San Francisco Airports Travel Guide

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Key Highlights

The San Francisco Bay Area has three big airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC).
San Francisco International Airport is nearest to the city. But, it sometimes has delays because of fog.
Oakland International Airport works well for budget airlines and if you want to go to the East Bay.
San Jose Mineta International Airport is good if you want to get to Silicon Valley. It also has many international flights.
The right choice of airport in the Bay Area depends on where you need to end up, the money you want to spend, and which airline you like.
Smaller regional airports in the San Francisco Bay Area help people with general aviation and some commercial travel.

Introduction

Welcome to the Golden City! Planning a trip to San Francisco can be a lot of fun. At the same time, picking the best airport for your flight in or out could feel a little hard. The San Francisco Bay Area is big and there are a few airports here. Each one has its own things that make it a good choice. You might want the most convenient international airport. Or maybe you like a smaller and calm place to land. This guide will help you learn all that you need about airports in the San Francisco Bay Area. We’ll make sure you know how to get in and out of the bay area with no problems.

Overview of Airports Serving San Francisco

When you fly into the Bay Area, you will see three main airports. The big airports here are San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and San Jose International Airport (SJC). Most people coming to this part of the United States use these three airports.

Beside these, the area has some smaller airports too. The smaller regional airports take care of general aviation and have just a few commercial flights. In this guide, we will talk about the major airports and also mention some of the other smaller options. This way, you get to know all your travel choices for the Bay Area. We will look at where each airport is, how to get there, and what you can do there. This can help you make a good choice for your next trip.

Major International Airports in the Bay Area

The three main airports you will think about for your trip are San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). All three airports have many domestic and international flights. They link the Bay Area to many places around the world.

San Francisco International Airport is the largest and the closest to downtown San Francisco. It is just 13 miles from the city’s center. This airport is a busy spot for both domestic and international flights.

Oakland International Airport is about 21 miles from San Francisco. This airport is known to have good deals, especially with budget airlines.

Mineta San Jose International Airport is farther south, about 45 miles from the heart of San Francisco. It is great if you want to go to Silicon Valley. Both international and domestic flights are offered here, and you may find fewer crowds than at San Francisco International Airport.

All of these airports are good options for your plans. The best one depends on where you want to go and what you need.

Smaller Regional and Local Airports Near San Francisco

Besides the main three, the Bay Area has a few smaller airports. These Bay Area airports mostly help private pilots, business jets, and a small number of commercial flights. Because of this, they are not places that most people flying to San Francisco use. Still, it can be good to know about them. For example, if you have special travel plans or want to head to Wine Country, these smaller airports may work for you.

Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) is one of them. This airport has flights to a small number of cities on the West Coast. It can be a good pick if you want to spend your time in the north part of the bay or go around Sonoma County. A lot of the other local Bay Area airports get used mainly for general aviation.

Here are some of these smaller airports in the Bay Area:

Hayward Executive Airport (HWD)
Buchanan Field (CCR) in Concord
San Carlos Airport (SQL)
Crissy Army Air Field (JFO)

These airports do a key job in helping the region with travel and business. Still, they are not the main way most people come into San Francisco.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main international airport for people coming to San Francisco. It sits about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco and is the busiest airport in the Bay Area. This place is a key spot for both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, with many domestic flights and international arrivals from different parts of the world.

The airport is right on the San Francisco Bay, so you can get great views when your plane goes up or comes down. But sometimes there is fog, which can slow things down and cause delays. If you want to get around san francisco international airport easily, it helps to know the layout first. Now, let’s go over some important facts, learn about each terminal, and see all the things you will find at SFO.

Key Facts about SFO

San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports you will find in the United States. People know it for being a top place with many people coming and going every day. The airport has modern features and lots of flights. This international airport is a big hub for travelers coming to and leaving the Bay Area and is especially important for international arrivals on the West Coast.

San Francisco International has a nice location that stands out. But sometimes, the famous San Francisco fog can mess with the schedule and cause delays. Still, this airport is close to downtown San Francisco. It also has very good public transit links, like the Bay Area Rapid Transit, which makes it a smart and easy choice for travelers.

Here are a few key points about San Francisco International Airport:

Location: 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco.
Airlines: Serves 47 different airlines, including most major domestic and international carriers.
Passenger Volume: Handled nearly 58 million passengers in a recent year.
Transit: Directly connected to downtown via the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system.

SFO Terminals and Airport Layout

Navigating the SFO airport layout is straightforward once you understand its structure. The airport consists of four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3, which primarily handle domestic flights, and the International Terminal. All terminals are connected by the AirTrain, a free automated people mover that helps you get between terminals, parking garages, and the BART station.

Each terminal has its own security checkpoint, gates, and baggage claim areas. An airport map, available on the SFO website or on information screens throughout the airport, is your best tool for finding your way around this large San Francisco Bay airport.

Knowing which terminal your airline operates from is crucial. Here is a general guide to the SFO terminals:

Terminal	Primary Use
Terminal 1 (Harvey Milk Terminal 1)	Domestic Flights
Terminal 2	Domestic Flights
Terminal 3	Domestic Flights (Mainly United)
International Terminal (A & G Gates)	International and some Domestic Flights

Passenger Amenities and Dining at SFO

SFO is a place that many travelers know for its great services and things to do. The airport has many places to eat and shop. You will find quick spots for a bite and some nice restaurants that serve food from the san francisco area. There are shops that sell newspapers like the san francisco chronicle and the san francisco examiner. You can also shop at fancy stores.

There are more things to do besides eating and shopping. SFO has services that help make your trip better. There are nice lounges, stations to fill water bottles, and a museum with changing shows. The airport is always getting good reviews for keeping things clean and putting people first.

Some of the top things you can do at SFO are:

Free Wi-Fi in all the terminals
The SFO Museum, which has different exhibits in more than one spot
A Yoga Room in two of the terminals where you can relax
SkyTerrace, an outdoor place where you can look out over the airport

Transportation to and from SFO

Getting from San Francisco International Airport to your next stop is simple. There are many ways to go. While the international airport is in San Mateo County, it connects well to San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area. What you pick depends on your money, bags, and what you want.

Some of the top ways to travel from San Francisco International Airport are the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), taxis, rideshare apps, or rental cars. Below, we talk about these options. This will help you pick the best way to get to and from the airport.

Public Transit Options

If you want a fast and low-cost way to get into the city, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is a great pick. The SFO BART station sits right inside the International Terminal. You can reach it from any other terminal using the AirTrain. This simple link helps you skip traffic, letting you get moving fast.

It takes about 30 minutes to ride BART from SFO into downtown San Francisco, and the ticket is around $10. This choice saves people money, mostly if you are alone or just have a few bags. Trains come often. They connect the airport with San Francisco, the East Bay, and many other places in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Here are main public transit options you can choose from when leaving SFO:

BART: Quick rail service that goes right to downtown San Francisco and other Bay Area cities.
SamTrans: These buses take you from the airport to parts of San Mateo County and some spots in San Francisco.
Shared-Ride Vans: A cheaper way for groups going to the same area to travel together.
Hotel Shuttles: A lot of hotels have free shuttles you can use from the airport.

Taxi, Rideshare, and Private Transfers

If you want a simple, door-to-door service, you have many options for private transportation in San Francisco. You can find taxis easily at special areas right outside the baggage claim in each terminal. A taxi to downtown San Francisco usually takes about 30 minutes, but it can be more or less depending on traffic. You should expect to pay around $50 for this ride.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also easy to use and have their own pickup spots at the airport. When you get to the airport, you just use their apps to ask for a ride. If you want things to be smoother, you can book a private transfer before you get there. This is a good choice if you have kids with you or bring a lot of bags.

Taxi and Rideshare: These are good if you want to get there fast, but the price may change with traffic and how many people are using the service.
Private Transfers: You can book these ahead of time. You know the price before your trip, and your arrival will be easy and worry-free.

Parking Facilities and Car Rentals

For people who want to drive themselves, San Francisco International Airport gives you many choices for car rentals and parking lot options. The Rental Car Center at this international airport is in its own building. All the big car rental companies can be found there. It is easy to get to, just take the AirTrain’s Blue Line from any terminal.

If you drive your own car to San Francisco International Airport, you can pick from different parking lots. The parking lots include short-term hourly parking at the terminals and lower-priced long-term choices that give free shuttle rides to the airport. If you book your parking spot online ahead of time, you can often save some money.

Car Rentals: All major agencies can be found at the Rental Car Center.
Parking: You will have hourly, daily, and long-term parking lot options, along with valet service.

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is in the East Bay, right across the bay from San Francisco. It can be a great choice if you do not want to use SFO. Many people who use budget airlines like Southwest Airlines fly out of OAK. This airport is also an important base for Alaska Airlines. The airport usually has fewer weather delays than SFO, which is a big benefit.

OAK is about 21 miles from downtown San Francisco. But, with a good connection using BART, you can get into the city pretty easily. Now, let’s go over what you need to know about this international airport. We will look at the layout, latest perks, and what makes Oakland International Airport a good choice for your Bay Area trip.

OAK Fast Facts and Services

Oakland International Airport is a good choice for flying, especially if you need to take domestic flights in the United States. It is a main focus city for Southwest Airlines. That means there are many nonstop flights to different places in the country. Many people like flying into Oakland Airport because it has better on-time rates. This is partly because it does not get as much fog as some other airports.

Oakland International Airport does not have as many international flights as San Francisco International Airport. Still, you can get flights from here to some cities in Mexico and Europe. For some people, these options are very helpful. The airport is not as big as others, so it doesn’t get very busy. This makes it much easier and more relaxing when you travel.

Here are some quick facts about Oakland International Airport:

Location: 21 miles away from downtown San Francisco. It is in the East Bay area.
Airlines: The airport is a main spot for Southwest Airlines and is important for Alaska Airlines and other low-cost airlines.
Delays: Oakland Airport has fewer delays that are caused by weather than San Francisco Airport.
Destinations: You will find many nonstop flights within the United States. There are only a few international flights.

Terminal Layout and Passenger Flow

The terminal layout at Oakland International Airport is simple and easy to navigate. The airport is comprised of two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which are connected to each other, so you can walk between them without having to go through a security checkpoint again. This makes connections between flights very convenient.

Each terminal has its own ticketing counters, baggage claim areas, and security checkpoints, which helps manage passenger flow and reduce wait times. The straightforward design ensures that aircraft operations run smoothly and passengers can find their way with ease. Maps are available on the OAK website to help you plan your route through the airport.

Here’s a breakdown of the terminals at OAK:

Terminal	Primary Airlines
Terminal 1	Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and others
Terminal 2	Southwest Airlines

Amenities, Dining, and Shopping at OAK

Oakland International gives people a good mix of amenities, food spots, and shops. These help everyone feel comfortable during their travel. There may not be as many choices as SFO, but you can still find lots of places to eat, do last-minute shopping, or relax before getting on your plane. The airport has local Bay Area food places and some big brand names too.

The airport always looks for ways to make things better for people. It often shares new updates, like new shops and services, in a press release. In both terminals, you can find coffee spots, fast-food stands, sit-down places for food, and bars.

Notable things to look for at OAK include:

Many shops that sell books, souvenirs, and things you need for travel.
Free Wi-Fi to use across the airport.
Special rooms for mothers with babies who need to nurse.

Transportation Access at Oakland International

Getting from Oakland Airport to San Francisco or other places in the Bay Area is easy. You can pick from many ways to travel. There is a direct ride from the airport to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). BART is one of the most useful ways to reach San Francisco.

You can also use bus lines, rideshare cars, taxis, or airport shuttles. If you want to drive, there is plenty of parking. Here, we will show the best ways to leave or arrive at Oakland Airport, if you’re going to San Francisco, the East Bay, or another Bay Area place.

Getting to Oakland Airport by BART

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is a simple way to get from OAK to San Francisco, the East Bay, and other places near the bay area. The airport has its own BART shuttle train called the BART to OAK line. This train takes you straight from the airport terminals to the Coliseum BART station in just eight minutes.

Once you are at the Coliseum station, you can take a train that goes to San Francisco. You can get to downtown San Francisco in about 20 to 30 minutes from there. The full journey from the airport terminal to downtown San Francisco will take about 40 minutes all together. The total fare is around $10. BART is a good and cheap way to travel because it can help you skip any delays on the Bay Bridge.

Key points about using BART from OAK:

The BART to OAK connector train leaves every few minutes.
The total time to downtown San Francisco is about 40 minutes.
It’s a good price and lets you skip roadway traffic.

Rideshare, Taxis, and Car Parking Choices

For people who want door-to-door comfort, OAK gives you many ways to get picked up or dropped off. If you use rideshare like Uber or Lyft, there are special spots where you can find your car and driver. Finding a taxi is just as simple at OAK, with taxi stands right outside the terminals. If you need to get to downtown San Francisco, a ride by taxi or rideshare should only take about 30 minutes when there is no traffic. You can expect to pay about $60.

If you drive your own car, OAK gives you a range of parking lot spots to use. You can pick hourly or daily parking lots near the terminals. There is also an economy parking lot if you want a cheaper price and need to leave your car for a longer time. You may also want to book a private car or set up a shared shuttle for a flat price if that fits your needs.

Your main ways to travel are:

Rideshare & Taxi: Go to the marked spots for easy pickups.
Parking: You can use Premier, Hourly, Daily, or Economy parking lot options.
Private Transfers: Book ahead for a ride that is easy and smooth.

San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is the third big international airport for the Bay Area. It is the main airport for silicon valley. This san jose international airport is in San Jose. It is about 45 miles south of San Francisco. SJC can be a good choice instead of the one in san francisco, mostly for people visiting places in the South Bay and spots like Monterey and Santa Cruz.

Mineta San Jose International Airport is said to be modern and simple to use. It is not as likely to have delays due to fog. In this guide, we talk about what you can find at this airport. We go over its different services for people, and how it connects you to other places in the bay area.

Overview of SJC Airport Facilities

San Jose Airport is a modern and easy place to travel from. The airport has clean spaces and new tech features that help people get around. It is made up of two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B. These are connected after you go through security, so you can get between them without any trouble.

Mineta San Jose International Airport is an international airport that has nonstop flights to places in Mexico, Europe, and Asia. This makes it a good choice instead of SFO for some people who want to fly international. Because san jose airport is further from the bay, you hardly ever get delays from fog. This helps the airport keep its good on-time record.

Key features of san jose airport:

Two modern, connected terminals (A and B).
Direct international flights to Asia and Europe.
Fewer crowds and fewer delays than SFO.

Passenger Experience: Food, Shops & Lounges

The passenger experience at SJC is very good. There are many types of food, places to shop, and nice lounges. The airport tries to give people high-quality things, such as cool art you can look at and many comfy seats that have power outlets. You can find both local and national names for things to eat, so there is something for everyone—from a fast snack to a nice sit-down meal.

The shops have a lot of things. You can get tech gadgets that fit the silicon valley style, travel items you may need, and gifts. SJC has a few lounges, like The Club SJC. People on many airlines can get in, and you can also get access with things like Priority Pass. You can use these spots to relax or to get some work done.

Here are some of the things that can help make your trip better:

There are many places to eat, and you can try food with local flavors.
You get free, fast Wi-Fi in both terminals.
There are very nice lounges where you can rest before your flight.

Transport Connections to the Bay Area from SJC

SJC gives you a few ways to get around the Bay Area. But, getting to San Francisco by train or bus is not as simple as it is from SFO or OAK. There is a free VTA Airport Flyer (Route 60) bus that will take you from the airport to the Santa Clara Caltrain Station or the Metro Light Rail Station.

At the Santa Clara Caltrain station, you can get on a train that goes north to San Francisco. This whole trip can take more than 100 minutes. Because it takes a long time this way, a lot of people who travel to San Francisco from SJC choose a rental car, rideshare, or book a shuttle ahead of time. A ride in a taxi or with a rideshare may cost you over $100 to get to San Francisco.

Your top ways to get out of SJC are:

VTA Airport Flyer: Free bus that takes you to Caltrain and Light Rail.
Caltrain: Get to San Francisco from the Santa Clara station by train.
Rental Car/Rideshare: These are the easiest ways to reach San Francisco.

Alternative and Regional Airports Near San Francisco

Most people who fly into the Bay Area use one of the three main airports. But the Bay Area also has other airports that are smaller. Sonoma County Airport and Buchanan Field are two of these smaller airfields. They mostly handle private planes, work trips, and a few flights with regular airlines. People do not usually use them to go right to San Francisco.

These airports are good for getting into some areas, like Sonoma County’s Wine Country or towns in the East Bay. They are important for general aviation in the bay area. Still, the average tourist may not find them as useful. Now, let’s take a closer look at these options.

Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS)

The Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport is in Santa Rosa. This airport is the main way in for people going to California’s Wine Country. It is small and easy to get around. The airport has a few nonstop flights. You can fly on airlines like Alaska and Avelo. Most flights go to cities on the West Coast, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas.

If you want to visit Sonoma or Napa valleys, flying into this airport can save you a lot of time. You also don’t have to drive through Bay Area traffic. But, this airport is not good if you plan to see San Francisco. Public transport from the airport into the city takes a long time and is not very direct. If you take a taxi, that will cost a lot.

Key points about the Sonoma County Airport:

Great for visits to Wine Country.
Has a few airlines with nonstop flights.
Lets you travel in a relaxed way without big crowds.

Buchanan Field and Other Local Bay Area Airports

Besides STS, the Bay Area has other airports too. There are many smaller and regional airports spread around this area. Buchanan Field Airport is in Concord. It is a busy spot for general aviation in the East Bay and is mostly used by private and company planes. These airports play a big part in flight training, in business trips, and people flying just for fun.

The Bay Area also has some military airfields. One is Travis Air Force Base. This base is a big part of the United States Air Force. But you can’t fly on normal passenger traffic there. These places are important in the bigger aviation world here, but they are not for public use.

Other local airports in the Bay Area are:

Hayward Executive Airport (HWD)
Palo Alto Airport (PAO)
San Carlos Airport (SQL)

Comparing San Francisco Area Airports for Travelers

Picking between San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, or San Jose International Airport can be tough. The right airport really depends on what your trip looks like. You need to think about where you want to go in the Bay Area, which airlines you like, how much you want to spend, and how you feel about crowds and flight delays.

To make it easier for you, let’s look at the flight choices you get at each international airport. This will help you see which one is right for your trip to or from San Francisco, San Jose, or the Bay Area.

Flight Options and Airlines at SFO, OAK, and SJC

The flight options and selection of airlines vary significantly across the three main Bay Area airports. SFO, as a major international gateway and a hub for United Airlines, offers the most extensive network of flights, especially to international destinations. Nearly every major global carrier flies to SFO.

OAK is the go-to airport for budget-conscious travelers, as it is a massive base for Southwest Airlines and also serves other low-cost carriers. Alaska Airlines also has a strong presence there. SJC has a great mix, serving as a focus city for Alaska Airlines and offering a growing number of international routes to Asia and Europe, in addition to strong domestic coverage.

Here’s a quick comparison of airline focus:

Airport	Key Airlines	Best For
SFO	United Airlines, most major international carriers	Widest range of international and domestic flights
OAK	Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, budget carriers	Low-cost domestic travel
SJC	Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, international carriers	Silicon Valley access, good mix of domestic/international

Which Airport is Best for Different Types of Trips?

Picking the right airport can help make your trip to the Bay Area easier. Where you plan to go will affect your choice the most. If you want to spend most of your time in San Francisco, you will find that San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the easiest choice. It is very close to the city and has good public transit options.

But, if you are trying to save money or want to visit the East Bay, Napa, or Yosemite, Oakland International Airport is a good pick. It has many low-cost flights. It also sits east of the bay, so it can help you get to where you want to go on time and cut travel costs.

Here are some helpful tips:

San Francisco International Airport (SFO): This is best if you plan to be in San Francisco most of the time. It’s a good choice for international flights and people who want lots of airline options.
Oakland International Airport (OAK): This airport works well if you are on a budget, want to visit the East Bay like Oakland or Berkeley, or plan to go east to spots like Napa or Lake Tahoe.
San Jose International Airport (SJC): This is a top airport to use if you are going to Silicon Valley for work or fun or if you want to head south to Monterey or Carmel.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting around the airports in the San Francisco Bay Area can make your trip much better, no matter if you are flying for work or fun. The main bay area airports like SFO, OAK, and SJC have many things to help you and different ways to get in and out. Travelers can pick what is best for them. If you learn what is special at each airport, you can choose what works for you. If you like the busy scene at SFO or want to use OAK and SJC for easy access, these san francisco airports all have good things for people. If you are getting ready for your trip, you can get a free talk on how to use bay area airports in the best way. Have a great trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is San Francisco International Airport from downtown?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. The ride from the airport to the city can take about 30 minutes. The exact time will depend on traffic and the way you go. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) gives the people in the Bay Area a direct and good way to get from San Francisco International Airport to downtown San Francisco.

Are there advantages to using Oakland or San Jose airports instead of SFO?

Both Oakland International Airport and San Jose International Airport give you some good reasons to choose them over San Francisco International Airport. These two airports are not as full of people as San Francisco International. There are usually not as many delays from fog. You may also find cheaper nonstop flights on some airlines. Oakland International Airport is a popular spot for budget carriers. San Jose International Airport lets you get to Silicon Valley quickly and easily.

What is the most convenient way to reach San Francisco from each airport?

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is the fastest and cheapest way to get from San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport to San Francisco. If you fly into San Jose International Airport, there is no train that goes straight into the city. The best way to get into the Bay Area from there is to take a rideshare or rent a car.