SFO Terminal 3 – San Francisco International Airport
Terminal 3 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a primary hub for domestic flights operated by United Airlines. SFO aims to achieve LEED Platinum certification, the highest green level of recognition for the Terminal 3 West Ongoing Project. While undergoing a major renovation project, the SFO Airport Terminal 3 still meets the terminal integrating unique amenities and modern services that have set a standard for high airport experiences. In this article you will get clear insights, about the recent changes and comforts of SFO Terminal 3.
A Comprehensive Overview of SFO Terminal 3
SFO Terminal 3 is the main hub for United Airlines’ domestic flights, and is currently undergoing major renovations starting July 16, 2025. These updates are affecting areas on both the Arrivals and Departures levels, including baggage claim, curbside pickup zones, and AirTrain access. However, travelers can still move easily between terminals without leaving the secure area thanks to temporary walkways that navigate around the construction. The SFO Airport map terminal 3, helps to guide passengers making international connections depending on their point of start. While a few lounges and entrances are temporarily closed, most essential services remain available. This guide will help you get around Terminal 3 smoothly during the renovations.
| Category | Details |
| Operated Airlines | United Airlines, United Express |
| Concourses Layout | 36 Gates – 2 Concourses – Concourse E, Gates – E1-E13 Concourse F, Gates F1-F22 (Temporary changes, renovations) |
| Arrival Level | Lower Level : Baggage Claim, Meeting Points, Ground Transportations |
| Departure Level | Upper Level : Check-ins, Security Checkpoints, TSA PreCheck, High Speed Wi-Fi, Restrooms, AirTrain Access, Temporary Walkways |
| Lounges Available | United Club – Concourse E, Near Gate E4Concourse F, Near Gate F11 Centurion Lounge – Temporary relocate at the Terminal 2, Near Gate D12 |
| Priority Pass | San Francisco Giant Clubhouse – Concourse F, Near Gate F13, After Security |
| Dining and Food Hub | Peet’s Coffee, Amoura Cafe, Mission Bar & Grill, Bun Mee, Burger King, Sankaku, Koi Palace Express, Klein’s Deli, Proper Food |
| Shopping hub | San Francisco Travel News, See’s Candies, Skyline’s News & Gifts, Techshowcase, XpresSpa, Zoom Travel Store, District Market, San Francisco Bay Traders, DFS Duty Free Galleria, |
| Parking | Domestic Parking Long Term Parking Cell Phone Parking Lot Valet Parking |
| Facilities and amenities | Wag Brigade, Yoga Room, Kids Area, Art and Exhibit, Bay Area Flair, Charging Stations, High Speed Wi-fi, Nursing Rooms, Restrooms, Spa Service, Pet relief area, SFO Information Booth, United Airlines Customer Service, Accessibility |
| Official Website | https://www.flysfo.com/ |
Where is the SFO Airport Terminal 3?
A long, Linear structure terminal 3 is a part of the semi-circular or curved ring layout of SFO Airport, located at the northern side of the airport. Terminal 2 and International Terminal are connected through the pedestrian walkways and AirTrain. The exact physical location is
Highway 101, San Francisco, CA 94128
Some nearby tourist attracts are:
- Bayfront Park – Ideal for plane spotters at a distance of 1.7 miles from terminal 3, one can perceive the aircraft land and take off with walking trails and benches.
- Sky Terrace – An outdoor observation desk where one can obstruct the views of airport operations, located at the terminal 2 access through pedestrian walkways.
- Downtown Millbrae – A closet downtown area, offers a variety of Asian Markets, Bakeries and cafes, at approximately 2.4 miles away from the SFO Airport Terminal 3.
- Downtown Burlingame – A pleasant downtown area, with unique boutiques, shops and restaurants at 4.4 miles distance.
- SFO Museum Louise A. Turpen Aviation and Library – Located within the International Terminal. This museum is a short walk from Terminal 3 via walkways or a quick AirTrain ride.
- Millbrae Train Museum – Located at the Millbrae BART stations, enthusiastic for train lovers, you can see vintage cars over here as well.
How to Get to the San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3?
The airport of San Francisco is located in a distinct section of San Mateo County, which is adjacent to San Francisco, it is about 14 miles south of downtown San Francisco. There are various ground transportation options available to reach Terminal 3, including driving, ride share, and public transit services.
Public Transit
- BART Station: The BART station is located at the International Terminal of SFO, here you can take either AirTrain or Walk through the airside walkway to connect to Terminal 2, from the SFO-Bound train around the Bay Area.
- SamTrans: A 24 hours bus service which connects SFO to San Mateo County, and various parts of San Francisco.
By Car/Taxi/Rideshare
- If you are arriving by driving, follow the sign of “Departure” at Terminal 3. Here you can access the domestic garage at any level, centrally between the domestic terminal with short walking tunnels.
- Uber and Lyft rideshares/taxis are at the free Cell Phone Parking Lot to pick up the arrival passengers. Walk or take the escalator or elevator to access the Domestic Garage at the Level 5 of the Terminal for ride share.
- The Kiss ‘n’ Fly option allows you to drop off passengers at the Rental Car Center, where they can take the AirTrain directly to Terminal 3, this helps to reduce traffic congestion.
Inter Terminals
- AirTrain: A free train service with two colored lanes, red and blue that connects all the terminals of the SFO. The red line loops through terminals, garage and BART stations, whereas the Blue line crosses through the rental car and long term parking as well.
- Walkways: All terminals are connected through walkways, at both after and before security checkpoints. It takes typically 6 minutes to cross and connect through different terminals from the walkways.
Airlines Fly from SFO Terminal 3
San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 mainly facilitates United Airlines through its regional flights, United Express services, and United uses this terminal as a significant domestic hub which is the connecting point for flights throughout the United States. United Express regional carriers, such as SkyWest and Mesa Airlines, also operate many flights to and from SFO Terminal 3 airlines. These flights connect to smaller cities and short-haul markets. While United Airlines dominates this terminal, there may be an occasional flight from another Star Alliance member airline as a codeshare or occasional flights from an airline that does not regularly operate from San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3. However, no other major commercial airlines service this terminal on a regular basis.
Destinations From SFO Airport Terminal 3
Destinations from San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 are mainly from the routes of 3 United Airlines domestic flights. This along with the regional carries of United Express airlines, provides a wide range of destinations, from the cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago etc. Although Terminal 3 is a domestic hub still it opens some gates for International Destinations. Here is the clear outlook of the destinations served from terminal 3, however flights and schedule are the subjects to change always:
International Destinations
- Canada – Vancouver
- Costa Rica – Liberia, San Jose
- Mexico – Monterrey, Cancun
- Belize – Belize City
- Panama – Panama City
Domestic Destinations
- West Coast – Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Ana, Portland, Seattle, Boise, Las Vegas
- East Coast – Denver, Phoenix, Aspen, Salt Lake City, Albuquerque
- Midwest – Chicago, Minneapolis
- North East – New York, Boston, Washington D.C, Buffalo, Hartford
- South and Southwest – Huston, Austin, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Nashville Charlotte
- Alaska and Hawaii – Honolulu, Lihue
Regional Destinations
California, Nevada, Oregano, Washington, Arizona, Colorado
SFO Terminal 3 Arrival and Departure
San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 is a hub for United Airlines, and recently it is going under construction for the expansion and renovation of the western part of the terminal. The arrival is in the lower level, whereas the departure is in the upper level of the San Francisco International Airport terminal 3, you can access both levels through elevators and escalators all over the terminal. The ongoing renovation may impact the levels, so indications and temporary walkways are essential to understand.
| Arrival Level | Departure Level |
| All procedures of arrivals are handled at the lower level of the Terminal. You can access the Baggage Claim, Ground Transportations, and Meeting Room after clearing the process. Baggage Claim carousels 1, 2 and 3 are closed. Travelers heading to the International Terminal or BART must use the outdoor covered walkway between Terminal 3, Doors 7 and 12. For quicker and easier arrival pick-up, head further down the curb to Doors 10–12, as these door locations are more likely to be a smoother and faster process loading passengers. For International Passengers after clearing the Customs Process in the International Terminal, you will need to re-check your baggage at the Connecting Baggage Desk. Proceed to Terminal 3 using the secure walkway (G gates) or AirTrain (A gates), re-clear security and go to your United domestic flight gate. | Departure processes are operated at the Upper level of the Terminal. At the departure level the airlines check-ins and TSA Checkpoints are crucial to clear for taking flights, after that you can access the world class amenities and services provided by the airlines and terminals. As Doors 6–8 are closed at Terminal 3, drop off zones are designated depending on ticket class, considering Terminal 2 drop off if needing faster access, or consider the Kiss & Fly area. Plus, the arrivals level and available routes offer another avenue to help reduce congestion at peak times. As of July 16, 2025, a portion of the Departures Lobby at Terminal 3 is closed. Passengers should make use of the temporary covered walkway and keep in mind that all CLEAR lanes have moved to Terminal 2 and Checkpoint G. |
SFO Terminal 3 Map and Layout
While SFO generally deliberate an easy navigation throughout the terminals, the recent construction and ongoing project caused major changes, by understanding the basic temporary changes of the Terminal 3 can enhance your overall travel experience. Hence, Being familiar with SFO Terminal 3 map and layout is essential.
| Categories | Features |
| Concourse & Gates | 36 Gates – 2 Concourses – Concourse E, Gates – E1-E13 Concourse F, Gates F1-F22 (Temporary changes, renovations) |
| Level 1 | Arrival level : Baggage Carousel – Gates 4-7 |
| Level 2 | Departure Level : Check-ins counterPremium gate – 2-3Economy gate – 10-13(Portion of departures lobby closed; use temporary covered walkway to bypass closures) |
| Level 3 | AirTrain station, Garage F (pedestrian tunnel closed)alternative walking paths through garage elevators |
| Level 4 | Mezzanine Level : Lounges and Passengers Walkways |
| Level 5 | Domestic Garage |
| Connected Terminals | Post Security Walkways – Terminal 2International Terminal G Pre Security Walkways – International Terminal ATerminal 1 |
The large portion, especially the Concourse F is ongoing under major changes, hence it is important to acknowledge the SFO Airport Terminal 3 map and layout. For being updated and having a smooth journey, referencing the interactive map of Terminal 3 SFO is highly recommended, as it will include temporary changes and walkways.
TSA Checkpoints and Weighing Stations
There is a main TSA Security Checkpoint on the Departure Level (Level 2). This Checkpoint offers the screening lanes, TSA PreCheck Points and CLEAR Lanes for their eligible members. The weighing luggage is part of the TSA Security Checkpoints, available at the San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 airlines check-ins counter.
TSA Security Checkpoints at Terminal 3
Main Security Checkpoint F1:
- Located at the upper Departure level and opens daily, however the timing may vary according to the airline’s timings.
- Serves all gates of the terminals including the international Terminal G, because of the recent renovations, use temporary walkways to reach at the checkpoints.
TSA PreCheck
Available at the F1 TSA Security Checkpoints, for eligible passengers only to reduce wait times.
CLEAR Lanes
A biometric screening is closed temporarily now, because of the recent renovations at the SFO Terminal 3.
Weighing Stations at SFO Airport Terminal 3
There are two ways airline check-ins counters and self service kiosks available at the Departure level of the Terminal 3. For more convenience options, the Long Term Garage provides remote bag-check services even before arriving at the terminal.
- The one personal item is free at the airport like carry bags, until you don’t need any assistant for that.
- For economy and premium economy classes, the average weight is 50lb and for business classes the weight range goes to 70lb.
- MileagePlus Status, Premier members and Star Alliance Gold members often receive increased weight allowances.
- For overweight luggage the extra fees would be $100-$200, more than 100lb is not acceptable further from the security checkpoints.
Security Wait Times at SFO Terminal 3
As of the recent constructions, there is no predicted wait time for the security screening at San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3, as wait times vary by time of day, passenger volume, and TSA staff. In general, wait times are expected to be 20 minutes or more and peak periods can be more than 45 minutes. For the latest information, it is better to refer to the resources below.
SFO Lost and Found Counter at Terminal 3
The Lost and Found are handled by different departments on the basis of the location and timing when the item is lost or found. There is no dedicated desk to handle all Lost and Found operations.
- Lost in the Plane: If you lost your luggage on your flight time, contact your flight airlines whom you are flying with, they are responsible for retrieving and managing the lost as well as left items.
- Lost at the TSA Security Checkpoints: If the item is lost at the security checkpoint, contact your security company managers, Covenant Aviation Security.
Hours – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Contact – 650.457.2670
Email – lostandfound@covenantsecurity.com
- Lost in the Public Area inside the Airport: Contact SFO Lost and Found, managed by San Francisco Police Department near arrival level hall, baggage carousel #7, if the item is lost in the public area or on the AirTrain while inter-connecting.
Hours – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Contact – 650.821.7014
Email – sfolostandfound@flysfo.com
SFO Terminal 3 Parking Options
During Terminal 3 renovations, some connecting paths and tunnels may be temporarily closed. Always follow signage for SFO Terminal 3 parking. You have several options, ranging from the convenient but expensive Domestic Garage right at the terminal to more economical long-term choices accessible a bit far through AirTrain.
- Domestic Garage: Situated at the centre of the terminal, leading towards all the terminals, just follow the “Hourly” signage at the nearby tunnels. The charges are $2 for the 15 minutes and $38 for 24 hours.
- Long Term Garage: Most affordable options at the north of the airport, with free 24/7 AirTrain Blue Line service. The charge rate is $25 per day, vehicles taller than 8’2” should use surface lots.
- Cell Phone Parking Lot: Located near the Long Term Garage, best for picking up the passengers as the first 60 minutes is free, vehicle’s attended should be there all the time.
- Valet Parking: Located at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, connected to all terminals through the AirTrain. Provides free shuttle services to all terminals are available from here.
Hotels Near the San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3
Numerous hotels surrounding the San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 offer easy access by the airport shuttle and the AirTrain. Most of these hotels are within a few minutes from Terminal 3, and available conveniences include dining, a gym, business services, minimal travel time, and more. These hotels are great for short layovers when you want a room for the night or if you are leaving on an early flight. Almost all the hotels offer shuttle service to and from SFO, here is the sophisticated table to understand it more clearly:
| Hotel Name | Address | Rating | Price Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Hyatt at SFO | 55 S McDonnell Rd, San Francisco, CA | 4.7 | Premium | Direct airport access, soundproof rooms, upscale dining |
| SFO El Rancho Inn, SureStay Collection by Best Western | 1100 El Camino Real, Millbrae, CA | 4.1 | Budget | Free breakfast, seasonal pool, relaxed vibe |
| Hotel 1550 | 1550 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA | 4.3 | Mid-range | Free shuttle, breakfast, modern rooms |
| The Westin San Francisco Airport | 1 Old Bayshore Hwy, Millbrae, CA | 4.2 | Premium | Bay views, American eatery, free shuttle |
| Travelodge by Wyndham San Francisco Airport North | 326 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA | 2.9 | Budget | 24-hour diner, heated pool, basic amenities |
| San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront | 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA | 4.3 | Premium | Waterfront views, steakhouse, upscale feel |
| Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG | 1177 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, CA | 3.6 | Mid-range | Indoor pool, 24-hour gym, free shuttle |
| Comfort Inn & Suites | 121 E Grand Ave., South San Francisco, CA | 3.8 | Budget | Free breakfast, gym, casual stay |
SFO Airport Terminal 3 Lounges
In Terminal 3, you can find two United Clubs and various other lounges, which are available to be accessed through secure pathways in the other terminals. The Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 is closed for renovations, but there is a temporary facility available in Terminal 2, these are:
| Lounge Name | Location (Concourse) | Access Type | Key Amenities | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Club | Concourse E | United Club members, Star Alliance premium passengers | Snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, workspaces | 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| United Club | Concourse F | Same as above | Larger space, showers, premium bar | 5:00 AM – 10:30 PM |
| American Express Centurion Lounge | Concourse F | AMEX Platinum, Centurion cardholders | Gourmet food, craft cocktails, shower suites | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Priority Pass at San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3
Priority Pass at SFO Terminal 3 as of late 2025 receive a dining credit at one restaurant only. There are no standard Priority Pass lounges in Terminal 3, as the United Clubs in the terminal are not part of the Priority Pass network.
SFO Smoking Areas at Terminal 3
Smoking areas are not available inside SFO Terminal 3 or any terminal at San Francisco International Airport. Smoking, e-cigarettes and vaping are not allowed inside the terminal buildings.
Smoking areas are permitted only at the outside of the terminal buildings:
- Departure Level (Upper Level): At the south end of the terminal building, before the security. If you have passed the security, you exit the terminal and go through the re-screening, after smoking.
- Arrival Level (Lower Level): North end of the terminal after the baggage claim areas, across a small parking lot near gate 26.
San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 Restaurants
San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 Food and Dining are mainly in the post-security, E and F concourses. The selection includes a mix of casual dining, quick-serve restaurants, and Bay Area-inspired food and beverage choices. The status of some restaurants may be impacted by the terminal modernization project that is currently in progress, the deep details are as follow:
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine Type | Location (Concourse) |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Giants Club House | American Ballpark | Concourse F |
| Yankee Pier | Seafood | Concourse F |
| SF Uncork’d | Wine Bar | Concourse F |
| Mission Bar & Grill | American Grill | Concourse F |
| Sankaku | Japanese/Sushi | Concourse F |
| Amoura Café | Mediterranean | Concourse F |
| Urban Tortilla | Mexican | Concourse F |
| Pronto! | Rotating Local Dishes | Concourse F |
| Burger King | Fast Food | Concourse E |
| Dogpatch Bakehouse & Caffè | Bakery/Café | Concourse F |
SFO Terminal 3 Shopping Hubs
Terminal 3 at SFO has a variety of shops located after security in concourses E and F. The terminal is being modernized and will have more retail space added later. For now, the range of shopping includes a few newsstands, convenience stores, and specialty shops are mentioned below:
| Store Name | Type | Location (Concourse) |
|---|---|---|
| InMotion | Electronics & Accessories | Concourse F |
| Tumi | Luggage & Travel Gear | Concourse F |
| See’s Candies | Sweets & Gifts | Concourse F |
| Jo Malone / Tom Ford | Fragrance & Beauty | Concourse F |
| Compass Books | Books & Magazines | Concourse F |
| SoundBalance | Wellness & Tech | Concourse F |
| California Lifestyle | Apparel & Souvenirs | Concourse F |
| San Francisco Travel News | Newsstand & Gifts | Concourse F |
| Zoom Travel Stores | Convenience & Travel | Concourse F |
| Hudson News | Newsstand & Essentials | Concourse E & F |
Special Accessibility at SFO Terminal 3
San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 provides a diverse range of special accessibilities and caring features, despite some services being temporary because of the ongoing renovations. The current possible available accessibilities are:
| Accessible Restrooms | Companion care restrooms are available at both the post security and pre security area for the comfort of the passengers. |
| Ensures Accessibility | Wheelchairs Assistance: Travelers needing wheelchair or guided assistance must arrange these services with their airline, preferably when booking their flight. Ramps and Elevators: These are available throughout all the public areas at the terminal to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers. |
| Neurodivergent Travelers | Wag Brigade: Therapy animals, roam all over the terminal with “Pet Me!” vest, including dogs and pigs. Quiet Rooms: While there are no dedicated sensory rooms available, passengers can access the Yoga Rooms, located at the connector path of Terminal 2 & 3. |
| Visual and Hearing Impairments | TTY Phones: For deaf and hard to hear passengers, the telephone booths are available at both the departure and arrival levels. Visual Paging: Screens throughout the terminals, displaying the airport information. |
San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 Amenities and Services
Terminal 3 at San Francisco International Airport provides a wide range of amenities and services, in spite of some present modernizations of the Terminal 3 Project, which will continue until almost 2029. With options ranging from numerous dining and shopping choices, to unique wellness and accessibility services, Terminal 3 serves travelers complete safety and security which creates a memorable journey.
| Wellness and Relaxation | Yoga Room Wag Brigade |
| Family and Child Service | Family Restrooms Kids Play Area Pet Relief Area Medical Clinic |
| Technology and Connectivity | High speed Wi-fi Charging Stations Escalators Elevators AirTrain Airside Walkways |
| Special Accessibilities | Accessible Restrooms Wheelchair Accessibility Accessible Parking TSA Cares |
Some Useful Links Related to SFO Airport
- SFO Terminal 1 – San Francisco International Airport
- SFO Terminal 2 – San Francisco International Airport
Overall,
SFO Terminal 3 is undergoing a transition, reflecting both passenger-centric progress and the renovation of the large construction projects. Terminal 3 has another layer to its complexity as starting late 2025, a multi-billion dollar renovation will substantially impact the passenger experience with temporary closures and detours. Terminal 3 is United Airlines airport hub for domestic operations and offers world-class amenities, dining options, and accessibility features all at the same time.
FAQs on SFO Terminal 3 – San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport Terminal 3 is primarily served by United Airlines, along with select flights from Avianca, GOL, and TAP Air Portugal.
You can use the AirTrain, a free automated people mover that connects all terminals, parking garages, and the BART station. It runs 24/7.
SFO Terminal 3 includes Gates E1–E13 and F1–F22, split between Concourse E and Concourse F.
Yes! You’ll find the United Club lounges and the American Express Centurion Lounge, offering amenities like showers, snacks, and Napa Valley wine tastings.
Dining options range from fast food to gourmet fare, including Burger King, Sankaku (sushi), Mission Bar & Grill, SF Uncork’d, and San Francisco Giants Club House.
Absolutely. Shops include Tumi, See’s Candies, California Lifestyle, and Jo Malone, plus tech and travel gear at InMotion.
Yes! San Francisco International Airport Concourse E features a yoga room with complimentary mats for travelers who want to stretch and relax.
SFO recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
Gate passes for unaccompanied minors or elderly travelers vary by airline. Military personnel may be met at the gate under certain conditions.
Baggage issues are handled by your airline. They have tracking systems to locate lost or delayed luggage.
Recent Posts
Recent pages