San Francisco is a vibrant city by the bay, and is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks, and tourist attractions. The city has all to offer from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz Island.
San Francisco is also a primary hub for air travel as it features some of the biggest and busiest airports serving the city, and its surrounding areas.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning your next vacation, it’s essential to know all the airports in San Francisco and what they have to offer.
In this informative blog, we’ll explore all the airports in San Francisco with services, amenities, and operating airlines. We are pretty sure, it will help you in making the right choice for your next trip. But for that, you have to stay till the end!
Table of Contents
How many airports are in San Francisco?
San Francisco is a city located in the northern part of California and is listed in the Top 20 most populous cities in the United States.
There are multiple airports in San Francisco offering regular commercial flights to various domestic, and international routes. Talking about the key airports, there are 3 international airports in San Francisco city that are responsible for handling majority of air traffic to and from the city.
What are the 3 major airports in the San Francisco Bay Area?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are the 3 major airports in San Francisco Bay Area.
| AIRPORTS IN SAN FRANCISCO | DISTANCE FROM CENTRAL SAN FRANCISCO | ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME |
| San Francisco International Airport (SFO) | 12.2 miles | 13 minutes |
| Oakland International Airport (OAK) | 20.0 miles | 21 minutes |
| San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) | 45.7 miles | 42 minutes |
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco Int’l Airport (ICAO: KSFO, IATA: SFO, FAA LID: SFO) is one of the 3 primary airports in San Francisco. The airport is a hub for major U.S. carriers including United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.
Related United Airlines Terminal at SFO Airport Alaska Airlines Terminal at SFO Airport
SFO is owned, and operated by the city, and County of San Francisco. The airport sits at an elevation of 13 ft (4 m) above mean sea level (AMSL) and serves San Francisco Bay Area.
San Francisco Int’l Airport is also the 2nd busiest airport in California after Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). More than 40 million passengers are served by SFO every year.
SFO Runway and Terminal Information
Covering a vast area of 5,207 acres, SFO is equipped with four runways arranged in two sets of intersecting parallel runways. This configuration of runways enables the airport to cater to a massive influx of air traffic and passenger traffic with ease.
Rwy 10L/28R, Rwy 10R/28L, Rwy 01R/19L, and Rwy 01L/19R are the designations for the SFO runways.
| SFO RUNWAY DESIGNATION | DIMENSION | SURFACE |
| RWY 10L/28R | 11,870 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
| RWY 10R/28L | 11,381 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
| RWY 01R/19L | 8,650 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
| RWY 01L/19R | 7,650 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
The airport infrastructure holds four passenger terminals categorized as Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal.
These terminals are segregated into seven concourses, labeled from A to G. Such a well-structured design not only helps travelers navigate the airport with ease but also locate the services they require.
Services offered by San Francisco Airport
- TSA PreCheck
- Baggage Assistance
- Companion Care Restroom Facilities
- Storage Facilities
- Wheelchairs
- Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs)
- CLEAR Service
- Vending Machines
- ATMs
Renta Car Center - Free Wi-Fi
- Traveler’s Workstations
- Baggage Wrapping Service
- Global Entry Program
- Water Filling Stations
- Medical Clinic
- Animal Relief Areas
- Yoga Room
- Parking Facilities
- Nurseries
- Information Booths, and more.
Shopping Options – DFS Watches, Jewelry & Accessories (WJA), Sunglass Hut, APM Mocaco & Swarovski, DFS Sunglasses, and Watches, InMotion, Mills Cargo, Freshen Up!, New Stand, District Market, Sunglass Hut, Saint Laurent Boutique, Burberry, Zoom Travel Stores, Gucci, DFS Duty Free, and more.
Dining Options – Green Beans Coffee, Burger King, Dolores Park Cafe, Farley’s Cafe & Lounge, Mission Bar & Grill, San Francisco Giants Club House, Bourbon Pub, Illy Caffe, Starbucks, Boudin Bakery, Tomokazu, Klein’s Deli and Coffee Bar, Burger King, and more.
Relaxing Options – Yoga Room, SFO Museum Exhibits, Shower Facilities & Nap Rooms, Aviation Museum & Library, Outdoor Terrace, Christian Science Room, and SkyTerrace.
Airline Lounges – Air France KLM Lounge, Alaska Airlines Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, American Express – The Centurion Lounge, British Airways Lounge, China Airlines Lounge, Delta Sky Club, Emirates Lounge, Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge, United Club Lounge, United Polaris Lounge, Vietnam Airlines Lounge, and Virgin Atlantic Club House Lounge.
Airlines at SFO Airport
San Francisco International airport provides commercial flight services through 49 airlines that connect to different domestic and international destinations, facilitating global travel for millions of passengers every year.
The airport’s major carriers include Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Breeze Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, JetBlue, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. These airlines cater to a wide range of passenger needs and preferences, offering various amenities, classes, and destinations.
Top 10 Busiest Domestic Routes from SFO – Los Angeles (LAX), New York–JFK, Newark (EWR), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), Las Vegas (LAS), Honolulu (HNL), San Diego (SAN), and Boston (BOS).
Top 10 Busiest International Routes from SFO – London–Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), Vancouver (YVR), Mexico City (MEX), Seoul–Incheon (ICN), Cancun (CUN), Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Toronto-Pearson (YYZ), San Jose del Cabo (SJD), and Delhi (DEL).
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
San Jose Int’l Airport (ICAO: KSJC, IATA: SJC, FAA LID: SJC) is also among the major international airports in San Francisco. The airport is also known as Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (named after San Jose native Norman Mineta, Former U.S. secretary of transportation).
In 2005, San Francisco International Airport embarked on a series of enhancement projects, including terminal upgrades, concourse development, and infrastructure improvements, among others. With over US$3 billion invested in these projects, the airport underwent a significant transformation, with modern amenities and facilities added to enhance the passenger experience.
Service expansion at SFO began in earnest after 2010, with major carriers such as Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Volaris, Hawaiian Airlines, All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, Hainan Airlines, British Airways, Air Canada Express, Lufthansa, Aeromexico, Air China, Virgin America, Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines all starting to offer scheduled commercial passenger flights to and from the airport, connecting passengers to various destinations worldwide.
This increased connectivity opened up new passenger travel opportunities, making SJC a crucial hub in the global aviation network.
SJC Runway and Terminal Information
San Jose International Airport features two runways with the designations RWY 12L/30R and RWY 12R/30L. Both the runways are 11,000 ft long, and 150 ft wide.
| RUNWAY DESIGNATION | DIMENSION | SURFACE |
| RWY 12L/30R | 11,000 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt/Concrete |
| RWY 12R/30L | 11,000 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt/Concrete |
Talking about the terminals, SJC is equipped with two passenger terminals (Terminal A, and Terminal B). Terminal A was opened in 1990 while Terminal B started its service in 2010.
The Terminal A of the SJC accommodates 17 gates categorized as 1-7, 7A, and 8-16. This terminal contains larger ground-level ticketing counters, larger security checkpoints, and parking spaces. American Airlines operates the Admirals Club across from Gate 8.
Likewise, Terminal B of the SJC holds 24 gates numbered from 17 to 2. This terminal features modern art, dramatic daylit spaces, ticket counters/gates, and USB charging stations.
Services offered by San Jose Airport
- TSA PreCheck
- Nursing Room
- Pet Relief Area
- CLEAR service
- Airport Information Booth
- All Gender Restrooms
- Parking Facility with EV Charging stations
- Rental Car Center
- Global Entry Programs
- Inter-terminal Shuttles
- Lost and Found
- Military Lounge
- The Club SJC
- Wi-Fi throughout terminals
- Wheelchair Assistance
- Water Station
- Power Suite, and more.
Shopping Options – Authors Bookstore, Brookstone, CNN Newsstand, Discover San Jose, Dufry-Tax & Duty Free, Hudson, Rip Curl, San Jose Marketplace, See’s Candies, Sunglass Icon, Sunset News, Supia Jewelry, and Tumi.
Dining Options – Chick-fil-A, Euro Cafe, First-Class Deli, Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, Island Brews, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, San Jose Beer Union, Sharks Cage Sports Bar & Grill, Smashburger, Starbucks Coffee, Sushi Boat, The Club SJC, The Great American Bagel Bakery, Trader Vic’s Restaurant, Tres Gringos, Una Mas Mexican Grill, and Yo-Kai Express.
Airlines Operating at San Jose International Airport
| AIRLINES | DESTINATIONS |
| Air Canada Express | Vancouver |
| Alaska Airlines | Austin, Seattle/Tacoma, Spokane, San Jose del Cabo, San Diego, Puerto Vallarta, Portland (OR), Palm Springs, Los Angeles, Lihue, Kailua-Kona, Kahului, Honolulu, Guadalajara, Everett, Boise |
| All Nippon Airways | Haneda-Tokyo |
| American Airlines | Phoenix-Sky Harbor, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago-O’Hare |
| American Eagle | Los Angeles |
| British Airways | London-Heathrow |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Minneapolis/St. Paul |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Honolulu, Kahului |
| JetBlue | New York-JFK, Boston |
| Southwest Airlines | St. Luois, Seattle/Tacoma, Spokane, San Diego, Portland (OR), Salt Lake City, Phoenix-Sky Harbor, Ontario, Orange County, Nashville, Lihue, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Hobby, Las Vegas, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Honolulu, Dever, Dallas-Love, Burbank, Boise, Austin, Chicago-Midway |
| United Airlines | Houston-Intercontinental, Denver |
| United Express | Houston-Intercontinental, Denver |
| Volaris | Mexico City, Morelia, Zacatecas, Leon/Del Bajio, Guadalajara |
Top 10 Busiest Domestic Routes from SJC – San Diego (SAN), Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix-Sky Harbor (PHX), Denver (DEN), Orange County (SNA), Burbank (BUR), and Honolulu (HNL).
Top 10 Busiest International Routes from SJC – Guadalajara (GDL), San Jose del Cabo (SJD), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Morelia (MLM), Mexico City (MEX), Guanajuato (BJX), Zacatecas (ZCL), London–Heathrow (LHR).
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oakland Int’l Airport (ICAO: KOAK, IATA: OAK, FAA LID: OAK) is another important international airport that serves San Francisco Bay Area. Located in Oakland CA, the airport facilitates domestic and international flights to various destinations.
OAK Airport is a hub for FedEx Express (cargo operator), and also the focus airport for Southwest Airlines, an JSX. It is owned, and operated by the Port of Oakland.
Oakland Airport is the third largest airport serving San Francisco Bay Area after San Francisco Int’l Airport (SFO), and San Jose International Airport (SJC).
The airport is also known for its convenient location with easy access to both San Francisco, and Silicon Valley.
OAK Runway and Terminal Information
Covering a total area of 2,600 acres (1,100 ha), Oakland Airport features four asphalt runways with the designations RWY 12/30, RWY 10R/28L, RWY 10L/28R, and RWY 15/33.
| SJC RUNWAY DESIGNATION | DIMENSION | SURFACE |
| RWY 12/30 | 10,520 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
| RWY 10R/28L | 6,213 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
| RWY 10L/28R | 5,438 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
| RWY 15/33 | 3,376 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
The airport infrastructure holds two terminals with a total of 32 gates. Terminal 1, and Terminal 2 are the 2 terminals at OAK that accommodate a total of 18, and 14 gates respectively.
Services offered by Oakland International Airport
- Ground Transportation
- Parking Facilities
- Shopping and Dining Options
- Mamava Lactation Suites
- Lounge Amenities
- Lost & Found, and more.
Shopping Options – Oakland Tribune, Duty Free, See’s Candies, Bayfront News, Sunglass Icon, Gate 26 News Wall, TechZoom, and Sports Scene Oakland.
Dining Options – Oaklandish Coffee Collective, Escape Lounge, Peet’s Coffee, Vino Volo, Farley’s Cafe, Tay Ho, Pyramid Brewing Co., Subway, Oakland Draft House, and Calavera.
Lounge – Escape Lounge
Airlines Operating to and from Oakland Airport
Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Azores Airlines, Contour, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Volaris, and JSX are the passenger airlines operating regular flights to and from Oakland International Airport.
Likewise, FedEx Express, Aeronaves TSM, and UPS Airlines are the cargo operators at OAK.
Top 10 Busiest Domestic Destinations from OAK – Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN), Orange County (SNA), Burbank (BUR), Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), Phoenix–Sky Harbor (PHX), Denver (DEN), Salt Lake City (SLC), and Portland (PDX).
Explore the closest airports to San Francisco.
There are various domestic, international, and private airports near San Francisco. Some of the key airports closest to SFO are listed in the table below.
| CLOSEST AIRPORTS TO SAN FRANCISCO | DISTANCE FROM SAN FRANCISCO | ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME |
| San Carlos Airport | 24.1 miles | 25 minutes |
| Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport | 62.5 miles | 1 hour 9 minutes |
| Stockton Metropolitan Airport | 80.8 miles | 1 hour 17 minutes |
| Sacramento International Airport | 91.1 miles | 1 hour 26 minutes |
Conclusion on the Airports in San Francisco
San Francisco is a vibrant and bustling city with several airports that cater to different types of travelers. From the large and busy San Francisco International Airport to the more niche airports like the Oakland International Airport and the San Francisco Municipal Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from when traveling to or from the city.
Each airport offers a unique set of amenities, facilities, and services, making it essential to consider your travel needs and preferences before selecting an airport.
By exploring and comparing the various airports in San Francisco, you can find the one that best suits your needs and ensures a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
FAQs on Airports in San Francisco
How many major airports are in San Francisco?
There are three major airports serving San Francisco Bay Area which are San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Jose International Airport (SJC), and Oakland International Airport (OAK).
What airport do you fly into for San Francisco?
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main international airport in San Francisco city served by various airlines. As it is closer to the vibrant city, you can choose to land there for easy access.
Is it better to fly into SFO or SJC?
Choosing between SFO and SJC depends on various factors. For instance, if you are visiting San Francisco city or the surrounding areas, then SFO may be more convenient than SJC. However, if your destination is closer to San Jose or the Silicon Valley area, then SJC is the best choice. Other decisive factors include airline options, cost, traffic & congestion.
Is it cheaper to fly into Oakland or San Francisco?
Travel dates, airlines, flight origin, destination, and various other factors decide the cost of flying. Talking about Oakland, and SFO, OAK Airport is often cheaper than flights to SFO Airport. This is because OAK is smaller than SFO, and is served by fewer airlines resulting in less competition.
