Uber charges a flat rate of $37.50 for trips between San Francisco airport and downtown. This includes a $5 airport per ride surcharge and any applicable tolls. Price estimates are sourced from Uber’s fare estimator tool and may vary slightly due to different estimates for traffic and other factors.
What Does San Francisco International Airport Have That Other Airports Don’t?
If you’ve ever been to the San Francisco International Airport, you know that it’s a pretty special place. There are plenty of things that make it unique, and we’re going to explore some of them now.
First of all, let’s talk about size. The San Francisco International Airport is HUGE. It covers more than 13,000 acres of land, making it one of the largest airports in the United States. This means that there’s plenty of room for all sorts of businesses and services, which is great for travelers.
One thing that makes the San Francisco International Airport stand out from other airports is its excellent customer service. The airport staff is known for being extremely friendly and helpful.
San Francisco International Airport Information
Airport type | Public |
Owner/Operator | City and County of San Francisco |
Serves | San Francisco Bay Area |
Location | San Mateo County, California, U.S. |
Opened | May 7, 1927; 95 years ago |
Hub for | Alaska AirlinesUnited Airlines |
Elevation AMSL | 13 ft / 4 m |
Coordinates | 37°37’08″N 122°22’30″WCoordinates: 37°37’08″N 122°22’30″W |
IATA: | SFO |
ICAO: | KSFO |
FAA LID: | SFO |
WMO: | 72494 |
Total Passengers | 24,343,627 |
Aircraft operations | 265,597 |
Total cargo (tonnes) | 528,792 |
How Many Terminals Are at San Francisco International Airport?

There are four terminals at San Francisco Airport – T1, T2, T3, and T4. Each terminal is divided into two sections: A and B. The International Terminal (IT) is located at the end of the airport nearest to San Francisco.
The following airlines operate out of each terminal:
- T1 – Alaska, American, Delta
- T2 – Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, Alitalia, ANA, Asiana Airlines, British Airways
- T3 – Hawaiian Airlines
- T4 – American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines.
Largest Airlines at San Francisco Airport
Rank | Airline | Passengers | Share |
1 | United Airlines | 10,190,000 | 40.15% |
2 | SkyWest Airlines | 3,792,000 | 14.94% |
3 | American Airlines | 2,621,000 | 10.33% |
4 | Delta Air Lines | 2,574,000 | 10.14% |
5 | Alaska Airlines | 2,027,000 | 7.99% |
6 | Other Airlines | 4,177,000 | 16.46% |
How Far Is San Francisco Airport from Downtown?
The airport is about 17 miles from downtown San Francisco. The trip from the airport to downtown San Francisco takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic. There are a number of ways to get from the airport to downtown, including taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, public transportation, and rental cars.
How to Get From San Francisco Airport to Downtown Hotels?
There are a few different ways to get from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to downtown hotels. The fastest and most convenient option is to take a taxi or ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. Depending on traffic conditions, this will typically take around 30 minutes and cost around $45-$50.
Another option is to take the BART train from SFO to downtown San Francisco. This will take longer (around 45 minutes) but is much cheaper, costing only $9.95 one-way. Simply follow the signs to the BART station at SFO and board a train bound for the Powell Street station in downtown San Francisco. From there, it’s a short walk to many of the major hotels.
What to Do Around San Francisco Airport?
There are plenty of things to do around the San Francisco airport. For starters, there are a number of restaurants and cafés in the airport itself, so if you’re looking for a quick bite before your flight, you won’t be disappointed. There are also a number of shopping options available, so if you need to kill some time before your flight, you can browse the stores or even catch up on some last-minute work at one of the many airport lounges.
If you’re looking for something to do outside the airport, there are plenty of options as well. If you’re renting a car, there’s no shortage of scenic drives around San Francisco and the Bay Area.
What Is the Three-Letter Code for San Francisco Airport?
The code for San Francisco International Airport is SFO. This airport code is determined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The IATA assigns codes to airports around the world based on the city they are located in or near. SFO was originally assigned the code of CQD, but this was changed for consumer advertising purposes to reflect its location in San Francisco.
Where to Buy a Prepaid Sim Card at San Francisco Airport?
There are a few different places where you can buy prepaid SIM cards at San Francisco airport. One option is to go to a store like T-Mobile or AT&T. Another option is to go to a kiosk in the airport, such as those operated by SIM Card Express or Cellular Abroad.
If you’re looking for a prepaid SIM card that offers good rates for calls and data, we would recommend Cellular Abroad. They have a wide selection of prepaid SIM cards that work in countries all around the world, and they offer free shipping on orders over $50. Plus, they have very helpful customer service agents who can assist you with setting up your prepaid SIM card and getting started with using it on your phone.
How Much Is Long-Term Parking at San Francisco International Airport?

The cost of long-term parking at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) depends on the lot you choose. The SFO website has a complete list of rates for each lot, as well as a map of the airport showing the location of each lot.
Short-term parking is also available at SFO, and the rates vary depending on how long you park. For example, the rate for 30 minutes is $4, while the rate for 24 hours is $38. There are also special rates for oversized vehicles. For more information, please visit the SFO website.
Where Is San Francisco Airport Located?
The San Francisco Airport is actually located in the city of San Mateo, about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. It’s situated on a piece of land that was originally tidal marshland, and it was built back in 1927. Today, the airport serves over 55 million passengers each year and is a major hub for both domestic and international travels.
Busiest Domestic Routes from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (June 2021 – May 2022)
Rank | City/Airport | Passengers | Carriers |
5 | Seattle/Tacoma, Washington | 643,000 | Alaska, Delta, United |
9 | San Diego, California | 517,000 | Alaska, Southwest, United |
10 | Phoenix, Arizona | 476,000 | Alaska, American, Frontier, Southwest, United |
4 | Newark, New Jersey | 688,000 | Alaska, United, JetBlue |
2 | New York–JFK, New York | 800,000 | Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, United |
1 | Los Angeles, California | 984,000 | Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United |
7 | Las Vegas, Nevada | 576,000 | Alaska, Frontier, Southwest, United |
8 | Honolulu, Hawaii | 540,000 | Alaska, Hawaiian, Sun Country, United |
6 | Denver, Colorado | 607,000 | Frontier, Southwest, United |
3 | Chicago–O’Hare, Illinois | 746,000 | Alaska, American, United |