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.
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I would rate SFO a very people-friendly airport!!! -Da Norseman
SFO Airport Overview
San Francisco Airport (code: SFO) has four terminals: Terminal 1 (Gates B), Terminal 2 (Gates D), Terminal 3 (Gates E and F), and the International Terminal (Boarding Areas A and G). Terminals are connected landside by walkways and the free AirTrain, which also links to parking and BART. 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.
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.
Cold temperatures, bright lights and frequent announcements are common complaints, so bring a blanket, eye mask and earplugs.
Airport staff are generally tolerant of sleepers, often checking ID and boarding passes overnight for security.
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. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our San Francisco Airport Guide.
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.
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.
Airport Hours
San Francisco International Airport is open 24 hours.
Keep in mind that TSA security, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary by terminal and airline, and some checkpoints close overnight. If you are in the public (landside) area late at night, you may not be able to access the secure (airside) area until early morning. Always confirm your specific checkpoint and airline hours before settling in. Theses were the checkpoint hours as of November 2025 (subject to change)
- Boarding Area A: 4:15 AM – 2:00 AM
- Boarding Area B: 3:15 AM – 12:30 AM
- Boarding Area B, Mezzanine Level: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Boarding Area D: 3:15 AM – 12:30 AM
- Boarding Area F (checkpoint 1): 3:15 AM – 12:30 AM
- Boarding Area G: 4:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Rest & Relaxation Zones
SFO does not offer designated rest or sleep zones. Travellers looking for quieter spots overnight generally rely on padded benches, gate seating, or low-traffic areas, particularly in the International Terminal. Paid nap rooms are available.
Note that seating availability and comfort vary by terminal, and overnight quiet areas can change depending on security closures and cleaning schedules.
Cots
SFO does not provide cots to stranded travellers. During major flight disruptions, airlines may distribute blankets on a limited basis, but this is not guaranteed. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
San Francisco Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
Day Rooms: Yes
Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
If sleeping in the terminal isn’t appealing, there are both in-airport and nearby hotel options. Nap rooms and showers are available at FreshenUp in the International Terminal, while several off-airport hotels offer free shuttle service. For airport pick-up, use the courtesy phones at the shuttle kiosk.
Hotel inside San Francisco Airport
Nap Rooms – FreshenUp is located in the International Terminal, Landside, near the entrance to Boarding Area G. It offers private nap rooms and paid showers. Nap rooms are generally available during daytime and evening hours, with limited overnight availability. Showers are offered for a fee, with a discounted rate when booked alongside a nap room. Showers are available for $30.00/30 minutes or $25 if you’re booking a nap room. Small nap room – Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Rates: $150 (three hours) • $195 (four hours) • $245 (five hours) • $275 (Overnight 7 PM – 7 AM). Large nap room – Hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Rates: $175 (three hours) • $210 (four hours) • $255 (five hours) • $290 (Overnight 7 PM – 7 AM).
Hotels at the Airport
- Grand Hyatt at SFO – The Grand Hyatt at SFO is the only hotel directly connected to the terminals via AirTrain. » Check Rates
Nearby hotels with free airport shuttles
- 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 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.
American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal 1, near Gate B13, post-security. Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:30 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($79, for passengers on American or oneworld flights excluding JetBlue transatlantic) • Lounge membership programs (Admirals Club) • American Airlines First/Business Class passengers (on American or oneworld flights) • oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members • Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® cardholders.
The Club SFO – Location: Terminal 1, near Gate B6, post-security. Hours: 4:30 AM – 11:30 PM. Showers: Yes ($25 for 30-minute slot, bookable at concierge). Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (Walk-in rate: $45, subject to availability) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs.
United Club (Terminal 1) – Location: Terminal 1, near Gate B17, post-security. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($59, for United or Star Alliance passengers) • Lounge membership programs (United Club) • United Business/First Class passengers (on United or Star Alliance flights) • Star Alliance Gold members • select United credit cardholders.
Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal 2, near Gate C3, post-security. Hours: 4:30 AM – 10:30 PM (Sun – Mon) • 4:30 AM AM – 12:00 AM (Tues – Fri) • 4:30 AM – 10:30 PM (Sat). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Delta One passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members (on SkyTeam flights) • Lounge membership programs (Delta Sky Club) • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum/Reserve American Express Card holders.
The Centurion Studio – Location: Terminal 3, near Gate F2, post-security (adjacent to The Centurion Lounge). Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: American Express Platinum Card® members • Centurion® members.
United Club (Terminal 3, Concourse E) – Location: Terminal 3, near Gate E4, post-security. Hours: 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Lounge membership programs (United Club) • United Business/First Class passengers (on United or Star Alliance flights) • Star Alliance Gold members • select United credit cardholders. Day pass: $59, for United or Star Alliance passengers.
United Club – Location: Terminal 3, near Gate F11, post-security. Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:55 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door ($59, for United or Star Alliance passengers) • Lounge membership programs (United Club) • United Business/First Class passengers (on United or Star Alliance flights) • Star Alliance Gold members • select United credit cardholders.
Golden Gate Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, near Gate A5, post-security (above Air France-KLM Lounge). Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. No walk-in or pay-at-the-door rates available. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, near Gate A8, post-security. Hours: 7:25 AM – 10:40 PM (aligned with Cathay Pacific flights). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Cathay Pacific First/Business Class passengers • oneworld Emerald/Sapphire members (on oneworld flights), Marco Polo Club Diamond/Gold/Silver members.
China Airlines Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, near Gate A3, post-security. Hours: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM (aligned with China Airlines flights). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge passes • China Airlines Business Class passengers • SkyTeam Elite Plus members (on SkyTeam flights) • Paragon/Emerald members.
Emirates Lounge – Location: International Terminal A, near Gate A9, post-security. Hours: 12:45 PM – 4:45 PM (aligned with Emirates flights). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Emirates First/Business Class passengers • Skywards Platinum/Gold members.
United Polaris Lounge – Location: International Terminal G, near Gate G1, post-security. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: Yes (shower suites). Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: Yes (private day beds in quiet rooms). Lounge Access: United Polaris Business Class passengers • Star Alliance long-haul international First/Business Class passengers.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse – Location: International Terminal A, near Gate A4, post-security. Hours: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM (aligned with Virgin Atlantic flights). Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers • Flying Club Gold members • Delta One passengers (on Virgin Atlantic flights) • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold/PPS members (on Virgin Atlantic flights).
Military Lounges
USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active US military members and their families. Location: Terminal 1, pre-security, Mezzanine Level (near Check-in Area). Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Showers: Yes. Dedicated Rest Zone: Yes. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Active U.S. military personnel and their families with valid military ID. No walk-in or paid access for non-military passengers.
Drinking Water
Water bottle refill stations (Hydration Stations) are available airside at all boarding Areas in the Domestic and International Terminals.
Food & Drinks
Dining options operate on varied schedules, with many opening around 4:30 AM. Overnight food choices are extremely limited. At the time of this update, vending machines offering drinks and packaged snacks are the only reliable 24-hour option.
If you staying overnight, plan accordingly.
[ read more ]Luggage Storage & Lockers
Luggage storage is available at the Airport Travel Agency. Rates vary by bag size and storage duration.
Location: International Terminal, Landside, near the entrance to Boarding Area G
Hours: Approximately 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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. (subject to change)
Mobile Charging
Power outlets and USB charging ports are widely available throughout SFO, including at most gates and seating areas.
Some rapid-charging stations are available in Terminals 2 and 3; availability and fees may vary.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight.
- Airside: The following pay-per-use lounge are equipped with shower facilities: Air France • American Airlines Admirals Club • Centurion Lounge • Delta Sky Lounge • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse.[ see Airport Lounges above ]
- Landside: In the public area on the terminal, you can find showers at Freshen’ Up in the International Terminal (Landside, Entrance to Concourse G, Main Hall). Hours: 24 hours. Fee: $30 for the Deluxe Shower (30-minute shower, towel, soap, shampoo, lotion, shower shoes, and a hairdryer if required). Airport employees and the military pay $15.
WiFi / 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.
Security & 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 Information
Duty-Free & Shopping – DFS Duty Free operates multiple airside locations in the International Terminal. In addition, there are plenty of convenience-style shops and newsstands throughout the airport for snacks, reading material, and last-minute essentials. [ read more ]
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Nursing rooms and family restrooms are available throughout SFO in both landside and airside areas. Look for “Nursery” or “Family Restroom” signage, or ask airport staff for assistance.
- Children’s Play Area – SFO Kids’ Spot interactive play areas are available in several terminals to help younger travellers burn off energy. Availability may vary by terminal and time of day.
- Rental Equipment – Cloud of Good offers rentals such as strollers and car seats, which can be ordered online and picked up at the airport.
Information Desk – Airport information desks are located throughout the terminals and can assist with directions and general questions.
Luggage
- Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Smarte Carte luggage carts are available throughout the airport for a fee.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Luggage Wrapping – Paid luggage wrapping services have been offered at SFO in the past, primarily in the International Terminal. Availability may be limited or temporary, so travellers should confirm on arrival.
Medical Services – A medical clinic is located landside in the International Terminal and provides basic medical care during weekday business hours.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available throughout the airport in both landside and airside areas. Fees may apply depending on your bank.
- Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available in the International Terminal, with hours varying based on flight schedules.
Pet Relief Areas – Indoor and outdoor pet relief areas are available in several terminals, both airside and landside. Most are accessible 24 hours.
Reading Room – A Christian Science Reading Room offers a quiet place for reading and reflection during daytime hours. Location: Terminal 2, Level 2, near the entrance to Gates C2-C11. Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Reflection Room – The Berman Reflection Room provides a space for “quiet self-reflection and meditation”. Location: International Terminal, Main Hall, Landside. Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
SIM Cards – SIM cards and basic mobile services are available for purchase in the International Terminal Arrivals area.
Spa – Not available.
Traveller Services – The Airport Travel Agency in the International Terminal offers services such as notary assistance, passport photos, and document copying.
Wag Brigade – SFO’s Wag Brigade features trained therapy dogs that roam select areas of the airport to help reduce traveller stress.
Workstations – Workstations with power outlets are available throughout the airport.
Yoga Room – The airport’s yoga studio comes equipped with complimentary mats and offers a quiet place to stretch or relax between flights. Locations: Terminal 3, Airside, Boarding Area E, near Gate E6. Hours: 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Related Pages: Things to do on a layover 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: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Movie and Portable Entertainment rentals – InMotion Entertainment used to offer electronics, accessories, movie and game rentals for your trip or extended stay at the airport in the following 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 – At one point, the airport featured 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).
Outdoor Terrace – Watch the planes take off and land from the outdoor terrace. Location: International Terminal, Boarding Area G, Airside. • Terminal 2, Landside. Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Fri – Mon).
Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at San Francisco Airport
Bus
SamTrans Public Bus Service provides 24-hour bus service (via routes 140, 292, 397) between SFO, Daly City, south to Palo Alto 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 • Grand Hyatt at SFO • Hotel 1550 • Hotel Aura San Bruno • La Quinta Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport West • San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront • 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 and the Long Term Parking. 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.
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.
Train
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. BART connects SFO to the CalTrain network at Millbrae Station, a common stop on both networks. For further information, visit the CalTrain website.
Related Pages: 12 things to do on a layover at San Francisco Airport
Last updated: 2025-11-26
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.