SFO Airport Map

San Francisco International Airport, known as SFO, opened in May 1927 as Mills Field Municipal Airport before being renamed in 1955. The airport sits about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, in unincorporated San Mateo County near Millbrae and San Bruno.

With more than 54 million annual passengers, SFO is one of the busiest airports in the country and the primary gateway for the Bay Area, connecting travelers to destinations across the U.S., Asia, Europe, and Latin America. It’s also a major hub for both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. This SFO Airport map guide covers the terminals, parking, and other key areas to help you find your way around.

More than 50 airlines operate at San Francisco International Airport across its four terminals. United Airlines runs the largest operation at SFO, with Terminal 3 serving as its domestic base and the International Terminal’s Boarding Area G handling most of its long-haul routes. Alaska Airlines, headquartered in the Seattle area, also treats SFO as a key West Coast hub out of Terminal 1.

US-101 is the main route to SFO from both the north (San Francisco) and south (the Peninsula and South Bay). If you’re coming from the East Bay or points inland, I-380 connects I-280 to US-101 right near the airport. Signage for terminal access is well marked once you’re on airport property.

Traffic tends to build on 101 during weekday morning and evening commute hours, so add extra time if you’re driving through the Peninsula corridor during rush hour. Roadway congestion directly in front of the terminals can also pick up quickly during peak departure hours, so plan your drop-off window accordingly.

If you’re picking someone up, SFO’s free Cell Phone Waiting Lot lets you wait for a limited time and avoid circling the terminal curb.

SFO’s Domestic Parking Garage and International Garages (Garage A and Garage G) offer the closest parking to the terminals, connected by covered walkways and the AirTrain. The Long-Term Parking Garage sits farther from the terminals, with a free shuttle running passengers back and forth.

If you’re looking for cheap SFO Parking, offsite lots near the airport are typically the better value, and most include a free round-trip shuttle.

SFO’s terminals include family restrooms and pet relief areas to make traveling with kids or service animals easier. Nursing parents can also find dedicated lactation spaces in several terminals.

Wheelchair assistance and other accessibility services are available throughout the airport. It’s best to request assistance through your airline in advance or at check-in so staff can plan. Travelers who need extra support at the security checkpoint can also contact TSA Cares before their trip to arrange screening assistance.

Each of SFO’s terminals has its own security checkpoint, so you’ll generally use the checkpoint in your departure terminal. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are both available at every terminal checkpoint.

Whether you’re flying out during busy morning hours or a quieter midday period, it’s worth checking live SFO TSA Wait Times before you leave for the airport.

Domestic baggage claim areas at SFO are located on Level 1 (Arrivals) in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. International arrivals, including customs and immigration processing, are at the International Terminal’s arrivals level. Your baggage claim location depends on the terminal where your flight arrives.

SFO’s main Lost & Found office is in Terminal 1 on the Arrivals Level, near the Domestic Garage Core C Tunnel, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For police, medical, or other emergencies at the airport, dial 911. For general airport information and non-emergency assistance, call SFO’s main line at (650) 821-8211. If you need special security screening assistance, contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227.

For general parking questions, reach out through the parking information line listed on your reservation confirmation, or contact SFO directly at the main airport number.