San Francisco International Airport

Traveling to and from San Francisco International Airport

On this page, you will find the information you need to easily make your way through San Francisco International Airport and to your destination.

Guide to San Francisco International Airport

Arrival and departure terminal maps and information for San Francisco International Airport.

Arrival Terminal

Arrival map of San Francisco airport
On Arrival
  • Please present your passport.
  • See Special Guidance on this page for special Immigration rules for passengers entering the U.S. from abroad.
Customs

Carry-on luggage may be inspected.

Departure Terminal

Departure map of San Francisco airport
Airport Map Information
Check-In
Fast Track Security Screening

Some travelers are eligible for Fast Track Security Screening. Travelers should look for the Premier Access signs.

Eligible Travelers

  • First class
  • Business class
  • Diamond service members
  • Platinum service members
  • Super Flyers members
  • Star Alliance Gold members

Transit

Transit map of San Francisco airport
Transiting from ANA to United Airlines

After completing the arrival procedure, go to the dedicated exit for connecting

flights and then proceed to Terminal 3.

Transiting from United Airlines to ANA

Go to the ANA departure flight gate from the dedicated passage for connecting passengers that links Terminal 3 (around gate F1) and Terminal G (around gate G1). If you have not finished with check-in, the ANA staff at the boarding gate will assist you.

Transiting from Other Airlines to ANA

Please use the free Air Train or walk to the ANA check-in counter at International Terminal G.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Downtown San Francisco

  • * "→" indicates the route.

City Buses

Sam Trans

SFO → Salesforce Transit Center in the San Francisco city

  • Platform: Board from City Bus Courtyard A, International Terminal Level 1
  • Traveling time: No.292 route approx. 50 minutes, No.398 route approx. 40 to 55 minutes
  • Fare: Both No.292, No.398 $2.25 (As a provisional measure against COVID-19, passengers get on from the back door and riding is free (no fare). The number of passengers is limited.)
  • Operating hours: No. 292: Mon to Fri 4:25 to 1:42 the next day (15 to 60 minute intervals), Sat, Sun 4:30 to 1:32 the next day (30 to 60 minute intervals). No. 398: Mon to Fri 5:53 to 22:36 (50 to 65 minute intervals), Sat 6:34 to 22:26 (approx. 60 minute intervals), Sun 6:30 to 21:29 (approx. 60 minute intervals).

Rail (Lines that are running as of November 2020)

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)

SFO → stations of BART in the San Francisco city

  • Platform: BART station connected directly to International Terminal G side. Station is on the Departures Level (Level 3)
  • Time required: 30 to 40 minutes to the downtown stations Powell St, Montgomery St and Embarcadero.
  • Fare: 10.15 ($9.65 with the Clipper smart card)
  • Operating hours: Mon to Sat 4:56 to 21:04, Sun 7:48 to 21:18 (20 to 30 minutes intervals)

Taxi

  • Platform: Taxis depart from outside the exit of the International Terminal Arrivals Level (Level 2). Attendants are present
  • Time required: 20 to 50 minutes (depending on the destination or on traffic conditions)
  • Fare: $50 to 90 (Airport surcharge is an extra $5. Tips are separate and are about 15 to 20% of the fare)
  • Operating hours: 24 hours

Instructions for San Francisco International Airport

Before Traveling to the USA

Passengers traveling to the United States from abroad must provide passport information and the documents listed here that are required for entering the United States.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA):

Passengers are required to obtain pre-travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization -ESTA- (Need fee) to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (see below).

  • ESTA must be completed before commencing boarding procedures for a USA-bound flight. Customers cannot board without travel authorization.
  • U.S. authorities strongly advise travelers who wish to travel to the USA to apply at least 72 hours before their travel date.
  • An ESTA application is required even when traveling to a third country via the USA.

Secure Flight Program:

The Secure Flight Program requires passengers to provide their passport name, date of birth and gender at least 72 hours prior to departure or at the time of booking if the reservation is made inside the 72-hour window.

Visa Waiver Program

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Travelers must have a valid ESTA approval prior to travel and must meet all requirements for the program.

  • If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

VWP Participating Countries

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brunei
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan*
  • United Kingdom*

Recent VWP Changes

Recent changes to the Visa Waiver Program prohibit the following customers from travelling under VWP; such passengers must apply for a non-immigrant visa.

  • Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on and after March 1, 2011.
  • Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

A waiver may be obtained on a case-by-case basis for those who have traveled to the areas mentioned above for official duties of an international organization, regional organizations or sub-national government; journalists for reporting purposes; and legitimate business-related purposes in Iran and Iraq. Please contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for waiver information.

Required Passenger Information

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration requires that all passengers provide the following information at least 72 hours before departure to the United States.

  • Full Name (the first and last name registered on your passport)
  • Date of Birth (according to the Western calendar)
  • Gender
  • Redress Number if you have one.
    • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants Redress Numbers as a means of protecting passengers who may be incorrectly identified as being on a watch list due to various reasons, such as sharing a first and last name with a suspected terrorist.
    • Passengers will have to apply to the TRIP (Traveler Redress Inquiry Program) to obtain a Redress Number.
  • Known Traveler Number if you have one.
    • A Known Traveler Number is a PASS ID provided to members of trusted traveler programs, such the Global Entry Program. Those in possession of this ID are eligible for TSA PreCheck®, the TSA's expedited screening program.
    • Passengers who are eligible for this program are able to experience quicker process of U.S. airport security screening by passing through a dedicated lane and are not required to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops and liquids. Children 12 and under accompanied by an eligible passenger may go through the dedicated lane as well. Learn more about TSA PreCheck®.

Enhanced Security of Electronic Devices

The U.S. has recently enhanced its security measures to include security checks of some electronic devices on flights bound to the US. Some electronic devices must undergo security check at the boarding gate based on TSA regulations.