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San Francisco International Airport

The insider's guide, from travelers who've actually been through.

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What we'd tell a friend

Snapshot

Big, modernizing, multiple terminals. Good lounges, solid food. AirTrain connects terminals; BART into the city.

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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.

Traveler notes

  • AirTrain makes terminal hops easy; still allow time for security.
  • Polaris showers can queue at peaks.

Sleep / Rest

  • Some quiet corners; lounges are better. Nearby airport hotels via shuttle.

Food

  • Good local options (dungeness, burritos) plus chains; Intl G has stronger choices.

Showers

  • Polaris and some contract/PP lounges.

Luggage Storage

  • Limited/none; travel light.

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.

Essentials

  • SIM/eSIM: Buy in city.
  • ATMs: Decline DCC; pay in USD.
  • Wi‑Fi: Free.
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