San Francisco

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Airports

San Francisco is primarily served by San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a major international hub with various transport options to the city and nearby regions.

Sections

1. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Overview

  • Location: 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco in San Mateo County.
  • Terminals: 4 terminals (1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal).
    • Domestic Terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
    • International Terminal: Divided into Boarding Areas A and G.
  • Airlines: Major carriers include United Airlines (hub), Alaska Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, and international airlines like Lufthansa, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
  • Facilities:
    • Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
    • Lounges (United Club, Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounge, etc.).
    • Dining options ranging from fast food to upscale restaurants.
    • Duty-free shopping and retail stores.
    • Yoga rooms, art exhibits, and a museum.
    • Family-friendly amenities like play areas and nursing rooms.

Transportation Options to/from SFO

  1. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit):

    • Cost: $9.65 to downtown San Francisco (one-way).
    • Travel Time: ~30 minutes.
    • Details: BART connects SFO to downtown San Francisco and other Bay Area locations. The station is located in the International Terminal.

  2. SamTrans Buses:

    • Cost: $2.25 (local routes) to $5.00 (express routes).
    • Travel Time: ~45-60 minutes to downtown San Francisco.
    • Details: Routes like 292, 397 (overnight), and KX serve the airport.

  3. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft):

    • Cost: $30-$50 to downtown San Francisco (varies by time and demand).
    • Details: Designated rideshare pickup zones are located in each terminal.

  4. Taxis:

    • Cost: ~$50-$70 to downtown San Francisco (including tip).
    • Travel Time: ~30-40 minutes.
    • Details: Taxi stands are available outside each terminal.

  5. Shuttle Services:

    • Cost: $20-$30 per person.
    • Details: Shared-ride shuttles like SuperShuttle operate between SFO and various destinations.

  6. Car Rentals:

    • Cost: ~$50-$100/day, depending on the vehicle and company.
    • Details: Rental car center accessible via the AirTrain Blue Line.

Arrival Procedures

  • International Arrivals:
    • Pass through immigration and customs in the International Terminal.
    • U.S. citizens can use Global Entry kiosks (if enrolled) or Mobile Passport for expedited processing.
    • Baggage claim is located after customs.
  • Domestic Arrivals:
    • Proceed directly to baggage claim or connecting flights.

Departure Procedures

  • Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3-4 hours before international flights.
  • Check-in counters and kiosks are available in all terminals.
  • Security checkpoints are efficient but can get busy during peak hours.

Nearby Attractions

  • San Bruno Mountain State Park: ~15 minutes by car, great for hiking and views.
  • Burlingame Avenue: A charming shopping and dining district, ~10 minutes away.

Tips for Navigating SFO

  • Use the AirTrain (free) to move between terminals, parking, and the rental car center.
  • Download the SFO app for real-time flight updates and terminal maps.
  • Take advantage of the yoga rooms and art exhibits for a relaxing experience.

2. Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Overview

  • Location: 20 miles (32 km) east of San Francisco in Oakland.
  • Terminals: 2 terminals (1 and 2).
  • Airlines: Southwest Airlines (major carrier), Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Spirit Airlines.
  • Facilities:
    • Free Wi-Fi.
    • Limited dining and shopping options compared to SFO.
    • Lounges for select airlines.
    • Family-friendly amenities like nursing rooms.

Transportation Options to/from OAK

  1. BART:

    • Cost: $10.20 to downtown San Francisco (one-way).
    • Travel Time: ~40 minutes.
    • Details: Take the BART shuttle from the airport to the Coliseum Station, then transfer to a train heading to San Francisco.

  2. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft):

    • Cost: $35-$50 to downtown San Francisco.
    • Details: Pickup zones are located outside the terminals.

  3. Taxis:

    • Cost: ~$60-$80 to downtown San Francisco.
    • Travel Time: ~30-40 minutes.

  4. Shuttle Services:

    • Cost: $20-$30 per person.
    • Details: Shared-ride shuttles are available but less frequent than at SFO.

  5. Car Rentals:

    • Cost: ~$50-$100/day.
    • Details: Rental car center is accessible via a shuttle.

Arrival and Departure Procedures

  • Similar to SFO but with shorter wait times due to smaller size.
  • Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.

Nearby Attractions

  • Oakland Zoo: ~15 minutes by car.
  • Jack London Square: A waterfront dining and shopping area, ~20 minutes away.

Tips for Navigating OAK

  • OAK is smaller and less crowded than SFO, making it easier to navigate.
  • Dining options are limited, so plan accordingly.

3. San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Overview

  • Location: 45 miles (72 km) south of San Francisco in San Jose.
  • Terminals: 2 terminals (A and B).
  • Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta, and international carriers like ANA.
  • Facilities:
    • Free Wi-Fi.
    • Dining and shopping options.
    • Lounges for select airlines.
    • Family-friendly amenities.

Transportation Options to/from SJC

  1. Caltrain + VTA:

    • Cost: ~$10 to downtown San Francisco.
    • Travel Time: ~90 minutes.
    • Details: Take the VTA bus to the Caltrain station, then transfer to a northbound train.

  2. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft):

    • Cost: $70-$100 to downtown San Francisco.
    • Details: Pickup zones are located outside the terminals.

  3. Taxis:

    • Cost: ~$100-$130 to downtown San Francisco.
    • Travel Time: ~60-90 minutes.

  4. Car Rentals:

    • Cost: ~$50-$100/day.
    • Details: Rental car center is located on-site.

Arrival and Departure Procedures

  • Smaller airport with efficient security and check-in processes.
  • Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.

Nearby Attractions

  • Winchester Mystery House: A historic mansion, ~15 minutes away.
  • Santana Row: Upscale shopping and dining, ~15 minutes away.

Tips for Navigating SJC

  • SJC is compact and easy to navigate, with shorter lines than SFO.
  • Ideal for travelers heading to Silicon Valley or the South Bay.

Final Tips for All Airports

  • Check Traffic: Bay Area traffic can be unpredictable, so plan extra time for travel to/from the airport.
  • Public Transit Apps: Use apps like Google Maps or Transit to navigate BART, Caltrain, and buses.
  • Pack Smart: Be aware of TSA regulations for carry-on items.
  • Stay Updated: Check your airlineโ€™s app or website for real-time flight updates.

By understanding the unique features and transportation options for each airport, you can choose the one that best suits your travel needs and enjoy a smooth journey in and out of the San Francisco Bay Area!