โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
San Francisco International Airport operates as a major Pacific gateway with four distinct terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 serving domestic operations, and the International Terminal (Harvey Milk Terminal 1) handling most international flights and some domestic operations. The AirTrain Blue Line connects all terminals and parking facilities, operating 24/7 with service every 4 minutes during peak hours and every 8-15 minutes during off-peak periods.
Terminal 1 primarily serves Southwest Airlines with some international carriers, Terminal 2 accommodates American Airlines and Virgin America operations in a newly renovated facility, Terminal 3 serves as United Airlines' primary West Coast hub with extensive domestic and international operations, and the International Terminal handles the majority of international carriers along with some domestic flights. Each terminal features multiple levels with departures on the upper level and arrivals on the lower level, connected by escalators, elevators, and moving walkways.
Security checkpoints are located in each terminal, with Terminal 3 featuring the most extensive TSA facilities including dedicated United Club security, multiple PreCheck lanes, and CLEAR kiosks. Wait times vary significantly by terminal and time of day, ranging from 20-30 minutes during off-peak periods to 60-120 minutes during peak international departure times, particularly for Asian flights departing in late evening hours. The airport's role as a major Pacific gateway creates concentrated international traffic patterns.
International operations flow primarily through the International Terminal, which houses comprehensive customs and immigration facilities including numerous Global Entry kiosks, automated passport control systems, and expansive baggage claim areas. Passengers transferring between the International Terminal and domestic terminals must exit the secure area, take the AirTrain, and re-clear security, adding significant time to connections. United's operations in Terminal 3 include some international flights with customs facilities, allowing for more efficient connections within United's network.
San Francisco's terminals showcase Bay Area culture and innovation with amenities including restaurants featuring California cuisine, local wine selections, and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, retail shops highlighting San Francisco products and technology, and multiple airline lounges including United Clubs, American Admirals Clubs, and various international carrier lounges in the International Terminal. The airport is renowned for its art installations, museum-quality exhibits, free Wi-Fi throughout, abundant charging stations, and panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. Sustainability initiatives include extensive recycling programs, locally-sourced food options, and environmental exhibits throughout the terminals.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has become exceptionally seamless following the completion of post-security walkways that link all terminals airside. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at your first point of entry. You will then be required to clear TSA security before proceeding to your next gate. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate from the top level of the domestic parking garages.
This means that for domestic-to-domestic or domestic-to-international connections, you can walk between any gateโfrom the Harvey Milk Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 and the International Terminal G/Aโwithout leaving the secure area or re-clearing security. This involves passing through immigration, retrieving all checked baggage from the carousel (even if tagged through), and exiting through customs. A minimum connection time of at least three hours is strongly recommended for international-to-domestic transfers. Helpful amenities include free high-speed Wi-Fi, the SFO Museum exhibits throughout the terminals, and several premium lounges like the United Polaris Lounge in G.
A connection time of 60 minutes is typically sufficient for these airside transits, though allow at least 20 minutes if walking between the most distant concourses. If the plan changes, passport control, bags, and any customs step need slack, so the useful rhythm is the first solid recovery option rather than the terminal itself. The meaningful alternates are Los Angeles International Airport, Napa County Airport, California Redwood CoastโHumboldt County Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as San Francisco's time-saving link to the rest of United States of America.
For international arrivals, the process is mandatory: you must clear U. Immediately after the customs hall, follow the signs for 'Connecting Flights' to drop your bags at the dedicated re-check counters. Ground transportation to downtown San Francisco is most efficiently handled by the BART train, which has a station in the International Terminal; the journey takes about 30 minutes and costs approximately $10 USD. Arriving at the airport three hours before international departures is standard due to multiple security layers.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to San Francisco International Airport