I have a soft spot for SFO. Not because it’s perfect — it’s definitely not — but because it’s one of those airports that actually tries to make the experience pleasant. They’ve got an aviation museum inside the terminal, the international building is genuinely beautiful, and the BART connection to downtown works the way public transit should. First time I flew through, I was surprised by how calm it felt compared to LAX, which was my only other California airport reference point at the time.
Food at SFO Reflects the Bay Area
Probably should have led with this, because SFO has some of the best airport food in the country and people don’t talk about it enough.
Terminal 2 is the standout. Napa Farms Market sells actual good cheese, local wine, and artisan sandwiches. Yankee Pier does seafood — clam chowder in a bread bowl is my go-to when I have time. Cat Cora’s Kitchen serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes that don’t taste like they were made in a factory somewhere.
International Terminal has some interesting options. Senor Sisig does this Filipino-Mexican fusion thing that sounds weird on paper but absolutely works. Tomokazu is a solid Japanese spot if you’re craving sushi or ramen before a transpacific flight.
Terminal 3 has Lark Creek Grill and Firewood Cafe. Both are sit-down places with decent portions. Not the flashiest options, but reliable, and sometimes reliable is exactly what you want before a flight.
Lounges I’ve Used (And One I’m Jealous Of)
United Club has multiple locations in Terminal 3. United’s biggest West Coast hub is SFO, so these lounges are well-stocked and well-maintained. Nothing fancy, but they get the job done.
The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 is excellent if you’ve got an Amex Platinum. Food is a cut above typical lounge fare, the cocktails are crafted rather than poured, and there’s usually enough space that it doesn’t feel overcrowded. Usually.
Alaska Lounge in Terminal 2 is cozy. Smaller than some, but they’ve got a good drink selection and it’s quiet enough to actually get work done.
The Air France/KLM Lounge in the International Terminal is the one I’m jealous of. I’ve peeked in but never qualified for access. From what I’ve heard, it’s one of the nicer spots in the airport.
Shopping and Hidden Gems
SFO leans into its Bay Area identity with shops featuring local artisans, tech accessories, and California wine. The International Terminal has some upscale boutiques if you’re in the mood to browse. There’s an actual aviation museum in Terminal 2, which I’ve wandered through twice now. It’s small but interesting, and free. That’s what makes SFO endearing — little touches like that, where someone clearly thought about making the waiting experience better.
What I Tell Friends Before They Fly Through SFO
The BART connection is the best transit link to downtown of any major California airport. Trains run frequently, the ride to downtown San Francisco takes about 30 minutes, and it costs around $10. Compare that to sitting in Bay Bridge traffic in a taxi, and BART wins every time. The BART station is in the international terminal, and the AirTrain (free) connects all terminals and parking garages.
Speaking of the AirTrain, it loops between all terminals without any charge. If you need to switch terminals, just hop on. It runs constantly and you don’t need a ticket.
SFO is generally more organized than LAX, which is a low bar, I know. But the layout makes sense, the signage is clear, and transfers between terminals are straightforward. If you’re used to LAX and you’re expecting chaos at SFO, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
The International Terminal is beautiful. High ceilings, lots of natural light, and it doesn’t feel cramped even when it’s busy. If you have a choice of where to kill time, the international terminal is the place to do it.
Travel Gear for SFO Trips
Portable Power Bank
SFO has better charging infrastructure than a lot of airports, but I still bring my own power bank. Old habits, and also because outlets near my gate always seem to be taken by someone who got there two hours before me.
Travel Neck Pillow
Especially useful if you’re catching a long transpacific flight out of SFO. Start getting comfortable at the gate and you’ll thank yourself later.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
Even at a relatively calm airport like SFO, headphones make the experience better. Block out the ambient noise, put on a podcast, and the layover flies by. Pun intended.
TSA-Approved Toiletry Bag
Keeps your liquids organized and speeds up the security process. I’ve used one for years and it just makes the whole routine smoother.
Getting Around After Landing
BART is the obvious choice for downtown. Rental cars are available from the rental car center (take the AirTrain). Uber, Lyft, and taxis pick up on the departures level — yes, departures, not arrivals. That trips people up sometimes. The airport app has real-time info on all of this, plus security wait times and gate changes. It’s one of the better airport apps out there.
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