When Should I Leave for San Francisco International Airport?
Real-time calculator for San Francisco, CA (SFO) — live traffic, TSA waits, all transport modes.
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Frequently Asked Questions — SFO
How early should I arrive at SFO for a domestic flight?⌄
For domestic flights at San Francisco International Airport, we recommend arriving at least 90 minutes before departure. During peak hours or holidays, allow 2 hours. TSA lines at SFO can be unpredictable — use the WhenToLeave calculator above for a personalised recommendation based on live traffic from your address.
How early should I arrive at SFO for an international flight?⌄
For international departures at San Francisco International Airport, plan to arrive 3 hours before your scheduled departure time. International check-in closes earlier, and customs documentation and additional security screening add time. Always check your airline's specific check-in deadline.
What is the TSA wait time at SFO right now?⌄
TSA wait times at San Francisco International Airport vary significantly by time of day and season. Early morning (5–7 AM) and mid-afternoon (2–4 PM) are typically the shortest waits. The WhenToLeave calculator pulls live TSA wait data when available. You can also check the MyTSA app for real-time estimates.
How long does it take to walk to the gate at SFO?⌄
Gate walk times at San Francisco International Airport average around 15 minutes after clearing security, but can be longer depending on your terminal and gate assignment. With 4 terminals, the distance can vary substantially — gates at the far end of a concourse may add 10–15 extra minutes.
What is the best way to get to SFO from San Francisco?⌄
Getting to San Francisco International Airport depends on where you are coming from and the time of day. Driving and rideshare are the most flexible options, but parking costs and traffic — especially during rush hour — can add significant time. Public transit, where available, offers a predictable journey time. Use the WhenToLeave calculator to compare all modes side-by-side from your specific address.
About SFO — San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is one of the busiest commercial airports in the United States, serving millions of travelers each year through San Francisco, CA.
Navigating SFO takes planning — the airport spans multiple terminals, and gate-to-gate walks average 15 minutes after clearing security.
San Francisco is located in CA, and SFO sits at coordinates 37.62°N, 122.38°W.
Plan for an average 15-minute walk from security to your gate at SFO. Gates at the far end of concourses may add extra time — always check your boarding pass early.
TSA provides live wait time data for SFO checkpoints. The WhenToLeave calculator pulls this data in real time to build your personalized departure time.
SFO offers scheduled commercial service, connecting San Francisco to destinations across the US and internationally.