SFO International Terminal
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Park from
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Please select valid checkin and checkout date times.
SFO’s International Terminal is split across two concourses: Boarding Areas A and G. It handles international arrivals and departures at the airport. Boarding Area A sits on the east side, Boarding Area G on the west, and each has its own security checkpoints, lounges, and airline lineup. If you’re connecting to or from a domestic flight, which side you land on changes your route through the airport.
SFO International Terminal quick facts
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Concourses | Boarding Area A (east, Gates A1–A15) and Boarding Area G (west, Gates G1–G14) |
| Airlines | Boarding Area A: mostly SkyTeam and Oneworld carriers. Boarding Area G: United Airlines and Star Alliance partners |
| Customs & immigration | Level 2 (Arrivals), Federal Inspection Area |
| Departures & check-in | Level 3, Main Hall |
| BART | Level 3, BART station is located adjacent to the Garage G side |
| Lounges | United Polaris Lounge, United Club, Emirates Lounge, British Airways Lounge, Air France-KLM Lounge, China Airlines Dynasty Lounge, Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge |
SFO International Terminal layout
The International Terminal runs on a stacked-level system.
Level 3, Departures: the Main Hall handles check-in and ticketing, with Boarding Area A to the east and Boarding Area G to the west.
Level 2, Arrivals: customs, immigration, and baggage claim for every international flight landing at SFO. Level 4 holds the AirTrain stations serving Garage A and Garage G.
Since walking between Boarding Area A and Boarding Area G takes 20–30 minutes, it is easier to take the AirTrain. See the official airport resources on flysfo.com.
SFO International Terminal A
Boarding Area A includes Gates A1 through A15, serving mostly SkyTeam and oneworld carriers. This side carries a strong luxury retail lineup, with Hermès, Gucci, and Burberry among the brand names in the DFS Duty Free.
Lounges
The Air France-KLM Lounge sits on Level 3, post-security and is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until the last departure. Amenities include showers, full food and beverage service, and business facilities. The British Airways Lounge is near Gates A4 and A5. The Emirates Lounge and other partner lounges also operate on this side depending on flight schedules.
SFO International Terminal G
Boarding Area G includes Gates G1 through G14 and is home to United’s international operation and its Star Alliance partners. This is the side to use if you’re flying United internationally or connecting onward to a United domestic flight in Terminal 3.
Lounges
The United Polaris Lounge serves United’s international premium cabin passengers, while the United Club is available for other eligible travelers. Both include amenities not available in some of Terminal 3’s domestic clubs, including showers.
Duty-free and shopping
DFS Galleria anchors this side, with Saint Laurent among the higher-end names.
Rest and recovery
Freshen Up, a private nap-room rental service, operates near the Boarding G security checkpoint. Rooms run $40 for the first hour, $10 per additional 15 minutes up to the second hour, then $8 per 15 minutes after that. A shower alone costs $25 for 30 minutes, or $20 when paired with a nap-room booking.
Parking at SFO International Terminal
The closest onsite parking options near SFO International Terminal are International Parking Garages A and G.
| Rate per lot (includes all taxes and fees) | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| $4 per 30 minutes; $37 max per 24 hours | No vehicles over 8′2″ |
Apart from onsite options, travelers can also choose a cheap offsite SFO Parking lot.
Customs and immigration at SFO International Terminal
Every international arrival at SFO clears customs and immigration on Level 2, inside the Federal Inspection Area. What happens next depends on where you’re headed.
If SFO is your final destination
If San Francisco is your final stop, follow the doors marked “San Francisco” to baggage claim and ground transportation.
Travelers connecting through SFO
If you’re connecting onward, follow the doors marked “Connecting Flight,” then clear security again before reaching your next gate.
Travelers connecting to a United domestic flight in Terminal 3 must drop checked bags at the connecting-flights baggage counter on Level 2 before proceeding to Terminal 3 and clearing security.
Global Entry kiosks are available in the Federal Inspection Area for enrolled travelers, and Mobile Passport Control can speed up the standard immigration line for eligible passengers.
Note: Plan to arrive at the airport about three hours before an international departure; this is an estimated time frame.
Getting between Boarding Area A and G
Travelers can use the AirTrain, which connects both boarding areas with the rest of SFO’s terminals, or walk landside through the Main Hall on Level 3 before passing through security.
Dining beyond the lounges
For travelers not using a lounge, the International Terminal offers dining options spread across both boarding areas and the Main Hall.
Amenities at SFO International Terminal
Free Wi-Fi is available across the terminal. Connect to #SFO FREE WIFI and open a browser, with each session lasting four hours before you need to reconnect. Slow device charging is free throughout, and public phones are available for travelers who need them. Business services, baggage wrapping, and a medical clinic are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I arrive at SFO’s International Terminal?
About three hours before an international departure and two hours before a domestic departure. These are estimated time frames; make sure to plan your time by considering luggage handling, parking, shuttle and other factors.
Where do I go through customs at SFO?
Customs and immigration at SFO’s International Terminal are located on Level 2, the Arrivals level, inside the Federal Inspection Area. This applies to every international arrival regardless of airline or boarding area.
What happens if I’m connecting from an international flight to a United domestic flight?
After clearing customs on Level 2, follow the “Connecting Flight” signage, drop your bags at the connecting-flights baggage counter, then proceed to Terminal 3 and clear security again.
Is there duty-free shopping at SFO?
Yes, DFS Duty Free operates in both Boarding Area A and Boarding Area G, carrying cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, and luxury goods for eligible international travelers.
Where is SFO’s BART station relative to the International Terminal?
The SFO BART station is located on the Departures/Ticketing Level of the International Terminal on the G Gates side. Travelers arriving at any terminal can easily reach the BART station by taking SFO’s free AirTrain to the Garage G/BART station stop.
