San Francisco Airport (SFO) Guide

Table of Contents

1. SFO Overview
2. Airport Hours
3. Rest & Sleep
4. Travel Code-Selected Hotels
5. Lounges
6. Drinking Water
7. Food & Drinks
8. Luggage Services
9. Mobile Charging
10. Showers
11. Wi-Fi / Internet
12. Security & Safety
13. More Facilities & Things to Do
14. Ground Transport

1. SFO Overview

San Francisco International Airport (IATA: SFO) operates four terminals: Terminal 1 (Gates B), Terminal 2 (Gates C/D), Terminal 3 (Gates E/F) and the International Terminal (Gates A/G). All buildings link landside by walkways and the free, 24-hour AirTrain, which also serves parking, the BART station and the Rental Car Center. Expect impressive local dining, rotating art exhibitions and handy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, showers, nursing rooms and yoga studios. Economy-class flyers can purchase single-visit access to several branded lounges listed below.

2. Airport Hours

The airport never closes; however, TSA checkpoints open and shut in line with airline schedules (roughly 03:30 – 01:00). Overnight guests must remain landside until screening re-opens. Exact checkpoint hours by boarding area are posted at every entrance and on flysfo.com.

3. Rest & Sleep Options

Free Rest Spots

• International Terminal food-court booths convert to padded benches after 23:00.
• Padded alcoves behind T3 Gate F3 and the window bay at T2 Gate D12 are favorites for layover naps.
• Lighting is bright and the A/C chilly; pack layers, an eye-mask and earplugs.

Paid Nap Rooms

FreshenUp (International Terminal, landside) rents private nap rooms from 06:00–19:00, minimum three-hour blocks, with optional ensuite showers.

For true comfort, many travelers book nearby airport hotels using the Travel Code platform; free shuttles run every 15-20 minutes from the “Hotel Courtesy Shuttle” zones on Level 2 of each terminal.

4. Travel Code-Selected Hotels

Inside the Airport

Grand Hyatt at SFO (airside access via AirTrain) – 351 rooms, runway views, day-use rates 08:00–18:00.

Top Nearby Picks with Free Shuttle

• Aloft San Francisco Airport – modern loft-style, live music nightly.
• The Westin SFO – 24-hour fitness studio, water-view jogging path.
• SFO Marriott Waterfront – popular with airline crews; bayside walking trail.

Compare real-time rates, photos and reviews on Travel Code before you land.

5. Lounges

Regardless of cabin class, anyone can buy entry to these pay-per-use lounges (first-come, first-served):

Terminal 1

• Alaska Lounge – Gate B6 – $60 walk-in.
• The Club SFO – Gate B6 – $45 or Priority Pass.
• American Airlines Admirals Club – Gate B13 – $79 day pass, showers available.

Terminal 2

• Delta Sky Club – Gate C3 – SkyMiles or partner cardholders.
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Gate D50 – prepaid pass or status.

Terminal 3

• Centurion Lounge – Gate F2 – Amex Platinum/Centurion holders, showers.
• United Club – Gates E4 & F11 – $59 day pass, showers.

International Terminal

• Air France-KLM Lounge – Gate A5 – $59 eligible SkyTeam.
• United Polaris Lounge – Gate G1 – rest suites for long-haul Business.
• USO Lounge – Terminal 1 mezzanine – free for active US military.

6. Drinking Water

Filtered hydration stations sit airside at every concourse entrance; BYO bottle and refill for free.

7. Food & Drinks

Most eateries open 04:30–22:30. 24-hour options are limited to vending machines near each security checkpoint. Local icons you shouldn’t miss: Boudin Bakery (sourdough bowls), Napa Farms Market (artisan snacks) and Amy’s Drive Thru (vegetarian).

8. Luggage Services

• Storage: Airport Travel Agency (Intl Terminal, landside) 06:00-23:00; small bag $8/hr ($25/day), large bag $10/hr ($35/day).
• Wrapping: LMD Kiosk, Intl Terminal main hall – currently paused, check updates.

9. Mobile Charging

Power bars and stand-up workstations line almost every gate. Rapid-charge kiosks (fee applies) stand at T1 Gate B23, T3 Gate E61 and T3 Gate F87.

10. Showers

Pay-per-use showers are offered at FreshenUp (landsid​e) and inside select lounges: Admirals Club, Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse and United Polaris. Walk-in rate $30 for 30 minutes at FreshenUp (includes towel, toiletries, hairdryer).

11. Wi-Fi / Internet

Connect to #SFO FREE WIFI. The session refreshes every four hours; re-accept the terms to continue browsing. No paywall, no data cap.

12. Security & Sleep Safety

Airport police patrol regularly and may request ID after midnight. Keep valuables hidden, secure bags to immovable objects and sleep near other travelers. While SFO is generally safe, a few guests have reported non-ticketed individuals roaming landside areas.

13. More Facilities & Activities

• Family: Nursing rooms (14 locations), Kids Spots play zones in T1, T2 & T3.
• Wellness: Yoga Room (T3 Gate E6, 04:00–23:00), Reflection Room (Intl Terminal, 09:00–19:00).
• Culture: Aviation Museum (Intl Terminal, 10:00–16:30) and 40+ rotating art exhibits.
• Pet Relief: Indoor parks at Gates B6, C5, F11 & G5; outdoor runs outside baggage claim.
• Work: Free workstations, printing/notary services at Airport Travel Agency.
• De-stress: Wag Brigade therapy dogs roam daily wearing “Pet Me!” vests.

14. Ground Transport

Rail

BART station sits in the International Terminal (Boarding G). Trains reach downtown SF in ~30 minutes. Caltrain connects via Millbrae.

Bus

SamTrans routes 140, 292 and 397 run 24/7 between SFO, Daly City and Palo Alto (fares from $2.25).

Ride-Share & Taxis

Uber, Lyft and Wingz pick up domestic passengers on Parking Garage Level 5; international rides depart from Departures Level islands 14–17. Metered taxis queue outside baggage claim, average $55–$70 downtown.

Car Rental

The Rental Car Center (AirTrain Blue Line) hosts Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt and Thrifty.

Plan & Book with Travel Code

Whether you’re hunting last-minute flight tickets, organizing business travel for your team or comparing airport hotels for an overnight layover, Travel Code’s all-in-one platform lets you search, book and manage every trip in just a few clicks.

This guide is for information only. Facilities, prices and schedules can change without notice. Please verify critical details with the provider before you travel. © 2025 Travel Code. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

• Sources: San Francisco International Airport, TSA.gov, airline & hotel partners