Leaving town for two weeks or a full month? Your car still needs a safe place to wait. SFO long-term parking offers a few ways to handle that, and the price gap between them is big. At Way, we help drivers compare lots, so this guide shows what each choice costs and who it suits. San Francisco airport parking looks simple until you see the daily rates. Read on to pick the right lot, plan your drop-off, and reserve with confidence.
What Is SFO Long-Term Parking for Travelers
SFO long-term parking is intended for stays of several days or longer. Travelers typically select between the airport’s official garages and nearby private lots. San Francisco International Airport began operations in 1927 and served 54.1 million passengers in 2025, so parking spaces can fill quickly. Booking in advance helps secure both your budget and your parking spot.
The airport is laid out in four terminals Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. All are linked by the free AirTrain as well as to the parking garages. Familiarize yourself with your terminal to avoid extra stops while carrying heavy bags.
Most relevant to vacationers, business travelers, and others who fly out of the Bay Area. Those who have a lot of baggage and fly often will feel it as well. If you’re gone for a week, a day’s worth of your dollar matters even more.
SFO Parking Rates Compared Across Every Lot Type
Prices differ a lot between airport garages and private lots. The table below shows the daily rates listed on Way for SFO as of September 2026.
| Parking option | Location | Daily rate |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Parking Garage | Onsite | $27 |
| Domestic Parking Garage | Onsite | $41 |
| International Garages (A and G) | Onsite | $37 |
| ParkFAST | Onsite | $70 |
| Uncovered lot | Offsite | From $7.70 |
| Covered lot | Offsite | From $9 |
| Valet | Offsite | From $13.50 |
Rates can change, so confirm the final price at checkout.
The true difference comes in longer trips. Here’s how the rates add up for a week, two weeks and a month of parking at SFO. Garage totals include SFO’s taxes and fees; offsite totals use the $7.70 uncovered rate, before the taxes and fees added at checkout.
| Length of stay | Long-Term Parking Garage | Offsite lot at $7.70 |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | $189 | $53.90 |
| 14 days | $378 | $107.80 |
| 30 days | $810 | $231 |
A 30-day trip costs about $579 less at the lowest offsite rate. For many travelers, that difference pays for a hotel night or a nice dinner. Choosing the right lot is the single biggest way to control the cost of SFO long-term parking.
Onsite Parking Options Inside the SFO Airport Loop
Long-Term Garage Basics
Located just across the road from the terminals, the long-term parking garage is the airport’s SFO economy parking option at $27/day. You take the AirTrain between the garage and your terminals. Some people like this option because the airport owns it. You do not get a guaranteed spot unless you reserve, which is useful during peak season.
Terminal Garage Options
The Domestic Parking Garage costs $41 per day, and International Garages A and G cost $37 per day. They are all within walking distance of the specific terminal they are linked to, so you will spend less time walking. ParkFAST is the priciest choice at $70 per day. It is best to use these lots for short-term trips, as the fee adds up quickly if you are gone for long periods of time.
Offsite Parking Near SFO That Costs Far Less
Private lots will cost you a lot less than parking in the airport garages. Free shuttles are common, and they always reserve your parking spot. At offsite lots, you can save more than $100 a week over SFO airport parking in the loop. Many are hotel lots, so you get a staffed property and a familiar setting.
Lot Price Examples
These lots show typical starting daily rates, last updated in September 2026. Your final price depends on dates and availability.
- Best Western Grosvenor: from $5.50, about 1.5 miles away, free shuttle
- Hilton Garden Inn North: from $9.30, about 1.5 miles away, free shuttle
- Travelodge SFO: from $9.90, about 1.2 miles away, free shuttle
- Hotel Focus San Francisco: from $11.30, about 2.5 miles away, free shuttle
- Anza Parking: from $15.60, about 0.8 miles away, free shuttle
Distance and price often move in opposite directions. The closest lot, Anza Parking, costs more than Best Western Grosvenor, which sits farther away. Decide whether a shorter ride or a lower rate matters more to you.
Shuttle Service Details
Most offsite lots send shuttles on a 10-20 minute schedule, but hours and frequency depend on the lot. Some (like the Courtyard and Homewood Suites lots) don’t have shuttles at all. Check the individual listings before purchasing. Give yourself a buffer on travel day for the shuttle ride.
Lot Security Features
Some offsite lots have 24/7 monitoring and staff, but features differ. Seek out lighting, cameras, and covered or valet options. Covered parking begins at $9 per day, with valet parking starting at $13.50. Over a month away, a roof can shield paint and interiors from sun and weather.
Onsite vs Offsite Parking Compared Side by Side
If you are comparing SFO long-term parking options, the three things to think about are accessibility, safety, and booking restrictions. Here is how the two paths compare.
Convenience and Access
Onsite garages position you right inside the airport loop, right next to the terminals you use. Most offsite lots include a free shuttle ride, giving you a few extra minutes before you arrive in exchange for a much lower bill. Either way, you can plan your arrival time ahead and avoid a rush.
Security and Support
Airport garages run under official airport security. Offsite lots rely on their own cameras and attendants, so read each listing closely. Support matters too. Reservations made through Way come with help by phone and email if plans change.
Reservation Rules
Onsite garages accept drive-up customers, but a spot is only guaranteed with a pre-booking. Offsite lots require a reservation, which locks in both your space and your rate. That guarantee removes the biggest travel-day worry: finding a space.
Which Parking Option Fits Your Trip Best Overall
For trips longer than a few days, offsite parking near SFO usually wins on price. The right pick still depends on how you travel.
Vacations and Holidays
Holiday weeks drive demand. Lots sell out faster and prices can rise, so lock in your spot early. Cheap SFO parking is easiest to find well ahead of peak travel dates. Families with bulky luggage may prefer a lot close to the terminal, such as Anza Parking at about 0.8 miles away.
Frequent Business Travelers
If you fly out often, repeat trips cost less offsite. A reserved spot also means no circling a full garage before a morning flight. Keep your confirmation saved on your phone for quick access at the lot.
Budget Conscious Travelers
If cost drives your decision, compare the total, not just the daily rate. A lot that is a few dollars cheaper but has no shuttle may cost you time and stress. Weigh distance, shuttle service, and cover options together. For many travelers, a mid-priced lot with a free shuttle strikes the best balance.
Electric Vehicle Owners
You can leave an EV for two weeks at onsite garages and many offsite lots. For longer trips, confirm the charging options at your chosen facility before you go. You can also find nearby EV chargers for a top-up on the drive to the airport.
Extended Trip Planning
Morning fog is a common cause of delays at SFO, so build in extra time for your return. If you cannot return on your planned date, extra days past your booking may be billed by the lot and are not refundable once charged. Adding a spare day to a long reservation can prevent that surprise.
How to Book Your Spot in Four Steps
Booking takes a few minutes. Have your vehicle details and flight times ready, then start by searching SFO airport parking for your dates.
Booking Steps Explained
- Enter your drop-off and pickup dates and times.
- Compare lots by price, distance, and shuttle availability.
- Reserve online and receive instant confirmation.
- Park, board the shuttle, and ride to your terminal.
Reserve early for cheap SFO parking, since the lowest rates go first.
Changes and Cancellations
You can cancel before your check-in time through the Way app, by email at support@way.com, or by phone at (408) 598-3338. In most cases a cancellation made more than 24 hours before check-in earns a full refund, while later cancellations may carry a $5 fee. Review the cancellation policy before you pay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Before You Book Parking
Booking Too Late
Waiting until the week of travel narrows your choices. Lower-priced lots go first, and holiday periods fill even faster. Reserving early keeps the most budget-friendly options on the table.
Skipping Shuttle Hours
Shuttle timing varies by lot. Check that your early departure or late return fits the lot’s hours before you book. A low rate loses its appeal if you wait a long time for a ride.
Ignoring Return Buffer
Flights can land late, especially when fog slows morning arrivals, so check your flight status before you head out. Build a cushion into your return date so extra days do not turn into a surprise charge at the lot.
Smart Tips to Follow Before You Head Out
Airport Day Planning
Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international one. Standard TSA lines at SFO often take 15 to 35 minutes, and PreCheck lanes can run under 10. After you park, the free AirTrain runs 24/7 between terminals.
Lines build fastest in the early morning and early evening, so check TSA wait times before you leave.
With time to spare, grab a meal near the airport or relax before boarding. Knowing your terminal in advance keeps the whole day calm and unhurried.
Not sure where your gate is? The terminal map shows each terminal, its gates, and the AirTrain connections between them.
Car Prep Checklist
Before a long absence, check your tires, fuel level, and battery. Remove valuables and snap a few photos of your car at drop-off. Note your lot name and shuttle phone number.
After you return, a quick car wash clears away the dust of a long stay.
Final Thoughts on Choosing SFO Long-Term Parking
Onsite garages offer close access, while offsite lots deliver the biggest savings on longer stays. The best choice for SFO long-term parking balances your budget, your terminal, and your comfort with a shuttle ride. Remember the key numbers: $27 per day onsite versus around $7.70 offsite.
Compare lots, reserve early, and keep your confirmation handy. Planning San Francisco airport parking ahead lets you focus on the trip itself. Questions before you book? Reach out to Way and get answers quickly.
Related guides
- Long-Term Parking at SFO: What Travelers Should Know
- SFO Long-Term Parking Rates: Comparing Your Options
- Where to Park at the Airport: Your Best Parking Options Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does SFO long-term parking cost per day?
Onsite, the Long-Term Parking Garage charges $27 per day. Offsite lots start lower: uncovered from $7.70, covered from $9, and valet from $13.50 per day, depending on dates and availability.
Can I leave my car at SFO for two weeks?
Yes, you can leave your car at SFO for two weeks or longer. For an electric vehicle, confirm charging options with your chosen facility before traveling, especially on longer trips.
Is hourly parking available at SFO?
Yes, hourly parking is available at SFO. Rates currently start at $4 per 30 minutes in the Domestic and International garages, which suits brief stops, quick pickups, and short drop-offs.
Does SFO parking cost more during holidays?
Yes, prices can rise during holidays, and lots often sell out faster. Reserving early gives you a better chance at lower-priced options and a guaranteed space when travel demand peaks.
Can I extend my SFO parking reservation?
Often, yes. Open My Orders in the app or website, select your reservation, and choose to extend. Availability depends on the lot, and any extra days may be paid there.
Can I park overnight at SFO?
Yes, onsite garages allow overnight parking, subject to availability. SFO economy parking starts at $27 per day in the Long-Term Parking Garage, and pre-booked offsite lots usually cost much less.
Can I take BART to SFO instead of parking?
Yes, a BART station sits in the International Terminal, and the free AirTrain links it to the other terminals. For long trips with several travelers, parking may still cost less.
What is the cheapest way to park at SFO?
Reserve an offsite lot ahead of time. Uncovered offsite rates typically start around $7.70 per day, and a few lots list lower, compared with $27 per day at the airport’s Long-Term Parking Garage, so advance booking saves money.
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