San Francisco International Airport or SFO Airport (SFO)

About San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport is the primary airport for the Bay Area and one of the busiest in the United States. Located about 21 km south of downtown San Francisco, it is a major United Airlines hub and gateway to the Pacific Rim, Europe, and Latin America. Operated by the City and County of San Francisco, SFO handles over 50 million passengers annually.

SFO Airport Details - San Francisco International Airport IATA, Address and Pin Code

• Official Name: San Francisco International Airport
• IATA Code: SFO
• ICAO Code: KSFO
• Address: San Francisco International Airport, San Francisco, CA 94128, United States
• Airport Pin Code: 94128
• Distance from San Francisco City Centre: Approximately 21 km
• Phone Number: +1 650 821 8211
• Old Name: Mills Field Municipal Airport

How Many Airports in San Francisco?

The Bay Area is served by three commercial airports. SFO handles most international traffic. Oakland International (OAK) covers domestic and low-cost routes, while Mineta San Jose (SJC) serves the South Bay with domestic and limited international services.

How Many Terminals in San Francisco Airport?

SFO has four terminals. T1 serves Alaska Airlines and Southwest. T2 handles American Airlines. T3 is United's domestic base. The International Terminal handles all international arrivals and departures including United's international flights.

Distance Between San Francisco Airport Terminals

All terminals are linked by the free AirTrain SFO, looping the airport and connecting to the BART station and rental car centre. Terminal-to-terminal travel takes 5 to 10 minutes. Allow at least 90 minutes when connecting between international and domestic flights to clear customs and re-check in.

How Many Runways in San Francisco Airport?

SFO has four runways in two parallel pairs. Runways 28L/28R are approximately 3,618 metres each for most departures, while 19L/19R at around 2,637 metres handle arrivals and lighter operations. All have instrument landing systems suited to SFO's frequently foggy conditions.

Visa and Immigration for San Francisco Airport

Indian passport holders require a valid US visa to enter the United States. India is not part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so the visa must be arranged before travel.

• B-1/B-2 Visa: Apply via the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov. A mandatory in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India is required, with biometric fingerprints collected at the appointment. Consulates are in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
• Visa Validity: Typically 10 years with multiple entry, allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit at the border officer's discretion.
• Required Documents: Valid Indian passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photograph, proof of funds, ties to India, and documents supporting your purpose of visit.
• Immigration at SFO: Proceed to US CBP counters with your passport, visa, and completed Declaration Form. Biometric fingerprints and a photograph are taken at the primary inspection counter.

US visa processing can take several months, so apply early and check current appointment wait times at the US Embassy website before booking travel.

San Francisco Airport Lounges and Facilities

• United Club (T3 and International Terminal): For United MileagePlus members and eligible passengers, with dining, beverages, showers, and business facilities.
• Centurion Lounge (International Terminal): For eligible Amex Centurion and Platinum cardholders, with dining, a cocktail bar, spa services, and showers.
• International Airline Lounges: Several carriers including Lufthansa have dedicated lounges in the International Terminal for premium passengers.
• General Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, nursing rooms, interfaith chapels, medical services, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, and varied dining including Bay Area food concepts.

Things to Do in San Francisco Airport

• Visit the free SFO Museum exhibitions spread across all terminals, making SFO one of the few airports accredited as a museum.

Places to Visit Near San Francisco Airport

• San Francisco: About 21 km north by BART, the city offers the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Chinatown, and the Ferry Building Marketplace.

FAQs About San Francisco Airport - San Francisco International Airport

What is the Official Name of San Francisco Airport?

The official name is San Francisco International Airport, formerly known as Mills Field Municipal Airport.

What is the IATA Code for San Francisco International Airport?

The IATA code is SFO and the ICAO code is KSFO.

Which Terminals Serve Domestic and International Flights at San Francisco Airport?

The International Terminal handles all international arrivals and departures. T1, T2, and T3 serve domestic routes, with T3 also handling some United Airlines international flights.

Where is San Francisco Airport Located?

SFO is in unincorporated San Mateo County, about 21 km south of downtown San Francisco, near Millbrae.

When Was San Francisco Airport Built?

SFO opened in May 1927 as Mills Field Municipal Airport, renamed in 1955. It has been expanded several times since, with a major international terminal redevelopment completed in 2000.

Is SFO Open 24 Hours?

Yes, SFO operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How Far is San Francisco Airport from San Francisco City Center?

SFO is about 21 km from downtown San Francisco. BART connects the airport to downtown in around 30 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing apps take 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.

What Airlines Operate from SFO?

Airlines at SFO include United, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Air India, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and British Airways, among many others.

Are There Lounges at San Francisco Airport?

Yes, SFO has the United Club, Centurion Lounge, and international airline lounges in the International Terminal, plus pay-per-use options in other terminals.