SFOKSFOLarge Airport

San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco, United States13 ft elevation

Plan transport

IATA

SFO

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

KSFO

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

13 ft

The airport is close to sea level, a detail travelers often notice in coastal weather and approach views.

Coordinates

37.62, -122.37

San Francisco map position.

Airport scale

Large Regional Gateway

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

San Francisco Airport overview

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves San Francisco, United States. It is listed as a large regional gateway, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through SFO.

The airport sits at 13 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are 37.6198, -122.3748, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in United States.

Nearby alternatives include San Carlos Airport (SQL) and Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across North America.

SFO planning callout

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time. For this page, compare SFO with nearby airport links and the United States country guide before finalizing route choices.

San Francisco Airport unique facts

SFO fact 1

San Francisco International Airport uses IATA code SFO and ICAO code KSFO.

SFO fact 2

SFO serves San Francisco in United States.

SFO fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #1696 by estimated passenger scale among listed United States airports.

SFO fact 4

Across North America, this airport ranks #2060 in the current featured airport set.

SFO fact 5

San Francisco International Airport is classified as a large regional gateway, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

SFO fact 6

SFO sits 13 feet above sea level.

San Francisco Airport facilities

San Francisco Airport restaurants

At SFO, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

SFO lounges

For San Francisco International Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

SFO WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving San Francisco Airport.

San Francisco airport parking

For departures from San Francisco, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

SFO accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through San Francisco International Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

SFO ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in United States; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

SFO currency exchange

Currency desks at San Francisco Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

SFO car rental

Save SFO as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

San Francisco Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near San Francisco International Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

SFO medical help

For urgent health needs at SFO, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

SFO charging

At San Francisco Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

SFO business travel

San Francisco International Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

SFO family travel

Families using SFO should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

San Francisco Airport terminals

SFO terminal planning

Terminal layouts at San Francisco International Airport can change by airline, route, and operating day. Confirm your SFO terminal after check-in, then use airport signage for transfers, baggage claim, and ground transport.

San Francisco Airport transportation

SFO taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at SFO when arriving late or carrying luggage into San Francisco.

SFO train or metro

If rail is available at San Francisco International Airport, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

SFO bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for San Francisco, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from SFO.

SFO driving and car rental

For rental cars, save the airport code SFO in navigation and follow terminal-specific return signs rather than only city-center directions.

San Francisco Airport location

SFO

San Francisco International Airport

37.6198, -122.3748

San Carlos Airport

16 km from SFO

Half Moon Bay Airport

16 km from SFO

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport

18 km from SFO

Hayward Executive Airport

23 km from SFO

San Francisco Airport traveler tips

SFO tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

SFO tip 2

Weather delays are usually more tied to regional systems than airport elevation.

SFO tip 3

For international departures, leave time for document checks before security as well as any terminal train or shuttle.

SFO tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around 37.62 latitude and -122.37 longitude.

SFO tip 5

Morning departures are often smoother when you pre-book parking, rideshare, or rail tickets.

SFO tip 6

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time.

San Francisco Airport FAQ

Where is San Francisco International Airport located?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is located in San Francisco, United States, at coordinates 37.6198, -122.3748.

What is the IATA code for San Francisco International Airport?

The IATA code for San Francisco International Airport is SFO. Its ICAO code is KSFO.

Is San Francisco International Airport a large airport?

San Francisco International Airport is classified as a large airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a large regional gateway in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at SFO?

For San Francisco International Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is San Francisco International Airport?

San Francisco International Airport is 13 feet above sea level; The airport is close to sea level, a detail travelers often notice in coastal weather and approach views..

Does San Francisco International Airport have scheduled airline service?

San Francisco International Airport is marked as having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does SFO serve?

SFO primarily serves San Francisco and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to SFO?

Nearby comparison airports include San Carlos Airport (SQL) and Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF).

What transport should I check first at SFO?

For North American airports, parking, rental-car shuttles, and rideshare pickup zones can add meaningful curb-to-gate time. For San Francisco International Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

San Francisco Airport related airports

ABQ

Albuquerque International Sunport

Albuquerque, United States

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

5,355 ft

North AmericaGuide

ALB

Albany International Airport

Albany, United States

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

285 ft

North AmericaGuide

ANC

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Anchorage, United States

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

152 ft

North AmericaGuide

ATL

Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Atlanta, United States

Type

Large Airport

Elevation

1,026 ft

North AmericaGuide

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