San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Airport Guide
San Francisco, United States · KSFO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO) is an airport serving San Francisco, United States, in North America.
This page covers the practical essentials for SFO — getting to and from the airport, lounges and WiFi, transit and visa considerations, hotels nearby, and what to do if you have a layover here.
Lounges
Lounge availability at San Francisco International Airport varies by terminal. Independent lounges (often accessible via Priority Pass or pay-in) and airline lounges are common at airports of this size — check your terminal on arrival.
WiFi
Free WiFi is offered at most major airports. Look for the official SFO network on arrival; coverage and time limits can vary by terminal.
Airlines
A range of domestic and international carriers serve San Francisco International Airport. Check your airline for its terminal and check-in details, as assignments can change.
Getting to & from SFO
Transit & visa requirements
- Whether you need a transit visa for SFO depends on your nationality, your routing, and whether you must clear immigration to change flights.
- Always verify current United States transit and entry requirements with official government sources before you travel.
Hotels near SFO
Need a room near the airport for an early departure or a long layover?
Things to do during a layover
Got time between flights? See our dedicated SFO layover guide. In short:
Stay airside at San Francisco International Airport. Clear security to your connection early, then find a lounge or quiet seating area near your departure gate.
Enough time to relax in a lounge, eat a proper meal and explore the terminal’s shops and amenities without rushing your connection.
With a long layover you may have time to leave the airport and see San Francisco, provided your nationality and routing allow you to clear immigration. Confirm transit visa rules first, and leave a generous buffer to return.
SFO — Frequently Asked Questions
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves San Francisco, United States.