The San Francisco International Airport is situated between SanJose and San Francisco, Commonly known by its IATA identifier as SFO. It lies 35 miles northwest of San Jose and 15 miles south from San Francisco.
San Francisco International airport review
Besides its exceptional services, the San Francisco International airport offers travel guidance as per the safety protocols. These include providing COVID-19 staff testing, reopening terminal areas, and reinforcing social distancing. Recently, the airport has outlined effective measures to ensure both the staff and the passengers’ safety and comfort. Also, the San Francisco International airport ensures health guidance measures in each of the air travel. The terminals within the airport are operating with several newsstands, retail, food, and beverage outlets. The management assures additional safety protocols to passengers with the practice of active physical distancing. The airport has installed 4,000 spacing markers in signage, seating, and queuing areas to reinforce this approach.
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Moreover, hundreds of hand sanitizers are installed throughout the terminal. Besides, the passengers are also allowed to bring in sanitizer that is 12oz in size with them. The Travel Well Ambassadors will be present within the airport to ensure safe covering and proper social distancing to encourage the passengers. Moreover, the bee approach might look peculiar to the passengers. However, the passenger can still expect the same amenities and services while traveling through the San Francisco International airport. Some of the major highlights the visitors have highly rated are the SFO Museum, Art at SFO, and Airport Butler. The Airport Butler services provide a customized concierge service. It included assistance for arriving, departing, and connecting passengers. Also, it helps passengers with personal shopping and other tailored services. These services are designated for senior citizens, non-English speaking visitors, passengers with small children, and business executives. The respective service will significantly enhance their experience at the airport.
On the other hand, the San Francisco International airport museum also has a significant impact on visitors. Established in 1980, the respective museum displays a schedule of exhibitions displayed in the terminal galleries. Also, passengers can enjoy the exhibitions in Louis A.m and the Aviation Library. To receive consistent feedback from the traveler, the airport seeks to offer cultural and educational experience. The San Francisco International airport curates a collection of fine art that is displayed within the airport. The approach is intended to enrich the public experience among visitors or travelers.
In terms of passenger traffic, it is second to Los Angeles as it is the 7th-busiest airport in the USA. Besides, in the context of the world, it is the 22nd-busiest airport in the world. On an annual basis, 45 million people arrive and depart from the San Francisco International Airport.
Built-in 1927, the San Francisco International Airport adopts a centralized terminal concept. It comprises four terminals (1 international and three domestic). Besides, it has seven concourses surrounding transport facilities and parking. Most of the domestic flights depart from international terminals. On the other hand, some of the international flights to Canada also depart from domestic terminals.
The San Francisco International Airport is recognized as a major hub for international and domestic flights. Alaska Airlines operates a hub from International Terminal and Terminal 2. Whereas, United Airlines operates a hub from terminal 3. It might cause a bit of confusion during arrival and departure. So, most of the passengers who often check their flight information to head towards the correct terminal.
SkyTerrace at SFO Airport
SkyTerrace, the outdoor observation floor! On Friday 14 February, SkyTerrace has formally opened its doors.
The SkyTerrace, situated in pre-security Terminal 2, available from 7 AM to 10 PM seven days a week.
Entry is free and there is no ticket or boarding pass provided, however when they reach the room, visitors may undergo a security check.
Arrival procedures
The two sets of parallel runways at the San Francisco International Airport lie near together. It has been designed in such a way for simultaneous arrivals during specific periods of low visibility. On the other hand, during clear weather, both of these runways are used. However, it will require the airport to use one of them for arrivals during an unusual weather pattern. If it happens, the inbound traffic will be delayed by air traffic control at the departure airport or in the air. If you have a time-sensitive schedule, you should enable extra time for yourself should your flights be delayed.
International arrivals: Passengers who arrive on the international flight except for origins with US preclearance are processed through immigration. The respective passengers will collect their luggage and pass customs. Likewise, passengers with onward flights, domestic or international, will have to proceed towards check-in and security. The passengers will then have to wait for 30-50 minutes. The travelers that are terminating in San Francisco will have to follow signs to arrive at their desired ground transportation.
Domestic arrivals: Travellers who have arrived on the domestic flights will go through departure level within security. Passengers who are in transit will have to clear security again. They don’t have to go through the process if their departure leaves from a separate terminal. Those who are terminating in San Francisco can process downstairs to ground transportation or baggage claim. Beside, BART and AirTrain will be available upstairs.
Departure procedures:
Passengers check-in with their respective airlines at the specific terminal. Once the passengers pass through the security checkpoint, you will not be able to go to any other concourses. It will limit your choice of drinks, foods, and shopping. International travelers or passengers will not be able to pass exit controls. However, the airline staff will be able to verify their passport and visa validity.
Hotels at San Francisco international airport
Even as the second busiest airport in America’s west coast, it is a pleasurable experience to travel from, to, or through the San Francisco International Airport. The airport consists of four terminals and offers various options for relaxation, dining, shopping, and entertainment. Numerous shops provide a range of eateries, kid play areas, boutiques, and more within these terminals. Also, to mitigate travel stress, the airport also provides yoga classes, meditation rooms, and multiple spas. It is located just 13 miles away from downtown San Francisco. You can easily reach the airport in just 30 minutes through the BART system.
If you have a knack for shopping, you can also make a quick stop at The Shops at Tanforan to the airport. Travelers can also catch a breath of fresh air at the state parks. Travelers can either choose from the trails at Sweeney Ridge or the San Andreas Lake. Besides, numerous hotels offer stunning views of the local areas. If you are willing to stay in San Francisco, there is no shortage of hotels in the nearby area.
Travelers who are on a short visit can make reservations at popular hotels such as the San Mateo Marriott. The establishment also provides convenient shuttle services to fatigue travelers. Like other hotels, it provides a gym, an outdoor pool, and other lavish services. On the other hand, if you are interested in the boutique ambiance, the hotel Aloft is an excellent option. Likewise, if you enjoy a luxurious environment; San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront offers you splendid accommodation and other services,
On the other hand, Holiday Inn San Francisco Airport provides a convenient ambiance. It is located adjacent to the San Francisco Convention Center. Moreover, you can browse through numerous hotels in the area with similar amenities and facilities. We have selected the top three hotels where you can stay after an exhausting trip for your convenience.
Grand Hyatt at SFO
The Grand Hyatt is one of the hotels at San Francisco international airport provides a bar and fitness center with other facilities. 24-hour room service and the front desk will be at your service to fulfill your needs.
El Rancho Inn
Located at the south of the San Francisco International Airport, the hotel provides an on-site restaurant. Besides, it is close to the airport with an excellent transfer and parking facilities.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Francisco Airport
Unlike most hotels, the Millbrae hotel provides a free airport shuttle service to the travelers for convenience. The hotel also features spacious suites, a gym, hot tubs, and restaurants.
Parking at San Francisco international airport
The San Francisco International Airport is located just thirteen miles south of downtown San Francisco. The airport is surrounded by abundant parking options for travelers to choose from. They can choose from hundreds of spots in off-site airport parking lots and 15,000 on-airport parking options. The following guide to the San Francisco International airport will help you better understand the parking options. The following information will provide you with a parking space or an affordable lot.
San Francisco Airport Parking Rates & Options
The San Francisco airport’s parking cost starts from $2 for the first 15 minutes in the Terminal parking. On the other hand, for an extended day of Valet Parking, it will cost you $38. We have listed the price for the short and long-term prices for parking at the San Francisco airport for your understanding. These parking rates can change accordingly by the airport at any given time.
Long-Term Parking
The San Francisco airport provides six options for long-term parking services. These services are International Parking Garages A and G, Domestic Parking Garage, Parkfast Garage, Long-term garage, and ParkValet. The Lot and the Long-Term Garage is located at the north and charges $25 per day. Passengers can also park at the rate of $10 per day at an off-site parking facility. It also provides convenient shuttle services to the terminals.
Domestic Terminal Parking
Per day – $36
- Long-Term Off-Site W/ Shuttle
Per Day-$10
- Long-Term Parking Garage
Per Day-$18
- ParkValet
Per Day-$45
- Long-Term Surface Lot
Per Day-$18
- International Terminal Parking
Per Day-$36
Short-Term Parking
The airport provides both Daily and Hourly Parking areas near the area of terminals. The South and North Hourly Parking Lots are situated in each of the domestic terminal entrances. The Hourly Parking service is the best option for passengers who are merely dropping or picking someone up. However, if travelers seek overnight parking, they can consider Economy Parking or Daily Parking areas. For further information, we have listed the rates for short-term parking.
- International Lot
Per 15 Minutes-$2
- Domestic Lot
Per 15 Minutes-$2
- Long-Term Garage
Per 15 Minutes-$2
- Long-Term Surface Lot
Per 15 Minutes-$2
San Francisco Airport Hotel Parking with Shuttle Service
Recently travelers have been enjoying the outstanding luxury service provided by hotels: a park, stay and fly offers and packages. It allows a traveler to stay at a hotel, park the car, and take a complimentary shuttle to the airport. Some of the hotels that provide the Park, Stay, and Fly packages along with the complimentary shuttle are as follows:
Call the hotel ahead of time to ensure availability and rates, as they can change at any time.
Aloft San Francisco Airport
Distance from SFO: 3 mile
Address: 401 East Millbrae Avenue
Phone Number: 650-872-8232
Red Roof Inn San Francisco Airport
Distance from SFO: 3 miles
Address: 777 Airport Blvd
Phone Number: 650-342-7772
The Westin SFO Airport
Distance from SFO: 2.3 miles
Address: 1 Old Bayshore Hwy
Phone Number: 650-692-3500
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport
Distance from SFO: 1.8 miles
Address: 1177 Airport Blvd
Phone Number: (650) 342-9200
Hotel Focus SFO
Distance from SFO: 2.4 miles
Address: 111 Mitchell Ave
Phone Number: (650) 877-0770
San Francisco Airport Parking Tips
SFO AirTrain – While you can make your way through the airport in twenty-five minutes. It is convenient to use the AirTrain to get around the San Francisco airport with excellent efficiency. It provides access to all the terminals along with the International and Domestic Parking Garage. The train even connects to the Renta Car Center, and the transit system, BART. AirTrain operates seven days a week and 24 hours a day. The train runs on two routes, each of these routes run from every 10 to 15 minutes.
ParkFast – It is a convenient parking garage at the San Francisco airport. As a member, travelers will get discounts and reserved parking during their visit to the airport.
Electric Vehicle Charging – EV charging service is available in every lot and parking garage at SFO.
San Francisco International airport shuttle
After you arrive at the San Francisco Airport, passengers will have a hard time making their way to the airport conveniently. Shared vans are a great option and of great value for travelers who are on a tight budget. The price range of the service usually hovers around 17 dollars. The van pickups are available at the airport on the 2nd level just above the baggage claim. Passengers can find themselves a shared ride at the San Francisco Airport. Generally, the price does not differ between the different services available at the airport. Several vans services are also available specializing in South Bay(San Jose, Palo Alto) and East Bay (Walnut Creek). The following list will provide you with a brief overview of the best shuttle services and their price.
- SuperShuttle 800-BLUE VA
It is one of the largest franchises in regards to the door-to-door service. It has routes from SFO airport to San Mateo, San Francisco, and Santa Clara counties. The price ranges from $10 to $17 per the passenger’s destination. The service does not have any complaints regarding its services in recent years.
- Bayport Express
Bayport Express is available for the passengers and serves most of the Bay Area. The private rides price ranges to $70 up for seven passengers from SFO airport to San Francisco. On the other hand, the price ranges to $95 from SFO airport to the Oakland city areas.
- Lorrie’s Airport Shuttle (since 1977) 415-334-9000
It is considered to be the low price leader in the shuttle services. Lorrie’s Airport Shuttle costs around $15 per person from San Francisco residences and hotels to San Francisco International airport.
- Marin Airporter
Operating every 30-60 minutes, the Marin Airporter offers services from Marin County to San Francisco. It costs around $22 per person and does not provide door-to-door service.
- Davis Airporter
Specializing in shuttle services, the Davis Airporter operates from the University of California to Sacramento ($20 first $10 2nd) airports, and San Francisco ($85 first / $25 2nd).
In terms of passenger traffic, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is second to Los Angeles as it is the 7th-busiest airport in the USA. Besides, in the context of the world, it is the 22nd-busiest airport in the world. On an annual basis, 45 million people arrive and depart from the San Francisco International Airport.
Built-in 1927, the San Francisco International Airport adopts a centralized terminal concept. It comprises four terminals (1 international and three domestic). Besides, it has seven concourses surrounding transport facilities and parking. Most of the domestic flights depart from international terminals. On the other hand, some of the international flights to Canada also depart from domestic terminals.
The San Francisco International Airport is recognized as a major hub for international and domestic flights. Alaska Airlines operates a hub from International Terminal and Terminal 2. Whereas, United Airlines operates a hub from terminal 3. It might cause a bit of confusion during arrival and departure. So, most of the passengers who often check their flight information to head towards the correct terminal.
