San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major global gateway serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. As the second-busiest airport in the state, it plays a critical role in connecting the region with destinations across North America, Europe, and Asia. Located approximately 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco in San Mateo County, the airport is directly accessible from the city via US Highway 101.
- Modern and Clean Facilities: Recent renovations, especially in Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal), are frequently lauded for their spaciousness, modern design, and cleanliness. The International Terminal is also often described as spacious and open with appealing art installations.
- Quiet Environment: Many appreciate SFO's commitment to a calm atmosphere, noting minimal terminal-wide PA announcements, which contributes to a more relaxed travel experience.
- Efficient Security (with expedited programs): Travelers with TSA PreCheck or CLEAR consistently report very short security wait times, often under 5 minutes.
- Good Transportation Connections: The AirTrain is highlighted for its efficiency in connecting terminals and the rental car center. BART also offers convenient public transit to and from the city.
- Quality Food and Amenities: Despite typical airport pricing, some travelers appreciate the diverse and locally-focused food options, such as Napa Farms Market, and the availability of free, fast Wi-Fi and plentiful seating with power ports.
- Long Security Wait Times (without expedited programs): Standard security lines can be 20 minutes or longer, extending to 45 minutes or more during peak hours, holidays, and special events.
- Inconsistent Customs and Immigration Experience: While some find the process smooth, others report exceptionally long waits, particularly for those without Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control. There are also isolated reports of negative interactions with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.
- Limited Late-Night Dining and Services: Travelers with late-night flights or delays have noted that many food options and shops in some terminals may close around midnight, offering limited choices.
- Airport Staff Issues: Some reviews mention unhelpful or rude airport staff at information desks or during transit, leading to frustration, especially for international travelers or those with missed connections.
Bottom line: San Francisco International Airport is often viewed as a well-designed and functional airport that excels in providing a comfortable environment and efficient processes for many travelers, especially those utilizing expedited security. However, travelers should be prepared for potential lengthy waits at security and customs if not enrolled in programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and be aware of limited services during off-peak hours.
New & changed departures
5 changes to SFO's schedule in the last 90 days.
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Track all changesRoutes from SFO
184 nonstop destinations · 107 airlines.
Airlines at SFO
107 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers 486 flight routes operated by 107 airlines. Major carriers include United, SkyWest, Flexjet and others. Popular destinations from San Francisco include Los Angeles Intl, Seattle-Tacoma Intl, Harry Reid Intl, Denver Intl, San Diego Intl.
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Common questions about SFO
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from SFO?
San Francisco International Airport has 486 scheduled routes to 184 destinations in 35 countries, operated by 107 airlines.
Which airlines fly from San Francisco International Airport?
107 carriers operate scheduled departures, including United, SkyWest, Flexjet.
Where is San Francisco International Airport located?
San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco, US, at an elevation of 13 ft. Its IATA code is SFO and ICAO code is KSFO.