The struggle is real for San Francisco Airport Parking. The airport being 13 miles away from downtown and cabs/rideshare being uber expensive (pun totally intended!) driving down to the airport, seems to be the logical choice. To be honest, there’s no shortage of parking spaces at or around SFO Airport. Finding a San Francisco Airport parking spot that won’t break the bank, though, is quite a challenge. Parking at SFO, more specifically long-term parking at SFO, is among the most expensive in the country. This blog has San Francisco Airport parking tips and information on where SFO parking rates will help you find the best value on SFO parking.

Where to park at San Francisco Airport

1.    Offsite SFO Parking Garages

Offsite SFO airport parking garages/lots aren’t actually within the airport boundaries but are usually just a few minutes away from the airport. They may not be official airport parking lots, but they do offer the best prices on parking near SFO Airport. Most of these lots allow you to book SFO parking ahead of your travel, via Way.com. You’ll get pretty great SFO airport parking discounts and deals on the Way website and app.

Top 5 choices for offsite parking near SFO

2.    Hotel Parking near SFO Airport

Several airport hotels near the SFO airport will allow you to park in their lots even if you aren’t a guest there. They also provide shuttle service to and from the SFO airport. Some hotels will even allow you to use their amenities if you choose their parking facility. The other advantages of using a hotel parking facility are better security and well-maintained lots. Also, if you aren’t feeling up to driving all the way home after a tiring journey, you have the option of getting yourself a room for some R&R.

Top 5 choices for hotel parking near SFO

3.    Onsite SFO Parking Lots

SFO ParkVALET

If you’re parking onsite, the SFO Airport valet parking facility- ParkValet is possible the most convenient parking option. Convenience comes at a price, though – it is also the most expensive onsite parking option with rates of $45/day! For this price, you can just pull up, park, and be on your way to your terminal.

SFO Short Term parking Domestic Hourly

The SFO Domestic Parking Garage is located in the center of the airport. It has easy access to all the terminals via tunnels. The Domestic Hourly Garage offers short term parking for rates of $2 for 15 minutes and $36 for a day.  This parking facility is ideal for if you need to park for a very brief period of time or need to pick up passengers arriving at the domestic terminal. These lots do not facilitate parking for vehicles that are over 6′ 6″ in height.

 SFO Short Term Parking International Hourly

There are two International Parking Garages in front of the San Francisco Airport International Terminal – one on the north side and one on the south side of the airport. If you’re parking here, you’ll need to use the pedestrian walkways to get to the International Terminal. To get to the Domestic Terminals 1, 2 & 3, you’ll need to take the AirTrain. Parking rates at the International Hourly Garages are $2 for 15 minutes and $36 for a day. These lots allow parking for vehicles up to 8’2″ in height.

Best SFO Long Term Parking

SFO Airport offers long term parking at the Domestic Parking Garage, International Parking Garages, and the Long-Term Garage. Parking Rates at the Domestic Parking Garage and SFO Airport International Parking Garage are $36 for a day. The long term parking garage’s parking rates are $18 for a day.

4.    SFO Cellphone Waiting Lot

The SFO Cellphone Lot offers free parking for those who are there to pick up arriving passengers. The cell phone lot is free for 60 minutes of parking, and space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Commercial vehicles are not allowed to park here. The cellphone lot is closed from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. If you’re planning to park here, remember that vehicles must be attended at all times.

5.    SFO Kiss & Fly

If you’re just dropping someone off, you can use SFO’s Kiss & Fly area to avoid crowding at the terminal curbs. The Kiss & Fly is located at the Rental Car Center on North McDonnell Road. P.S – the kiss is entirely optional and not mandatory!

Don’t let yourself be intimidated by how big and busy the San Francisco Airport is. If you want to drive down to the airport, go ahead! We hope we’ve given you enough information on where to park at SFO Airport and how much it will cost you.