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Current Average TSA Wait Time at SFO
14 mins avg. wait time
This avg. wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (14 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at SFO.
This average wait time is based on the current time (Pacific Standard Time). Please expect to wait up to at least (14 mins) on average to go through security checkpoints at SFO.
SFO TSA Wait Times
SFO, San Francisco, CA
AM Times
12 am - 1 am
5.5 mins
1 am - 2 am
8.8 mins
2 am - 3 am
15.1 mins
3 am - 4 am
11 mins
4 am - 5 am
14.6 mins
5 am - 6 am
18 mins
6 am - 7 am
9.6 mins
7 am - 8 am
10.8 mins
8 am - 9 am
13.8 mins
9 am - 10 am
7.9 mins
10 am - 11 am
12 mins
11 pm - 12 am
4 mins
PM Times
11 am - 12 pm
7.6 mins
12 pm - 1 pm
11 mins
1 pm - 2 pm
7.1 mins
2 pm - 3 pm
12.4 mins
3 pm - 4 pm
15.5 mins
4 pm - 5 pm
23.3 mins
5 pm - 6 pm
9.7 mins
6 pm - 7 pm
18.3 mins
7 pm - 8 pm
11.2 mins
8 pm - 9 pm
14.4 mins
9 pm - 10 pm
11.9 mins
10 pm - 11 pm
11.2 mins
Reserve parking at SFO
Disclaimer
This TSA checkpoint display is based on TSA data with an hour rolling window. While we make every effort to ensure it is timely and correct, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Actual flight TSA wait times may vary. Please give yourself a time buffer to get through security.
Typically, standard TSA security wait times at SFO take around 15 to 35 minutes. Travelers using TSA PreCheck may experience shorter wait times, often under 10 minutes. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day, travel season, and terminal. During peak travel periods, standard security lines can take 40 to 50 minutes or longer.
SFO's terminals are Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal), Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. Confirm your terminal on your boarding pass before you leave for the airport, since heading to the wrong one can cost you extra walking time or a shuttle ride.
SFO Security Checkpoints
Security checkpoints are located at the entrances to the airport's boarding areas, and only ticketed passengers can pass through. All checkpoints have general screening lanes, along with TSA PreCheck, Priority, and CLEAR options. Keep in mind that baggage carts are not allowed through security.
| Security checkpoint | Hours |
|---|---|
| Checkpoint A | 4:15 a.m.-2 a.m. |
| Checkpoint B | 3:15 a.m.-12:30 a.m. |
| Checkpoint B-Mezzanine Level | 4 a.m.-11 p.m. |
| Checkpoint D | 3:15 a.m.-12:30 a.m. |
| Checkpoint F | 3:15 a.m.-12:30 a.m. |
| Checkpoint G | 4:30 a.m.-2 a.m. |
Checkpoint hours shift periodically based on flight schedules and staffing, so it's worth double-checking hours for your specific terminal shortly before you travel.
If you're arriving on an international flight and connecting to another flight, you'll generally need to complete the federal inspection process, exit the secure area, and go through security again. However, passengers arriving on U.S.-precleared international flights can skip the federal inspection process and do not need to clear security again when they arrive. You can use our SFO Airport Map to navigate through the security checkpoints.
How to Move Through SFO TSA Screening Without Stress?
A few small habits make a bigger difference:
Time it right
Lines tend to build fastest in the early morning departure period (roughly 5 a.m.-8 a.m.) and again in the early evening (4 p.m.-7 p.m.).
Double-check your terminal
SFO checkpoints are terminal-specific; showing up at the wrong one means backtracking through the AirTrain or a long walk. Build extra time into your schedule if you're unsure which checkpoint to use. You can also view our SFO Terminal Map before heading to the airport.
Skip the curb
Cars left unattended at the terminal curb get moved or ticketed quickly. If you're driving yourself, book SFO Parking through Way ahead of time so you're not circling for a spot.
Pack with screening in mind
- Do not carry TSA's prohibited items in your luggage, so you can avoid secondary bag checks.
- Keep your government ID and boarding pass out and ready. Leave gifts unwrapped. Officers may need to inspect wrapped items.
A Few Things to Know
Wait times shown on this page reflect a rolling estimate built from TSA data and are meant as a planning guide, not a guarantee. Actual line lengths shift with staffing, flight volume, and time of year, so consider adding extra time beyond whatever the dashboard shows. Before you head to the airport, it's worth checking your SFO Flight Status.
FAQs on SFO TSA Wait Times
What's a typical TSA wait time at SFO?
Most travelers clear security in 15 to 35 minutes on an average day. That window can stretch to 40 to 50 minutes during peak morning and evening departure periods, over holidays, or when multiple flights depart within a short timeframe.
How far ahead of my flight should I get to SFO?
Plan on arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure and 3 hours before an international one. If you're flying during a holiday or a known busy travel season, consider allowing an additional 30 to 45 minutes to cover parking, the AirTrain, and security screening.
Does SFO offer TSA PreCheck?
Yes, PreCheck lanes are available at every terminal checkpoint. Enrolled travelers can typically leave shoes, light jackets, and belts on, and keep laptops packed, which cuts the average screening time roughly in half compared to a standard lane.
Can I use CLEAR at SFO?
Yes, CLEAR is available at all checkpoints, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. CLEAR can also be combined with TSA PreCheck for the fastest path through security.
Is SFO busier around the holidays?
Noticeably so. Thanksgiving week, the December holiday stretch, and spring travel peaks all push wait times higher across every terminal. Consider an additional 30 to 45 minutes during holidays.
How long are SFO customs and immigration wait times?
If you're arriving internationally, budget time separately for customs. It typically takes 10 to 25 minutes but can climb past 30 to 40 minutes when several international flights land close together. This is just an estimated buffer. Global Entry or the Mobile Passport Control app can shorten this considerably for eligible travelers.