Sleeping in Airports

San Francisco Airport Guide

sleeping in san francisco airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / October 2022)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our San Francisco Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

I would rate SFO a very people-friendly airport!!!  -Da Norseman

SFO Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at San Francisco International Airport.

What to Expect

San Francisco Airport (code: SFO)  has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and the International Terminal. The terminals are connected on the landside by walkways and an Air Train. Airport features include local food outlets, free WiFi, and showers in the International Terminal. Looking for some creature comforts? Economy class passengers can pay to enter a few airport lounges.

San Francisco Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a guest traveller / 1Apr2018)

Sleeping in San Francisco Airport

Delays are common thanks to notorious Bay Area weather, so you won’t be the only one looking for a place to catch some Z’s. Overnight campers generally have no problems but will have to search for comfortable seating. The seating varies across the four terminals, though the International Terminal may be the most comfortable. Look around for new, padded, comfy, modern furniture on the airside. Other seating includes leather loungers, but they are equipped with armrests. If you want more privacy, keep your eyes peeled for some hallways and corners, but be prepared to sleep on the floor – some carpeted. A sleep mat, blanket, or sleeping bag will go far to provide some much-needed cushion. Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:

  • Terminal 2, head to the hallway towards Gates 50-60 or Gates 40-48, near the yoga room, for an area with some couches.
  • Terminal 2, Gates 52-54 have quiet corners for floor sleeping.
  • Terminal 3, head to the food court at night and try moving furniture around for a makeshift bed.
  • Terminal 3, landside, has some couch-like benches. If that fails, try pushing furniture together for a makeshift bed with some privacy.

Cold temperatures, bright lights and frequent announcements are common complaints, so bring a blanket, eye mask and earplugs.

For uninterrupted sleep, check out the in-airport nap rooms, rented by the hour, or take a free shuttle to one of the nearby hotels. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.

Read traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our San Francisco Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Remember that TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to boarding areas:

  • Boarding Area A: 4:30 AM – 2:00 AM
  • Boarding Area B: 4:00 AM – 12:30 AM
  • Boarding Area C: 4:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Boarding Area D: 3:45 AM – 12:30 AM
  • Boarding Area F (checkpoint 1): 3:30 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Boarding Area F (checkpoint 2): 5:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Boarding Area G: 4:30 AM – 1:00 AM

rest zonesRest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

airport hotelsSan Francisco Airport Hotels

Quick Facts

Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
Day Rooms: Yes
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at San Francisco Airport in comfort.   If you are on a layover, you must pass security to access FreshenUp, where three nap rooms are available for short-term stays. Off airport grounds, most nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles. For airport pick-up, use the courtesy phones in the baggage claim area.

Hotel inside San Francisco Airport

Nap Rooms – Three nap rooms are available at FreshenUp, located inside the International Terminal, landside, level G, Main Hall, next to the Airport Travel Agency. The rooms have a bed, free WiFi, a desk and a mirror. Showers are available for an additional cost. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Rates: $40 (one hour) • $120 (eight hours – 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM) • $10 (per 15-minute increments for first two hours and then $8 per 15-minute increment after two hours).

Nearby hotels with free airport shuttles

  • Grand Hyatt at SFO – Connected to the airport via the AirTrain. » Check Rates
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites  » Check Rates
  • Aloft San Francisco Airport    » Check Rates
  • The Westin San Francisco Airport   » Check Rates
  • San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront   » Check Rates
  • Vagabond Inn Executive San Francisco Airport    » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near San Francisco Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

airport loungeAirport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Air France – KLM Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, Level 3. Lounge Access:  Pay at the door (USD$60) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
  • Alaska Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.
  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate B13. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
  • Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal 3, Airside, Boarding Area F, Gate 74. Showers are available. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
  • China Airlines Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, Concourse A, Level 4, near Gate A1. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs. » Buy Lounge Pass
  • Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Concourse C, near Gate 41. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of Delta Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
  • Golden Gate Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, Airside, Level 4. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs. » Buy Lounge Pass
  • United Club – Multiple Location – (two) Domestic Terminal and (one) International Terminal. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • Lounge membership programs.
  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Location:  International Terminal A, Landside, Check-point A, Level 5. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges (members only)

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Terminal 1, Airside: Delta Sky Club

International Terminal, Airside: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse  • Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge • Philippines Airlines Mabuhay Lounge  • China Airlines Dynasty Lounge • Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge • The Emirates Lounge.

Military Lounges

USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active US military members and their families. Location:  Terminal 1 – landside, Mezzanine Level. Access via the elevators located behind the Delta Airlines ticket counter.

Related Pages: San Francisco Airport Lounges

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Water bottle refill stations (Hydration Stations) are available airside at all boarding Areas in the Domestic and International Terminals.

foodFood & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. Many open as early as 4:30 AM. At the time of this update, there were no 24-hour food concessions. Vending machines dispensing drinks and snacks are available in all terminals.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage Storage is available at the Airport Travel Agency. Rates vary according to size. Sample rates: small bag/$US 8.00/hour up to $US 25.00/day; large bag/$US 10.00/hour up to $US 35.00/day. Location: International Terminal – landside, Main Hall. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

Workstations and power outlets can be found throughout the Terminals for free (probably slower) charging. For rapid charging at a fee, head to one of these three locations: Terminal 1, Boarding Area B near Gate 23 • Terminal 3, Boarding Area E near Gate 61 • Terminal 3, Boarding Area F near Gate 87.

showersShowers

Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight.

  • In the secure zone, if you are flying Delta or American Airlines, you can purchase a Single Visit Pass to use the shower facilities included at these locations. [ see Airport Lounges above ]
  • In the public area on the terminal, you can find showers at Freshen’ Up in the International Terminal (landside, level G, Main Hall). Hours: 24 hours. Fee: $25 for the Deluxe Shower (30-minute shower, towel, soap, shampoo, lotion, shower shoes, and a hairdryer if required). Airport employees and the military pay $12.

wifiWiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available at San Francisco Airport. Connect to the “#SFO FREE WIFI” network. The service is available for four hours; however, if you accept the “terms and conditions” when prompted, you will continue to have free access.

alertSecurity & Safety

Airport staff are generally tolerant of airport sleepers. They may wake you at night to check your ID and boarding pass.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at San Francisco Airport. However, a few travellers reported homeless folk wandering in the public areas of the terminals overnight.

However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

  • Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
  • Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
  • Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
  • Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.

more airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Business Center – TripTel Business Center offers various services, including mobile phone rentals, copying, faxing, etc. Location: International Terminal, Main Hall. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM.

Duty-Free & Shopping – DFS Duty-Free Galleria has three airside locations in the International Terminal A (Gate A2) and International Terminal G (G Gates Entrance & near Gates G1-14). In addition, you will find a good selection of stores to pass away the time, including at least ten newspaper/convenience-style shops for last-minute items.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – Nursing rooms are available if you are travelling with an infant. Locations: Terminal 1, Airside • Terminal 2, Landside and Airside • Terminal 3, Airside. Look for the Nursery and Family Restroom Signs and use the airport courtesy phone to request access.
  • Children’s Play Area – You can keep your small children entertained at the SFO Kids’ Spot interactive exploration areas. Locations: Terminal 1 (Boarding Area B, near Gate 22) • Terminal 2 (Boarding Area D near Gates 54A and 58B, post-security ) • Terminal 3 (Airside, Boarding area F near Gate 87A) • Terminal 3 (Airside, Boarding Area E, near Gate 62). Hours: Open 24 hours.
  • Rental Equipment – Cloud of Good offers car seats, strollers and other baby equipment rentals. Order online, and the item will be delivered to one of three kiosks.

Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the airport information desk for assistance. Locations: throughout the terminals.

Luggage

  • Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts (Smarte Carte) are available. Rate: $8.00 per cart.
  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
  • Luggage Wrapping – Protect your bags from theft and damage by having them wrapped in plastic. Locations: at Airport Travel Agency, International Terminal, Main Hall, landside (Hours:6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Rates $US 11.00/bag) • LMD Baggage Wrapping Kiosk, International Terminal, Main Hall, landside (Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Rates $US 9.00/bag).

Medical Services – SFO Medical Clinic provides medical treatments. Location: International Terminal, Landside, Main Hall, on the Boarding Area A side, Departures/Ticketing Level. Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mon – Fri) and 9:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Sat).

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside. There are Travelex ATM Machines available for international currency: Departures Level near the Food Court by Boarding Area A • Boarding Area A near Gate A10 • Departures Level near the Food Court by Boarding Area G • Boarding Area G near Gate G91.
  • Currency Exchange – Travelex America has several currency exchange offices throughout the International Terminal and one in Terminal 3 (Boarding Area F, near Gate 71, Airside). See also ATMS for locations of foreign currency Travelex ATMs. Hours: vary with flight schedules.

Pet Relief  Areas – Travelling with a four-legged companion? Several indoor and outdoor pet relief areas are located at SFO! Hours: 24 hours. Locations:

  • Outdoor: Terminal 1, Landside, Courtyard 2, Arrivals/Baggage Claim • Terminal 3, Landside, Courtyard 4, Arrivals/Baggage Claim
  • Indoor: International Terminal A, Airside • Terminal 1, Airside, near Gate B6  Terminal 1, Airside, near Gates C5-C7 • Terminal 2, Airside, D gates • Terminal 3, Airside, near Gate F11.

Reading Room – The Christian Science Reading Room offers a quiet room to read, meditate and relax. Location: Terminal 1, near the entrance to Gates 40-48, Landside • Terminal 2, Level 2, near the entrance to Gates C2-C11. Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Reflection Room – The Berman Reflection Room offers a space for “quiet self-reflection and meditation”. Location: International Terminal, Main Hall, Landside. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

SIM Cards – See TripTel in “Business Center” above.

Spa – Not available.

Traveller’s Aid – Traveller’s Aid is a non-profit organization that assists stranded and distressed passengers. Volunteers assist passengers with general airport and destination queries and situations such as transportation assistance, lost or stolen money, wiring money, emergency housing, etc. Locations: Terminal 1, Landside, across from exit door #6 • Terminal 2, Landside, Level 2, center of terminal • Terminal 3, Airside, Level 2, beginning of Concourse F, across from Yankee Pier Restaurant • International Terminal, Landside, Level 3, 2 locations between the food courts and security entrances • International Terminal, Landside, Level 3, 2 locations across from aisles # 4 and 9. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Traveller Services – The Airport Travel Agency provides notary services, passport photos, copying, and more. Location: International Terminal, Main Hall, Landside. Hours: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Wag Brigade – In an effort to de-stress passengers, the airport launched the “Wag Brigade.” Look for trained dogs (currently more than 20!) wearing vests that read “Pet Me!”

Workstations – Charge your laptop, phone, etc, free of charge. Available throughout the airport.

Yoga Room – Relax or stretch between flights at one of the airport’s yoga studios. The studios come equipped with complimentary practice mats. Locations: Terminal 2, airside, Boarding Area D, adjacent to the Recompose Area • Terminal 3, airside, Boarding Area E, near Gate 69. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at San Francisco Airport

Things to do at San Francisco Airport

Art At SFO – The airport has permanent and rotating art exhibitions throughout the terminals.

Aviation Museum – Location: International Terminal, Main Hall, Landside. Hours: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Flight Deck – Interactive touchscreen kiosks containing information about SFO Airport and San Francisco. Location: Terminal 3, Boarding Area E, near Gate 60, Airside. Hours: open 24 hours.

Movie and Portable Entertainment rentals – InMotion Entertainment offers electronics, accessories, movie and game rentals for your trip or extended stay at the airport. There are 3 locations:

  • International Terminal – landside, Main Hall. Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
  • Terminal 3 – airside, Boarding area F near Gate 71. Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
  • Terminal 3 – airside, Boarding area F at the entrance to Gates 80-90 Located airside Concourse C. Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM.

Museum – There are 40 exhibitions showcasing cultural, art, historical and scientific topics. Locations: Terminal 1 (Arrivals Level; Departures Level; Boarding Area B, Landside & Airside) • Terminal 2 (Departures Level, Landside & Airside) • Terminal 3 (Departures Level, Landside & Airside) • International Terminal (Main Hall and near Boarding Areas A and G, Landside & Airside). Hours: open 24 hours.

Outdoor Terrace – Watch the planes take off and land from the outdoor terrace. Location: International Terminal, Boarding Area G, Airside. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM.

Self-Guided Tours – There are three self-guided tours available at SFO. Children who complete the route can receive a prize from the Information Deck upon completion (Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM). Check out the routes: Terminal 2 • Terminal 3 • International Terminal.

Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at San Francisco Airport

Airlines
San Francisco Airport is served by the following airlines: Aer Lingus • Aeroméxico • Air Canada • Air China • Air France • Air India • Air New Zealand • Air Transat • Alaska Airlines • American Airlines • All Nippon Airways • Asiana Airlines • Avianca • Breeze • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • China Airlines • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern • Condor • Copa Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Emirates • EVA Air • Fiji Airways • Flair Airlines • Frenchbee • Frontier Airlines • Hawaiian Airlines • Iberia • Japan Airlines • JetBlue • KLM • Korean Air • Level • Lufthansa • Philippine Airlines • Qantas • Qatar • SAS • Singapore Airlines • Southwest Airlines • Sun Country • Swiss • TAP Portugal • Turkish Airlines • United Airlines • Vietnam Airlines • Virgin Atlantic • WestJet.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

SamTrans Public Bus Service provides 24-hour bus service (via routes 140, 292, 398) between SFO, San Mateo County and parts of San Francisco.

  • Terminal 2:  Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, center island adjacent to Courtyard 2
  • Terminal 3:  Arrivals/Baggage Claim Level, curbside adjacent to Courtyard 4
  • International Terminal:  Level 1 at Courtyard A and curbside adjacent to Courtyard G

For routes, fares and schedules, go to the SamTrans website.

Car Rentals

SFO’s on-site car rental agencies operate within the airport’s Car Rental Center on the 4th floor and are accessible from the terminals via the AirTrain Blue Line.  4th Floor: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thrifty.   Off-site car rental agencies provide a free shuttle.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels offer airport shuttle service:  Aloft San Francisco Airport   •   Comfort Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport West   •   Days Inn San Francisco International Airport West   •   Hotel Aura San Bruno   •   La Quinta Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport West   •   Super 8 San Bruno / San Francisco Intl Airport West   •   The Westin San Francisco Airport   •   Vagabond Inn Executive SFO Airport.

Courtesy shuttles pick-up from the “Hotel Courtesy Shuttle” zones located on the center island, Level 2 (Departures/Ticketing) of each terminal. You can call your hotel using the courtesy phones at the shuttle kiosk.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Transportation

The AirTrain Red Line connects all terminals, airport garages (excluding long-term parking) and SFO BART station, while the AirTrain Blue Line connects all those areas with the Rental Car Center. Both lines run in intervals as frequently as every four minutes. AirTrain stations and trains are fully wheelchair-accessible.

To reach the long-term parking facilities, take one of the free SFO shuttle buses from the terminals. Buses run every 5 – 15 minutes.

Private Transportation Networks

SFO Airport is served by Lyft, Sidecar, UberX and Wingz. These networks provide chauffeured transportation between the airport and the requested destination using the driver’s personal vehicle. Services are pre-booked online or via a smartphone app. Contact your service provider of choice for rates and information.

Ride Share Apps

Lyft, Uber & Wingz pick-up domestic arrivals from the Parking Garage, Level 5 and international arrivals from the International Terminal, Departures/Ticketing Level, center island, Ride-App Pick-Up/Drop-Off zones 14-17.

Shared Ride Vans

Several companies offer shared ride service to and from SFO. Reservations are not required for service from the airport but are strongly suggested, especially for rides after 11:00 PM. Rides to the airport, however, must always be pre-booked. At the time of this update, fares are $17.00 per passenger for a one-way ride between the airport and downtown San Francisco.

Taxi

Taxi ranks are located on the center island of the roadway, outside on the arrivals/baggage claim level of all terminals. Uniformed taxi coordinators are available on hand from 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM to assist passengers with questions or locate a wheelchair-accessible taxi for passengers who request one. At the time of this update, fares range from $47 – $67 for a one-way ride between the airport and downtown San Francisco.

Train

See Bus section above for info about connections to SamTrans Buses.

BART is a commuter train network serving San Francisco, northern San Mateo County and the East Bay. SFO has a BART station on the Departures/Ticketing level of the International Terminal at Boarding Area G. For BART ticket vouchers, fares, schedules and other information, visit the BART website.

CalTrain offers commuter rail service between San Francisco and San Jose, with weekday service to Gilroy. BART connects SFO to the CalTrain network at Millbrae Station, a common stop on both networks. For further information, visit the CalTrain website.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.