San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the most recognizable and congested airports in the United States and is the main airport for the San Francisco Bay. If you’re flying into SFO for business, chartering on an international, long-haul flight, or heading out on your next adventure, knowing how SFO operates can make your whole experience easier. This guide tells you everything you need to know, from the airport’s history and layout to its security wait times, smoking areas, parking facilities, and more.

Overview Of San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

SFO Airport Layout: Know Before You Go

Understanding the structure of SFO terminals helps navigate the terminal. The four terminals are installed in a counter-clockwise circle, with security to airside connectors, which is very convenient for the passenger operator.

Domestic carriers, such as Southwest Airlines, JetBlue, and American Airlines, use Harvey Milk Terminal 1. It was the first airport terminal dedicated to an LGBTQ+ leader in 2019.

Air Canada and Breeze Airways use Terminal 2, and the terminal’s design is praised as sustainable, as it was the first U.S. airport terminal to become a LEED Gold-certified building. In 2024, Alaska Airlines relocated to Terminal 1, and Southwest relocated to Terminal 2 in March 2025.

Domestic flights are mainly for United Airlines in Terminal 3, where the major $2.6 billion renovation is underway and will be completed sometime by 2029.

The largest international terminal in North America, the International Terminal sees all of the overseas arrivals and departures and serves select domestic flights. It’s also home to the BART station that takes you straight from SFO to San Francisco, Oakland, and the rest of the East Bay.

How long will you wait? – SFO Airport Security Wait Times

One of the most frequently asked questions travelers ask is: how long is security at SFO? It will depend on the time of day, the season, and if you are enrolled in expedited screening programs.

In general, it takes 15 to 30 minutes for TSA to check security at SFO during normal operations. Lines may be 30-45 minutes or longer during peak hours (usually 6 am-9 am and 4 pm – 7 pm) and at holidays or other significant local occasions. The best times to wait are early morning (before 7 AM) and later in the evening (after 8 PM) when waits are at their minimum (10–15 minutes).

The average time spent at customs at the International Terminal for arrivals from abroad is usually between 10 and 25 minutes, but if several international flights arrive at the same time, the wait may be more than 30 minutes.

Here are some helpful hints to get through SFO security faster:

• TSA PreCheck holders nearly always use dedicated lanes and have an average wait time of 9-11 minutes, which is approximately half the time of the standard lane. The enrollment centers are located in the International Terminal (G-side, pre-security, near the BART station).
• Combined with TSA PreCheck, CLEAR+ provides biometric identity verification for a quicker experience. CLEAR lanes are provided at both International Terminal (checkpoints A and G) and Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (checkpoint B).
• Global Entry and the Mobile Passport App are excellent resources to speed up customs when traveling abroad.

If traveling in the country, please arrive no later than 2 hours prior to your departure. On international flights, the recommended time is 3 hours, which provides plenty of time to check in, security, and walk to the gate.

Also Read: SFO Airport Currency Exchange

Smoking Areas at SFO Airport: What You Need to Know

SFO is a 100% smoke-free indoor facility in compliance with California’s strict Clean Indoor Air Act. Smoking, vaping, and e-cigarettes are banned in all terminals, concourses, lounges, restrooms, and enclosed public areas on airport grounds.

However, there are designated outdoor smoking areas: They are located curbside outside the ticketing and baggage claim entrances to each terminal at a minimum distance of 20 feet from the terminal doors and exits. Smokers are directed to these areas by signage throughout the airport, and they are open 24 hours a day.

A few important things to note:

• No smoking areas are allowed outside the TSA security checkpoints. Smoking is not allowed inside the airside area until you leave the secure area.
• If you must smoke while you’re in a layover, you’ll be required to leave the security area, head out to the outdoor areas, and then re-enter the security area, which can take as long as 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day. This may just not be possible for tight connections.
• The prohibition of cannabis extends to all airport property, including for residents of California, because airports are under federal control.
• Vaping and e-cigarettes are subject to the same guidelines as regular cigarettes: outside and in designated areas.

If you are coming from a long-haul international flight and you’re craving a cigarette, the general rule is to allow for plenty of time, as it may take a considerable amount of time to go through customs and security re-entry procedures.

SFO Airport Parking 

It’s one thing to get to SFO, and quite another to figure out where to park. The great news is that SF International Airport provides numerous parking choices, from top-notch valet to affordable off-site options. 

On-Site Parking 

There are multiple parking lots on the property that are directly connected to the terminals at SFO. For drop-offs, short-term or quick pick-ups, or short visits, use the Short-Term / Domestic Parking Garages. These garages are within walking distance of the domestic terminals, and they are perfect for those who don’t want to use shuttles. The daily maximum cost is about $25-36 per day (depending on the garage), and rates start at $2 per 15 minutes.

International Terminal Garages (A and G) are located for travelers departing from or arriving at the International Terminal, and their rates are similar to the domestic garages.

Long-Term Parking

Long-Term Parking is situated north of the terminals, and is available by taking the AirTrain Blue Line (open 24 hours). This is the cheapest on-site accommodation, and is about $18 per night — so it is worth considering for longer stays or more than a few days. The AirTrain efficiently links the lot to all terminals.

Travelers wishing to get to their gate quickly will enjoy the premium convenience of parking at ParkFAST or ParkVALET. 24/7 valet service is available, and attendants will take care of your vehicle curbside. The valet Business Center features free drinks, phone chargers, and newspapers. This is a level of service that will cost you a minimum of $40–$45 per day.

Conclusion

San Francisco International Airport is much more than an ordinary airport; it reflects the region that it serves: excellent, diversified, and smartly designed. With the famous Harvey Milk Terminal and the highly acclaimed International Terminal (to be rechristened after former Mayor Dianne Feinstein), SFO remains committed to developing its facilities further.

From figuring out TSA lines as a first-time visitor to dealing with the outdoor-only smoking rules, being a smoker, or considering your parking choices as a frequent flier, planning can help you avoid problems during your trip through SFO. Consider joining a trusted traveler program if you’re a regular traveler and look for alternatives such as BART or reserved off-site parking. Have safe flights.

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