you at the curb when you arrive, help with bags and check-in, and bring you straight through airport security and to your gate or lounge.
Available at SFO for CLEAR+ Members, CLEAR Concierge can be especially helpful for families, travelers with multiple bags, anyone navigating the airport for the first time, or travelers concerned about missing a flight.
SFO participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, giving travelers with non-visible disabilities a discreet way to indicate that they may benefit from additional time, patience, or assistance while navigating the airport.
Complimentary Sunflower lanyards are available at SFO Information Desks on the Departures and Arrivals levels, with no documentation required.
Travelers looking for a quieter environment can also visit SFO’s Sensory Room in Terminal 1. Designed especially for neurodivergent travelers and their families, the space includes quiet and active areas along with a full-scale aircraft cabin that can help travelers become more familiar with the experience of being on a plane before boarding.
Travelers who need wheelchair or guided assistance can arrange support directly through their airline before traveling.
Whether you’re departing, arriving, or connecting, SFO’s four terminals are connected by AirTrain and pedestrian walkways to help you get where you need to go.
San Francisco International Airport has four terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal, which includes Boarding Areas A and G.
Terminal 1 serves major carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and JetBlue. Terminal 2 serves airlines including Southwest Airlines and Air Canada, while Terminal 3 is primarily home to United Airlines’ domestic flights. International airlines operate from International Terminal A and G, with United’s international flights primarily using Boarding Area G.
Airline assignments can change, so check SFO’s official airline directory before your trip.
SFO’s free AirTrain operates 24 hours a day and connects all terminals, terminal garages, the BART station, and the Grand Hyatt at SFO. The Blue Line also serves Long-Term Parking and the Rental Car Center.
SFO’s terminals are also connected by pedestrian walkways before and after airport security, giving travelers the option to walk between terminals.
During the current Terminal 3 construction, United passengers using AirTrain should use the combined Terminals 2 & 3 AirTrain Station.
CLEAR+ Lanes at SFO are available at Checkpoints A, B, D, F, and G, helping Members speed through airport security in seconds on the way to their gate.
In 2025, SFO became the first California airport to launch CLEAR eGates, starting in Harvey Milk Terminal 1. With eGates, Members can speed through airport security in under 5 seconds and head straight to bag screening.
All SFO gates are accessible from any security checkpoint. Check current Lane hours and airport conditions before your trip.
Not a CLEAR+ Member? Join CLEAR+ and turn travel days into great days.
Traveler Tip: Taking BART to SFO? The SFO BART station is at the International Terminal. From there, you can walk or take the free AirTrain to your departure terminal.
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