San Francisco International Airport consists of four terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Dianne Feinstein International Terminal. The San Francisco Airport Terminal Map Guide enables visitors to find their way to the airline check-in desk, departure gates, baggage claim, security gates, and other facilities at the airport. It also explains how passengers can transfer between terminals via the pedestrian walkway and AirTrain.
Whether you’re traveling from San Francisco, arriving at San Francisco Airport on an international flight, or transiting to other destinations from San Francisco, this guide will help visitors understand the SFO terminal layout.
Overview of San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport is a major gateway to the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. The airport’s terminals are organized into gate regions that include check-in facilities, departures, arrivals, and passenger services. Passengers can use the map available at the airport to locate any specific place before they arrive.
The airport map is especially useful for new passengers, those who need to make transfers, and those who come to meet arriving passengers.
| Terminal | Main Gate Areas | Primary Purpose |
| Harvey Milk Terminal 1 | B and C gates | Domestic flights |
| Terminal 2 | D gates | Domestic flights |
| Terminal 3 | E and F gates | Domestic flights |
| International Terminal | A and G gates | International departures and arrivals, plus other services |
Note: Airline assignments and operating arrangements can change. Always confirm your terminal using your airline’s latest information and the official SFO airport map.
SFO Terminal 1: Harvey Milk Terminal
Terminal 1 Harvey is one of SFO’s domestic terminals. The terminal’s gate areas include both B and C gates, so it’s important to read airport signage and find your departure gate on the map. Passengers can use the map provided in the airport to find the check-in locations, security checkpoints, bathrooms, eating places, and other passenger services.
| Feature | Details |
| Terminal Name | Harvey Milk Terminal 1 |
| Gate Areas | B and C |
| Main Use | Domestic passenger flights |
| Map Locations to Check | Check-in counters, security, departure gates, baggage claim |
| Connections | Pedestrian walkways and AirTrain, depending on destination |
Dining & Cafe
Explore the restaurants, cafes, and food outlets available at SFO Terminal 1 for a quick snack or a meal before boarding.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Bourbon Pub | near Gate B7/B8 |
| Bun Mee | Boarding Area A |
| Café X | Near Gate B2 |
| Dogpatch Bakehouse & Caffè | Near Gate C10 |
Retail Outlets
Discover the retail stores at Terminal 1 of SFO International Airport, offering travel essentials, souvenirs, and other items to shop for before your flight.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| 49 Mile Market | near Gate C2 |
| Green Apple Books | B Gates |
| DepARTures | near Gate B17 |
Relaxation & Play Areas
Find comfortable spaces and relaxation areas at SFO Terminal 1 to unwind before your flight.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Christian Science Reading Room | Level 2, near Door 9 from the Departures Level curb |
| Kids’ Spot | Near Gate B2 |
| SFO Museum Exhibits | Harvey Milk Terminal 1; exhibit-specific location varies |
| Tree Town | Near Gate B18 |
| Yoga Room | Near Gate C2 |
SFO Terminal 1 Lounges
San Francisco International Airport ( SFO ) Terminal 1 offers nearby lounge options for eligible Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines passengers looking to relax before departure.
| Lounge Name | Location |
| Alaska Lounge | Retail Street, Level 2, post-security |
| Delta Sky Club | Near Gate C3, Level 2, post-security |
| The Club SFO | Level 3, post-security |
SFO Terminal 2: Domestic Flights & Passenger Facilities
Terminal 2 handles domestic traffic and includes the D gate area. The map will help you find the right place to check in, depart, go through security screening, and use various airport facilities. It’s best to know your airline’s assigned terminal before traveling to the airport.
Terminal 2 allows you access to various services such as eating, shopping, toilets, and lounges within the airport. Passengers who wish to move to another terminal by walking and taking the AirTrain may do so after following the directions in the airport. This will depend on the gate areas for arrivals and departures and whether you are past the security area or not.
| Feature | Details |
| Terminal Name | Terminal 2 |
| Gate Area | D |
| Main Use | Domestic passenger flights |
| Map Locations to Check | Airline check-in, D gates, security, baggage claim |
| Connections | Walkways and AirTrain |
Dining & Cafe
As shown in the table below, there are numerous dining options that can be taken advantage of by travelers at SFO Terminal 2.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Andalé Mexican Kitchen + Bar | Near Gate D16 |
| Burger Joint | Near Gate D15 |
| Cat Cora | Near Gate D9 |
Retail Outlets
In SFO Terminal 2, numerous retail shops let passengers buy necessities, souvenirs, and other last-minute items.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| 16th & Dolores General Store | near Gate D16 |
| Better+ | Arrivals Lobby |
| Books Inc. | D Gates, Retail Street |
| Brookstone | Near Gate D1 |
Relaxation & Play Areas
SFO Terminal 2 has plenty of space where passengers can sit comfortably and relax before boarding.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| SkyTerrace | Terminal 2; public observation terrace |
| Butterfly Wall | Near Gate D15 |
| SFO Museum Exhibits | Terminal 2; exhibit locations vary |
| San Francisco Bay Area Bird Encounters | Near Gate D7 |
| Yoga Room | Walkway between the C and D Gates |
SFO Terminal 2 Lounges
Flight departures from Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport ( SFO ) allows travelers to check nearby lounges and their access rules before boarding.
| Lounge Name | Location |
| Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge | Terminal 2, post-security |
| American Express – The Centurion Lounge | Level 2, post-security |
Terminal 3: Domestic Departures and Connections
T3 deals with domestic departures and features gates E and F. As there are several gate zones in this terminal, determining the exact gate number becomes necessary for a traveler to plan his/her route. A map of the airport can assist passengers in locating their departure zone, identifying nearby services, and evaluating the time needed to get to the gate.
It is also helpful for passengers transferring from domestic to international destinations. Post-security corridors connect Terminal 3 to Gate G at the International Terminal. At the same time, routes to other gate zones may require exiting the security zone and going through security again.
| Feature | Details |
| Terminal Name | Terminal 3 |
| Gate Areas | E and F |
| Main Use | Domestic passenger flights |
| Map Locations to Check | Check-in, E and F gates, security, baggage claim |
| Connections | Walkways and AirTrain; some post-security connections |
Dining & Cafe
SFO Terminal 3 offers different places to eat, where passengers can have a proper meal, grab snacks, or just have something to drink.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Aletitude | Near Gate F13 |
| Amoura | Food Court near Gates F11 to F22 |
| Bacon Bacon | Food Court near Gates F11 to F20 |
| Bun Mee | Food Court near Gates F11 to F22 |
| Burger King | Near Gate E2 |
| Café X | E Gates, near the exit |
| Dogpatch Bakehouse & Caffè | Near Gate E6 |
| Farley’s Café & Lounge | Near Gate F22 |
| Ladle & Leaf | Food Court near Gates F11 to F22 |
| Mission Bar & Grill | Near Gate E5 |
Retail Outlets
Shopping at SFO’s Terminal 3 lets shoppers choose from a variety of products, buy presents, and even pick up essentials.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Better+ | Baggage Claim, Near Carousel 10 |
| Chalo & Co. | Near Gate F14 |
| Silicon Valley News & Gift | Near Gate F13 |
| Compass Books | E Gates, near Gate E1 |
Relaxation & Play Areas
Passengers boarding from SFO Terminal 3 can access designated areas, such as restrooms, to relax.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Kids’ Spot | Terminal 3; children’s play area |
| SFO Museum Exhibits | Terminal 3 |
| Yoga Room | Terminal 3 |
SFO Terminal 3 Lounges
San Francisco International Airport ( SFO ) Terminal 3 serves mostly United Airlines passengers. You can find the available lounge options in the table mentioned below.
| Lounge Name | Location |
| United Club | Rotunda of the F Gates, Level 3, post-security |
| United Club | Near Gate E4, Level 3, post-security |
International Terminal: International Flights and Services
The International Terminal handles flights that leave and arrive from abroad at SFO and includes A and G gates. The terminal’s central area has airline check-in counters, and the airport map marks security checkpoints, gates, luggage-related services, food, retail stores, and lounges.
International travelers who leave the airport must find out which gates are used by their airlines, as A and G gates are located in different parts of the terminal. Travelers arriving at SFO from abroad need to follow signs to immigration, customs, baggage claim, and connecting flights. If they plan to connect to another flight, they must find out whether they need to collect their luggage and check in again.
| Feature | Details |
| Terminal Name | Dianne Feinstein International Terminal |
| Gate Areas | A and G |
| Main Use | International departures and arrivals |
| Map Locations to Check | Check-in counters, A/G gates, security, customs, and baggage claim |
| Connections | Walkways and AirTrain, with route requirements depending on the gate |
For international connections, always follow the airline’s instructions and airport signage. Passengers arriving internationally may need to complete immigration and customs procedures before proceeding to their next flight.
Dining & Cafe
SFO International Terminal offers a variety of food options for a meal before an international flight.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Boudin Bakery | Near Gate A2, post-security |
| 1300 on Fillmore | Near Gate G11 |
| Asian Box | Near Gate G4 |
| Starbucks | International Terminal G; Arrivals Level |
Retail Outlets
SFO International Terminal stores offer travel necessities, souvenir shopping, and duty-free shopping for passengers to enjoy.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Burberry | Dianne Feinstein International Terminal A & Dianne Feinstein International Terminal G |
| Better+ | Vending Nook Near Gate G2,Across the Global Entry office; Dianne Feinstein International Terminal G |
| Coach | Dianne Feinstein International Terminal A |
Relaxation & Play Areas
Passengers can relax in specially provided lounges within SFO International Terminal while awaiting their flights.
| Outlet Name | Location |
| Aviation Museum & Library | International Terminal Departures Level |
| Outdoor Terrace | International Terminal G |
| SFO Museum Exhibits | International Terminal A and G; multiple exhibit locations |
| Video Arts | International Terminal G |
SFO International Terminal Lounges
The International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport offers various lounge options for international carriers, including Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and more. Check the information listed below about the available lounges and their locations.
A Gates
| Lounge Name | Location |
| Air France–KLM Lounge | Near Gate A1, Level 3, post-security |
| Air India Maharaja Lounge | Near Gate A1, Level 4, post-security |
| British Airways Lounge | Between Gates A5 and A9, post-security |
| Cathay Pacific Lounge | Near Gate A1, Level 4, post-security |
| China Airlines Lounge | Near Gate A1, Level 4, post-security |
| Emirates Lounge | Between Gates A2 and A6, Level 3, post-security |
| Golden Gate Lounge | Level 4, post-security |
| Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Lounge | Near Gate A1, Level 5, post-security |
G Gates
| Lounge Name | Location |
| United Club | Between Gates G6 and G9, Level 3, post-security |
| United Polaris Lounge | Near Gate G1, Level 2, post-security |
How to Use the San Francisco Airport Terminal Map
The SFO terminal map helps passengers locate themselves and plan how to get to their destination. Once you enter the airport premises, find your gate location, and then look for the security checkpoint, passage, or transport connection on the map. This map is useful because users can find airport locations by searching.
Use the map according to the following instructions:
1. Verify your airline and terminal: Your booking confirmation, airline mobile application, or the official San Francisco International Airport airlines directory will help you determine this information.
2. Determine your gate location: Identify if your aircraft takes off from B, C, D, E, F, A, or G gates.
3. Find your check-in and security: Identify where you have to check in and then the security checkpoint after that.
4. Look up amenities around: Look at the map to find restrooms, restaurants, lounges, and other amenities.
5. Figure out terminal connections: In case your next plane is departing from some other terminal, plan for the walkways and AirTrain paths.
Make sure the information you find on the map is still valid, since gate numbers, schedules, and operational procedures may change. You can access the official interactive terminal map of San Francisco International Airport to find gates, restaurants, restrooms, lounges, and security checkpoints.
How to Travel Between Terminals at SFO
Travel between terminals at San Francisco International Airport is fairly simple because pedestrian walkways and the AirTrain connect the terminals. However, what works for you depends on where you are coming from, where you want to go, and whether you want to stay in the secure boarding area. It is advisable to check the map of the terminal first.
AirTrain Connections
The SFO AirTrain is an automated train service linking the airport terminals to parking garages at the airport and to other airport facilities like the Rental Car Center. AirTrain signs will guide you to the right station where you need to board your train. Ensure you check the route and station information before boarding your train.
Walking Between Terminals
Pedestrian walkways can also connect different airport terminals. Pedestrian access between terminals may be easy for some passengers, depending on their origin and destination airports and whether an appropriate walkway connects the terminals. Some walkways require passengers to leave the secure area and go through security again.
| Transportation Option | Best For | Important Point |
| AirTrain | Moving between terminals and airport facilities | Follow signs to the correct station |
| Pedestrian Walkways | Traveling between connected terminal areas | Check the route and security requirements |
| Airport Information Desks | Passengers who need directions | Ask staff for the best route to your gate |
Important Facilities at the SFO Terminal
The San Francisco Airport Terminal Map helps passengers find facilities such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, baggage claim, dining options, lounges, parking, and transportation.
| Facility | Location or Map Details | Purpose |
| Check-in Counters | Departures level | Check in and drop off baggage |
| Security Checkpoints | Boarding area entrances | Access departure gates |
| Baggage Claim | Arrivals level | Collect checked baggage |
| Restaurants and Shops | Terminal public and boarding areas | Find food and travel essentials |
| Lounges | Designated terminal areas | Relax before flights |
| AirTrain Stations | Marked airport stations | Travel between terminals and airport facilities |
| Parking | Airport parking garages | Park vehicles |
| Ground Transportation | Designated pickup areas | Access taxis, rideshares, BART, and rental cars |
Tips for Navigating San Francisco International Airport
It is always easier to get around SFO if you know which terminal, gate, and path you want to take before you arrive. Even seasoned travelers benefit from checking flight information, since gates, schedules, and airline arrangements can change.
Here are some tips that might be useful:
1. Double-check your terminal on departure: You can use the website of your airline company, their app, or the official airline directory at SFO.
2. Find out your gate number: The gate number is more informative than the terminal number.
3. Use an airport map: The official airport interactive map may prove to be quite helpful.
4. Leave plenty of time for transfers: Take into account walking distance, security checks, etc.
5. Follow the airport signs: You can follow signs for gates, baggage claim, AirTrain, and other transportation options.
6. Keep checking flight updates: Check regularly for flight updates via airline websites and the airport.
7. Ask for help when needed: Airport staff will give you directions and other passenger assistance.
Conclusion
The San Francisco Airport Terminal Map Guide is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to get around SFO effectively. With an understanding of the four terminals, gates, walkways, and AirTrain system, you can easily find your way around SFO. Before you leave, know which terminal your flight departs from and your gate. The best place to get directions is the official SFO interactive map and the airport’s current travel guidance.
Commonly Asked Queries
SFO has four terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the Dianne Feinstein International Terminal.
First, look up your flight information provided by your airline, then confirm it by checking the official SFO airline directory. After that, use the airport map to find your check-in and departure gates.
Yes, but the path depends on the particular terminal and gate area.
Yes, an AirTrain connects all four terminals at SFO, as well as other airport facilities.
The terminal has two gate sections: A and G. International check-in counters are in the main hall. Make sure you know your airline’s gate area before your trip.
The baggage claim area is on the arrival level at SFO. Follow the signs after disembarking, and check with your airline and airport for the correct carousel.
It is advisable to arrive two hours ahead of schedule for domestic flights and three hours ahead of schedule for international flights at SFO.
SFO offers restaurants, cafés, and quick-service facilities within its terminals where passengers can eat meals, snacks, and drinks before their trips.
Passengers can browse various retail stores for travel essentials and souvenirs, or unwind in lounges and other relaxation facilities in the terminals.