SFO

SFO stands for San Francisco International Airport. It is located on the northeastern edge of the San Francisco Bay Area, in San Mateo County, about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. The airport’s IATA code is SFO and its ICAO code is KSFO. It is one of the largest airports in California and serves as a major international gateway in the western United States.

SFO opened in 1927 as Mills Field and was renamed San Francisco International Airport in 1954. The facility comprises four passenger terminals—Terminals 1, 2, 3, and the International Terminal—connected by the AirTrain, a people-mover system. The airport operates four runways and serves a broad mix of domestic and international air traffic, with United Airlines traditionally maintaining a large presence there.

Airlines at SFO include a wide range of domestic carriers and international operators, reflecting its role as a global gateway. The airport handles a substantial number of long-haul international routes to Asia, Europe, and other regions, in addition to extensive domestic services.

Transportation and access are provided by a combination of rail and road links. The BART-to-SFO extension, opened in 2003, connects the airport to the San Francisco Bay Area rapid transit network. Within the airport, AirTrain provides free movement between terminals, parking garages, and rental car centers. Major regional highways, including U.S. Route 101, service the airport area.

SFO pursues ongoing sustainability and efficiency initiatives, including energy conservation measures and programs to reduce emissions. The airport also supports cultural and public art programs as part of its visitor experience.