What Terminal is United at SFO?

Traveling on United Airlines at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and unsure which terminal to head to? Worry no more if you want to know what terminal is United at SFO. San Francisco International Airport has multiple terminals, but navigating them is simple. For domestic United Airlines flights, simply head to Terminal 3, specifically concourses E and F, for both departures and arrivals. If you’re flying internationally with United, the airline utilizes the International Terminal, designated by the letter G, for both departures and arrivals.

Additionally, SFO boasts a complimentary AirTrain service that connects all terminals, making it easy to get around the airport regardless of your United Airlines itinerary.

United Airlines SFO Terminal—Quick Facts

The table and the sections below provide useful information about the terminals used by United Airlines at SFO, along with other useful information to ensure a smooth travel experience regardless of your itinerary.

Snapshot 

• SFO has 4 terminals—3 domestic terminals (Terminals 1, 2, and 3) and 1 international terminal.
• United Airlines uses Terminal 3 (E and F) for domestic flights and the International Terminal (G) for international flights. All terminals can be reached by pedestrian walkways or the AirTrain. 
• Terminal 3 is used solely by United Airlines to operate its flights.
• Transport services include trains (BART and Caltrain), buses, shuttles, taxis, and ride services like Lyft and Uber.  
• Parking options include short-term ($2/15 min, $36/day) and long-term ($2/15 min, $18/day) parking in covered/uncovered garages near the terminals.  A courtesy shuttle runs from long-term parking lots. Other options include a cell phone waiting lot (free for 1-hour pickup) and a Kiss and Fly lot (free drop-off with AirTrain to terminals). Accessible parking is available in all lots.

Layout of United Airlines SFO Terminal 

United Airlines SFO Terminal Map. Image Credit: FlySFO.com/maps/static-maps

San Francisco International Airport’s International Terminal acts as a central hub for global travelers. Here’s a breakdown of key areas:

Ticketing, Services & Eats: Level 3 boasts the bustling heart of the terminal, featuring ticketing counters, shops, and restaurants. This level also provides access to the BART station, whisking you straight to San Francisco.

Arrivals & Departures: Disembarking? Head to Level 2 for baggage claim. Ready to jet off? Security checkpoints and dedicated parking for departing passengers are conveniently located on Level 4, granting access to both Concourse A and Concourse G.

Exploring United Airlines Terminals at SFO

• International Terminal, Concourse G: Nestled on the north side, Concourse G houses gates G1-G14. It features a main security checkpoint, a dedicated one for connecting domestic flights, shops, restaurants, a United Polaris Lounge, and a United Club. For a seamless experience, consider using the G-side parking garage when departing from Concourse G.
  
• Domestic Terminal 3: United Airlines takes center stage at Terminal 3, with its 36 gates (E1-E13 & F1-F22) spread across two concourses. Travelers can unwind in two United Club lounges or an American Express Centurion Lounge while indulging in shopping and dining options. A connector bridge within the secure area allows for convenient transfers between arriving flights at Terminal 3 and departing international flights at Concourse G. However, connecting to international flights from Concourse A requires reclearing security. For connections to Terminal 2, passengers can utilize the pre-security or post-security walkways.

Services and Amenities—United Airlines SFO Terminal 

• Cafes and Restaurants: SFO has more than 70 bars, cafes, and restaurants. For details, check out the airport’s website. 
• Wi-Fi: To connect to the free Wi-Fi service, select “#SFO FREE WIFI”, launch your browser, agree to the terms, and hit the Connect button. For assistance, call 855-415-9434.
• Charging stations are located throughout the terminals, including travelers’ workstations for laptops. 
• Lost & Found: If you lose an item:
  • On an aircraft, contact the airline directly.
  • In a public area (terminal, AirTrain, or parking garage), get in touch with the San Francisco Police Dept. at 650-821-7014 or sfolostandfound@flysfo.com.
  • At a security checkpoint, call Covenant Aviation Security at 650-457-2670 or lostandfound@covenantsecurity.com. 
  • At the car rental center or a transfer bus from long-term parking, call the SFO Shuttle Bus Company at 415-915-9760.

Additional Information about United Airlines Terminal at SFO

• Information booths are located in the main central areas of all terminals. 
• The children’s play area in Terminal 3 is located near Gates E7 and F18.
• Baby facilities in the International Terminal are located near Gate 4 and in the main hall near the security checkpoints of G gates. At Terminal 3, they are located near Gates E5, F4, and F16, by the concession area on the mezzanine level, and near entryway door no. 5 on the departures level. 
• The pet relief areas in the international terminal are located close to the end of Concourse A. At Terminal 3, they are located in the outdoor courtyard on the baggage claim level and near the restrooms of Concourse F. 
• Duty-free shops are available near Gates A11 and G4 at the International Terminal.
• Smoking Areas are located outside the secure areas and terminals. 
• There’s no prayer room at SFO but you can try the Berman Reflection Room for meditation. 
• ATMs can be found in all terminals, and currency exchange counters are located in Terminal 3 close to Gate E1 and the International Terminal.
• Luggage storage facilities are in the International Terminal outside G security at the Airport Travel Agency.
• Important Phone Numbers
  • Inquiries 800-435-9736
  • Luggage Storage 650-877-0422
  • Parking 650-821-7900

Transportation Options at SFO

Transport services at SFO include trains, buses (public and private), shuttles, taxis, and ride services like Lyft, Uber, and Wingz. 

Trains

BART: The BART train offers convenient travel to numerous locations within the Bay Area, including downtown San Francisco and Oakland. The station is situated on the ticketing level of the International Terminal near the G side. A one-way ticket from SFO to downtown San Francisco costs $10.20 and takes approximately 30 minutes.

Caltrain: This commuter train operates between San Francisco and San Jose. Passengers can transfer from Caltrain to BART at Millbrae Station and then to San Bruno Station for airport-bound trains.

Buses

SamTrans: SamTrans buses provide public transportation to and from San Mateo County and San Francisco to SFO. These buses can be boarded outside Terminals 2, 3, and International Terminals A and G.

Charter Bus: Charter bus services can be reserved. A list of available operators can be found on the airport’s website.

Shuttles

Shuttles, both shared-ride and private-ride, are available at every terminal at SFO. These services can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival in the arrival hall (shared ride van monitor). A comprehensive list of shuttle operators is available on the airport’s website.

Taxis

Metered taxis can be found outside each terminal on the arrivals level. The fare from SFO to downtown San Francisco is typically around $45, depending on traffic and the exact destination.

Ride Services

Approved ride service companies like Lyft, Uber, and Wingz offer pick-up and drop-off services at the international terminal on both levels. At the domestic terminals, shared-ride pick-ups are from the domestic garage (Level 5), while private services pick up on the departure level from the curbside.

Parking Facilities at SFO

SFO offers more than 5,000 parking spaces for vehicles. They include both short- and long-term parking options.

Short-Term Parking

SFO’s domestic garage is located close to the entry points of Terminals 1, 2, and 3, around the center of the airport. The parking rates are $2 for every 15 minutes or $36 per 24 hours. With a maximum clearance of 6 ft 6 in, the airport’s largest garage offers both covered and uncovered parking. 

The domestic garage offers valet parking on Level 4. The fees are $45 for the first 24 hours. Subsequent charges are $2 for every additional 15 minutes up to $45 per 24 hours.

Both concourses (A and G) of the International Terminal have parking garages (covered and uncovered) located near the terminal. The parking rates range from $2 for every 15 minutes or $36 per 24 hours.

Long-Term Parking

SFO’s long-term surface lot/long-term garages offer long-term parking facilities. Located at a slight distance from the terminals, the cost is $2 per 15 minutes or $18 per 24 hours. A courtesy shuttle bus runs at a 5-15-minute frequency from the parking areas to the terminals. 

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

The airport’s cell phone waiting lot is situated close to the long-term parking lots. It allows drivers up to 1 hour of free parking to pick up passengers from the airport, as long as they don’t leave their vehicles unattended while waiting. The waiting lot is closed from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Kiss and Fly Lot

If you’re dropping off someone, you can avoid traffic at the terminals by using the Kiss and Fly lot at the car rental center. The complimentary AirTrain service operates between the car rental center and the terminals at 10-minute intervals. 

Parking for Passengers with Disabilities

All parking lots have accessible parking for passengers with disabilities. These spaces are located near the elevators in both domestic and international garages. The long-term parking lots are accessible by wheelchair-friendly shuttle buses running between the terminals.

Note. The domestic parking garage cannot house accessible vehicles exceeding 6 ft 6 in in height and should head to the valet parking (departures roadway) for assistance. The long-term garage 2 and the international parking garages can house vehicles up to 8 feet 2 inches, whereas the long-term parking garage can accommodate vehicles of 6 ft 10 in.

Parking Contact Numbers

For general parking inquiries, call 650-821-7900.

Security and Customs at United Airlines SFO Terminal 

• Most terminals have 2 security checkpoints, with Terminal 1 having just 1.
• Opening hours vary, so check the airport’s website for the latest information.

TSA PreCheck 

• All checkpoints offer TSA PreCheck lanes for those who qualify.
• SFO even has a convenient TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center near the International Terminal’s G gates security checkpoint. Apply online beforehand and schedule your interview for your next SFO trip.

Global Entry 

• SFO participates in Global Entry, offering expedited clearance for passengers arriving on international flights.
• Apply online and schedule an interview at the airport’s enrollment center located on the arrivals level of the International Terminal (open from 7 am to 3 pm).

Mobile Passport 

• Download the Mobile Passport Control app (available for iOS and Android) to submit your arrival information electronically.
• Upon arrival, use the dedicated Mobile Passport lane and show your instant receipt and passport to a CBP agent.

CLEAR

• Consider enrolling in CLEAR for expedited security clearance at all SFO terminals.

Remember

• Double-check checkpoint hours before your flight.
• Explore programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry for a smoother travel experience.

Inter-Terminal Transport at SFO

AirTrain 

SFO’s AirTrain operates outside the secure area between all terminals, the car rental center, and long-term parking. 

• The red line operates in a clockwise direction and stops at all the terminals and their garages, the BART Station, and the Hotel Grand Hyatt. 
• The blue line runs in a counter-clockwise direction and stops at all the terminals and their garages, the BART Station, the car rental center, long-term parking, and the Grand Hyatt.

The trains operate 24 hours a day at a 4-minute frequency. 

Walking

All terminals are connected loop-wise as follows: 

T1 – T2 – T3 – International G – International A – T1. 

You can walk outside of the secure area if connecting to Terminal 1 from the International Terminal. However, you walk inside the secure area without having to re-clear security if you’re connecting between Gates C2-11 and D1-18.

Terminal 3 and the International Terminal are connected from outside the secure area. You can connect from Terminal 3 to the International Terminal’s G gates through the airside connector bridge without having to re-clear security.

Terminal 2 connects with Terminal 3 via 2 walkways—one before security and one after security.

If you’re connecting to any of the International Terminal’s A gates, you will need to re-clear security at the A gates’ entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions About United Airlines SFO Terminal 

The FAQs below about the United Airlines SFO terminal will help clear whatever doubts you may have about navigating San Francisco International Airport.