---
title: "San Francisco SFO Airport Guide 2026: Terminals, Polaris & BART"
description: "San Francisco (SFO) airport guide for 2026 — domestic and international terminals, United Polaris Lounge, BART to downtown, connection bands and delay tips."
url: "https://travelshifu.com/airports/san-francisco-sfo/"
iata: "SFO"
type: "airport guide"
source: "TravelShifu"
---

# San Francisco SFO Airport Guide 2026: Terminals, Polaris & BART

San Francisco (SFO) mixes domestic Terminals 1–3 with International Terminal A and G. United’s Polaris Lounge in International G is the premium benchmark for transpacific business; BART reaches downtown in about thirty minutes. Pad international arrival formalities and fog-season irregular operations as of July 2026.

## How is San Francisco SFO laid out and which terminal should you use?

Domestic flights use Terminals 1–3. International arrivals and many long-haul departures use International Terminal A and G. United anchors a large share of transpacific and domestic connecting traffic — follow the boarding-pass terminal closely.

This SFO guide covers terminals, connections, layovers, BART, lounges and delay tips for July 2026. 

Compare [LAX](/airports/lax) and [JFK](/airports/jfk) for US gateways. See [San Francisco](/destinations/san-francisco) and [British Airways](/airlines/british-airways) for UK non-stops.

Figures are illustrative planning bands as of July 2026.

## What connection time should you plan at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)?

Protected United and partner connections can work near published minima on calm days. International-to-domestic turns need wider buffers for immigration and re-security. Fog and ATC programmes can erase tight MCT.

Through-checked bags on a single ticket are the calm path. Prefer protected metal when shopping [flight deals](/deals/flight-deals). 

See [flight delay compensation rights](/guides/flight-delay-compensation-rights) for qualifying UK/EU origin coupons.

## What can you do on a 3, 6 or 12-hour layover at SFO?

Short layovers stay airside with Polaris or Centurion access if eligible. Six hours suits lounge rest. Twelve hours can justify BART into downtown only when entry is complete and return security time is honest.

Three hours after an international landing are often formalities-heavy. 

Twelve-hour windows open a short Embarcadero visit. See [San Francisco](/destinations/san-francisco).

## What is the fastest way from SFO to downtown San Francisco?

BART from the airport station usually reaches downtown in about thirty minutes when service is normal. Ride-hailing trades predictability for door-to-door drops across the peninsula.

Follow BART signs from arrivals; buy tickets or use contactless where accepted. 

See [San Francisco](/destinations/san-francisco) for neighbourhood planning.

## Which lounges can you use at SFO?

United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G is the premium benchmark for eligible Polaris and Star Alliance Gold international departures. Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 serves cardholders. Confirm access rules before you walk.

Polaris access is stricter than standard United Clubs. 

Priority Pass exclusions are common at SFO — check the live list.

## Does SFO have free Wi-Fi and left-luggage storage?

SFO typically offers free Wi-Fi after a splash-page or SMS login for messaging and light browsing. Left-luggage desks operate landside with per-bag daily rates when open.

Use the official airport network; carry an eSIM for reliable uploads on long layovers. 

Photograph bag tags; never store passports or medication in left luggage.

## What should you do if your SFO flight is delayed or cancelled?

Use the operating-carrier app first for rebooking, keep boarding passes and delay timestamps, and ask about hotels when overnight disruption is covered. UK/EU compensation frameworks can still attach to qualifying origin coupons even when you are standing at SFO.

Start with [flight delay compensation rights](/guides/flight-delay-compensation-rights) for the legal map, then file through your carrier with evidence. 

Separate tickets weaken onward protection — prefer single tickets when shopping [flight deals](/deals/flight-deals).

## What is the practical bottom line for using SFO well?

Pad fog-season connections, use BART for downtown hotels, and treat Polaris access as a cabin-and-status privilege rather than a walk-up given.

SFO rewards protected United tickets. Pair with [LAX](/airports/lax), [JFK](/airports/jfk) and [San Francisco](/destinations/san-francisco). 

[CTA: kiwi | Compare San Francisco SFO one-stops] · [CTA: aviasales | Watch SFO prices on flexible dates]

## Where is the United Polaris Lounge at SFO?

International Terminal G near the G gates — confirm access rules. 

## How long is BART from SFO to downtown?

About thirty minutes when service is normal. 

## SFO or LAX for California?

SFO often has easier rail into the city; compare fares and final addresses.

## Does fog delay SFO flights?

Marine layer and fog programmes can disrupt banks — pad connections in summer mornings.

## Which terminal for international arrivals?

International Terminal A and G — follow your boarding pass.

## Is there a Centurion Lounge at SFO?

Yes in Terminal 3 for eligible Amex cardholders. 

---

Canonical HTML: https://travelshifu.com/airports/san-francisco-sfo/