San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves San Francisco, CA. SFO is United's main West Coast hub and a key link to Asia and the Pacific. Call (800) 490-3234 to check live fares.
SFO at a glance
| Airport code | SFO |
|---|---|
| Serves | San Francisco, CA |
| Location | 37.62°, -122.38° |
| Standard time zone | Pacific (UTC-8) |
| Airline hubs | United Airlines and Alaska Airlines |
| Nearby airports | Oakland, San Jose |
About San Francisco International Airport
SFO is United's main West Coast hub and a key link to Asia and the Pacific. Its crossing runways make it sensitive to low clouds, which can cause ground delays on foggy mornings.
Airlines at SFO
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have a hub or major base here, which usually means more nonstop options and easier rebooking if a flight is disrupted.
Getting to and from SFO
BART trains run directly into the International Terminal and reach downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes.
Best time to fly
Fog is most common from June through August; fall is often the clearest time to fly.
Arrival and security tips
Plan to arrive about two hours before departure, and add time on holiday weekends, early mornings or when you check bags. Bring REAL ID-compliant identification or a passport. Our guide on arrival times covers the details.
Popular flights from and to SFO
Explore our guides for routes involving San Francisco:
- Boston to San FranciscoBOS to SFO
- Delhi to San FranciscoDEL to SFO
- Houston to San FranciscoIAH to SFO
- Los Angeles to San FranciscoLAX to SFO
- Mumbai to San FranciscoBOM to SFO
- New York to San FranciscoJFK to SFO
- Newark to San FranciscoEWR to SFO
- San Francisco to ChicagoSFO to ORD
- San Francisco to DenverSFO to DEN
- San Francisco to SeattleSFO to SEA
- Washington, D.C. to San FranciscoIAD to SFO
Frequently asked questions about SFO
Which airlines operate at SFO?
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have a hub or major operation at SFO. Other carriers also serve it, and schedules change by season.
How do I get from SFO to San Francisco?
BART trains run directly into the International Terminal and reach downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes.
How early should I arrive at SFO?
A common guideline is about two hours before departure, and longer during holiday periods or when you are checking bags. Check your airline's cutoff times.
When is the best time to fly to San Francisco?
Fog is most common from June through August; fall is often the clearest time to fly.
Are there other airports near San Francisco?
Yes. Options include Oakland and San Jose. Compare fares and ground transport before choosing.
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.