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San Francisco International Airport Insider Guide
SFOBig, modernizing, multiple terminals. Good lounges, solid food. AirTrain connects terminals; BART into the city.
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40min
Transit to city
🛂
60min
Immigration
🔒
45min
Security buffer
✅
Leave with 6–10 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
6–10h
10h+
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Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intl G | Polaris | United/Star biz/elite | Yes | Full buffet, showers | N/A |
| Intl A | SkyTeam/oneworld lounges (varies) | Alliance biz/elite | Yes (some) | Buffet, showers | N/A |
| Various | PP/contract lounges | PP/Dragon/Paid | Some | Snacks/buffet | About $35–60 USD |
Strong lounge lineup in Intl G; PP options in select areas.
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Traveler notes
- AirTrain makes terminal hops easy; still allow time for security.
- Polaris showers can queue at peaks.
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Sleep / Rest
- Some quiet corners; lounges are better. Nearby airport hotels via shuttle.
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Food
- Good local options (dungeness, burritos) plus chains; Intl G has stronger choices.
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Showers
- Polaris and some contract/PP lounges.
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Luggage Storage
- Limited/none; travel light.
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Transit to City
- BART: ~30 minutes to downtown; cheap and reliable.
- Taxi/Rideshare: 20–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- Buffer: Back at SFO 3h international, 2h domestic.
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Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Buy in city.
- ATMs: Decline DCC; pay in USD.
- Wi‑Fi: Free.
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