San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Terminals, Flights, Transport & Hotels
Airport Directions
SFO is the premier gateway to the Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, serving as a critical hub for Flys to Dubai travelers on the U.S. West Coast. Renowned for its focus on sustainability and world-class art, SFO is one of the most efficient airports in North America. In 2026, SFO has completed significant portions of its Terminal 3 West Modernization project, offering travelers enhanced security, more spacious lounges, and a seamless connection to international routes.
Airport Name
San Francisco International Airport
IATA Code
SFO
Location
San Francisco, CA 94128, USA
Terminals
1, 2, 3, and International Terminal (Boarding Areas A and G)
Distance from Central London
Approximately 13 miles (21 km) south of Downtown San Francisco.
Nearby Areas
Silicon Valley, San Jose, Oakland, and Palo Alto.
Airlines Operating from the Airport
SFO is a major global hub, particularly for United Airlines and international carriers serving the Pacific and the Middle East.
Flag Carrier / Long-Haul: Emirates (Direct to Dubai from International Terminal), United Airlines (Primary Hub), Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Budget / Low-Cost: Alaska Airlines (T2), Southwest (T1), and JetBlue.
International Giants: Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific.
Destinations & Routes
SFO connects Northern California to over 125 destinations worldwide.
Airport Terminals Information
- International Terminal: Divided into Boarding Area A and Boarding Area G. Emirates and most international carriers operate from here.
- Harvey Milk Terminal 1: One of the most modern airport terminals in the world, serving Alaska, JetBlue, and American.
- Terminal 2 & 3: Primarily domestic hubs, with Terminal 3 being United’s main base of operations.
- AirTrain SFO: A free, 24/7 automated people mover that connects all terminals, parking garages, and the BART station.
Top Airlines & Route Schedule
Flys to Dubai recommends the Emirates direct flight for its superior in-flight service and comfortable Boeing 777-300ER or A380 configurations.
Flight No | Departure (SFO) | Arrival (DXB) | Aircraft |
EK226 | 4:45 PM | 7:15 PM (+1) | Boeing 777-300ER |
UA163 | 1:20 PM | 2:00 PM (+1) | Boeing 787-9 |
QR738 | 8:30 PM | 7:45 PM (+1) | via Doha (DOH) |
Airport Facilities & Services
- Wi-Fi: Free, ultra-fast Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals—look for the “#SFO FREE WIFI” network.
- Lounges: SFO features some of the finest lounges in the country, including the Polaris Lounge (United), the Centurion Lounge (Amex), and the Emirates Lounge (International Terminal G).
- SFO Museum: An accredited museum with rotating exhibitions throughout the terminals.
- Yoga Rooms: Dedicated quiet spaces located in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
Shopping & Dining at the Airport
- Shopping: Luxury options include Gucci, Hermès, and Burberry located in the International Terminal.
- Dining: SFO focuses on “local and organic.” Try Napa Farms Market (T2), The Slanted Door (International), or San Francisco Giants Clubhouse (T3).
SFO to Dubai Flight Information
Detailed flight data for your trip with Flys to dubai.
Feature | Details |
Average Flight Time | 15h 30m – 15h 50m (Direct) |
Distance | ~8,084 miles (13,010 km) |
Direct Flights | Yes (Emirates & United) |
Cheapest Months | February, May, and November |
Dubai Arrival Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Passengers flying via Emirates will arrive at Terminal 3. DXB is famous for its efficient immigration and the Dubai Metro, which can take you directly to the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Marina.
Some budget or charter flights may arrive at DWC, located further from central Dubai.
Transport & Connectivity
- BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): The BART station is located in the International Terminal. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Downtown San Francisco ($10.20).
- Caltrain: Accessible via a BART transfer at Millbrae, connecting SFO to Silicon Valley and San Jose.
- Ride-Share: Uber, Lyft, and Wingz pickups are located on the Level 5 of the Domestic Garage.
Parking Information
- Grand Hyatt at SFO: The only on-site hotel, connected directly to all terminals via the AirTrain.
- The Westin San Francisco Airport: A top-tier option just 1 mile away with a 24-hour shuttle.
Aloft San Francisco Airport: A modern, tech-forward hotel located minutes from the terminals.
Hotels Near the Airport
- BLOC Hotel: Located inside the South Terminal (steps from security).
- Sofitel London Gatwick: Luxury hotel connected to the North Terminal via a covered walkway.
- Hampton by Hilton: Connected directly to the North Terminal.
- Hilton London Gatwick: Connected to the South Terminal.
- YOTEL: Located inside the South Terminal (landside), perfect for short layovers.
Tips for Travelers
- Clipper Card: You can add a Clipper Card to your phone’s digital wallet for seamless BART and public transit payments.
- Water Stations: SFO has a “zero-waste” policy. Bring a reusable bottle to use the numerous “Hydration Stations” found past security.
- Arrival Time: For international flights to Dubai, Flys to Dubai recommends arriving at least 4 hours early to account for the long flight check-in and TBIT security.
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Questions & Answer
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SFO sits 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown San Francisco near the Bay, accessible via US-101, I-280, I-380, BART rail and airport shuttles.
SFO operates four terminals: Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (B/C gates), Terminal 2 (D gates), Terminal 3 (E/F gates), and International Terminal (A/G gates) in a counterclockwise ring.
United Airlines (major hub at T3 E/F gates), Alaska Airlines (T1/T2), American Airlines (T1), Delta (T2), with international carriers at A/G gates.
Each terminal has TSA checkpoints; T1/T2 have new West Checkpoint; T3 Central Checkpoint; Intl Terminal has North/South checkpoints; TSA PreCheck/CLEAR widely available.
Clear CBP at International Terminal G3-G14 arrivals level; Global Entry kiosks; follow purple "Baggage Claim" signs; AirTrain to other terminals post-customs.
BART station at International Terminal G (Red/Yellow lines to SF/Millbrae); future Caltrain extension planned; SamTrans buses serve Peninsula.
Nursing rooms (all terminals), Mamava pods, family security lanes, children's play areas (T2/T3/Intl), family restrooms.
Canada preclearance flights from YVR, YYC, YYZ, YUL arrive as domestic at T1/T2/T3; most international requires full CBP at Intl Terminal.