Originfacts
San Francisco International Airport
North America· United States· America/Los_Angeles

San Francisco International Airport

IATA · SFOICAO · KSFOServing San Francisco

About San Francisco International Airport

Overview

San Francisco International Airport sits about 21 kilometers south of downtown San Francisco, on the western shore of San Francisco Bay in San Mateo County, California. It serves as the principal international gateway for Northern California and the wider Bay Area. The airport opened in 1927 as Mills Field Municipal Airport and gradually expanded into one of the busiest hubs on the United States West Coast.

Terminals & runways

The airport operates four interconnected terminals arranged in a horseshoe configuration: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handle primarily domestic traffic, while the International Terminal accommodates long-haul arrivals and departures. Four runways are laid out in two intersecting pairs, a configuration sensitive to the region's frequent low marine stratus. SFO operates around the clock and has undergone successive renovations to modernize concourses and boarding areas.

Airlines

SFO is a major hub for United Airlines, which maintains an extensive domestic and transpacific network from the airport, and a focus city for Alaska Airlines. It is served by most large North American carriers and a wide range of European, East Asian, and Oceanian airlines, reflecting its role as a key transpacific gateway.

Airlines flying from SFO

18 carriers

Top routes from SFO

6 routes

Other airports in United States

FAQ

San Francisco International Airport — frequently asked questions

Where is San Francisco International Airport?
San Francisco International Airport is located in San Francisco, United States (North America), at coordinates 37.620°, -122.390°.
What is the airport code for San Francisco International Airport?
Its IATA code is SFO and its ICAO code is KSFO.
What time zone is SFO in?
San Francisco International Airport operates on America/Los_Angeles local time.
Which airlines fly from SFO?
Carriers tracked on routes from SFO include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Silk Avia, Virgin America and 12 more.
Where can you fly from SFO?
Tracked destinations from SFO include Los Angeles, Seoul, London, Portland, Seattle and New York.