Things to do at San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport (IATA: SFO) is an international airport located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. Located on the west coast of the United States, SFO serves as an important link between Asia and the US. The airport has four terminals, three of which are dedicated to domestic flights and one to international flights.

San Francisco International airport saw over 57 million passengers pass through its doors in 2018 making it the seventh busiest airport in the US and the 24th busiest in the world.

The airport features the SFO Museum which offers multiple exhibits for passengers to browse, a yoga room for passengers to stretch and many other amenities dedicated to making your experience at SFO a pleasant one. Here are some options for your next layover at SFO.

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Things to do on a layover at SFO

San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront

The beautifully redesigned and refurbished San Francisco Airport Marriott offers a state of the art fitness center and pool. The hotel is located in Burlingame, approx 2.5 miles from the airport and offers complimentary shuttles to and from SFO airport. After your workout why not head to the Hanger Steak restaurant for some freshly caught seafood or the Flights 101 Club Lounge for a lighter snack while enjoying panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. If you are a Sanctifly member you can use a Sanctifly points to access the leisure facilities at the hotel without needing to book a room.

Buy Sanctifly today to gain access to 4000+ lounge, wellness, fitness and relaxation options at 200 airports.

Air France - KLM Lounge

Why not spend your time relaxing away from the chaos of the airport and head to an airport lounge. Located in the International Terminal the Air France - KLM lounge offers fruit and snacks, newspapers and magazines and Wi-Fi access in a relaxing and quiet environment.

Download the Sanctifly app to explore all the facilities available to Sanctifly members.

XpresSpa

Nothing relieves the stress of travel like a good massage, and what better way to spend your airport downtime? Head to XpresSpa and get a relaxing massage or a refreshing facial before you hop on your next flight. XpresSpa’s expert staff will cater their offering to your needs and your schedule so even if you only have 15 minutes to spare you can still enjoy XpresSpa.

Free things to do at SFO

Stretch in the Yoga Room

One of the best airports in the world for airport wellness amenities, SFO has not one, but two yoga rooms available for use by passengers! You will find one in Terminal E near Gate E6 and the other in the secure connector between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Both yoga rooms are open 24 hours and free for all passengers to use. Why not follow along with one of the yoga videos available in the Sanctifly app and head to your flight feeling refreshed and energized.

Visit the SFO Museum

San Francisco International airport hosts approximately forty exhibitions annually. As you walk through the terminals you can enjoy exhibitions on cultural, art, historical and scientific topics from a variety of sources. Follow a self guided tour using the iPad kiosks located in Terminal 2 & 3 and discover the hidden gems at SFO.

Look out for the WAG Brigade

This is not something you can guarantee every time you are at SFO but next time you are waiting at your gate keep an eye out for the Wag Brigade. The Wag Brigade is a patrol of therapy animals certified by the San Francisco SPCA who’s aim is to help anxious passengers to relax. All the animals are fully trained and used to being in the busy environment of the airport. Keep an eye out for their vests that say ‘Pet Me’ to make sure it’s them.

Luggage storage options at SFO

If you decide to head into the city during your layover you may want to store your luggage. SFO offers one location for storing luggage. The Airport Travel Agency is located on the departures level of the International Terminal near Gate G91-G102. Prices range for $15 to $35 depending on the size of your item.

Best Eats

Quick Bite - Napa Farms Market

Enjoy fresh local produce at the gourmet deli or a sweet treat in the deli at Napa Farms Market. There are two locations at SFO on is located after security in the International Terminal near Gate G3 and the other is in Terminal 2. Both are open from 4 am to 11 pm.

Sit down meal - Tomokazu

Enjoy japanese specialties including sushi, sashima, rice bowls and much more. Located after security in the International Terminal near Gate G4. The restaurant is open from 8 am to 12 am.

6+ Hour Layover

If you have a 6+ hour layover at SFO why not get out of the airport and enjoy the surrounding area.

See the sites - The San Francisco Bay area is full of amazing sites including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Park. The best way to get from SFO to downtime is via BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport). If you have the time (and it’s no too windy) why not rent a bike and head out across the Golden Gate Bridge for some stunning views of the Bay.

Run by the water - Get out of the airport and enjoy being beside the sea next time you have a layover at SFO. And you don’t even have to venture tat far away from the airport! Bayfront Park is less than 2 miles away. Hop in a quick taxi ride, get the 292 bus or grab the Westin or the Marriott airport shuttle direct from the terminal.

Transport Options

BART - Bay Area Rapid Transport is a rapid rail that connect SFO to San Mateo County, San Francisco and the East Bay. The BART Station is located on the departures level of the International Terminal. Tickets can be bought at the station or in advance.

Bus - There are many bus routes that will get you downtown or to the surrounding areas of SFO. SamTrans provides a 24-hour bus service with many routes stopping at the Terminals. You will find SanTrans bus stops in Terminal 2, 3 and the International Terminal.

We want to hear from you.

If you know of any wellness options within 5 miles of any airport let us know.