San Francisco International Airport (SFO) San Mateo County, California, USA
San Francisco International Airport is more than a gateway to the Bay Area—it is a 24-hour crossroads where Pacific Rim travel, Silicon Valley business, California culture, and international tourism converge. Located roughly 14 miles south of San Francisco, SFO has operated from its present location since May 7, 1927, and is owned and operated by the City and County of San Francisco.
Its identity is unusually broad for an airport: SFO combines a major international gateway with an airport museum, extensive public transportation connections, automated terminal transit, diverse passenger services, and four main terminal complexes.
San Francisco International Airport — Key Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport name | San Francisco International Airport |
| IATA code | SFO |
| ICAO code | KSFO |
| Location | San Mateo County, California, USA; approximately 14 miles south of San Francisco |
| Owner & operator | City and County of San Francisco |
| Opened at present location | May 7, 1927 |
| Official website | San Francisco International Airport — Official Website |
| Wikipedia page | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_International_Airport |
| Main airport information phone | 800-435-9736 / 650-821-8211 |
| General email | SFO primarily directs customers through its official online contact/customer-service system rather than publishing a general customer-service email. |
| Published airport email | Doug.Yakel@flysfo.com — Public Information Officer/media contact; not a general passenger-support address. |
| Emergency contact | 911 for immediate medical, public-safety, crime, or suspicious-activity emergencies. |
| Police non-emergency | 650-821-7111 |
| Lost & Found | 650-821-7014; SFOLostandFound@flysfo.com |
Frequently Asked Questions About SFO Airport
1. What is the airport code for San Francisco International Airport?
The airport code is SFO, while its ICAO identifier is KSFO.
2. How many terminals does SFO have?
SFO has Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal, which contains A and G boarding areas.
3. How can passengers travel between terminals at SFO?
Passengers can use AirTrain, SFO’s automated airport people mover. Certain post-security pedestrian connections are also available, depending on the terminals and gates involved.
4. Is there public transportation from SFO to San Francisco?
Yes. BART provides direct rail service from SFO’s International Terminal area and connects travelers with San Francisco, the Peninsula, and the East Bay.
5. Where are international flights handled at SFO?
International flights depart from the International Terminal, with check-in desks located on its Departures Level in the Main Hall.
6. What should I do if my checked baggage is missing?
For checked baggage that does not arrive, SFO advises passengers to contact the airline, because baggage tracking and claims are handled by the carrier rather than the airport.
7. Does SFO have information booths?
Yes. Information booths are available throughout Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal’s A and G areas, with language assistance available.
8. Does San Francisco International Airport have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wi-Fi is listed among SFO’s passenger services across its terminal areas.
9. What is special about the SFO Museum?
SFO Museum brings exhibitions and aviation-related cultural displays into the airport environment. SFO says its museum was the first airport museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
10. Where can travelers find airport maps?
SFO provides printable and interactive maps covering the overall airport, the International Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.