In 2008, the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) ranked as the 10th largest airport in the United States in terms of passengers served, according to the Airports Council International. As with all major international airports, finding parking at SFO can be complicated. But the airport has enough parking options that you shouldn’t have too much trouble if you come prepared.
International Parking Garages
There are two International Parking Garages at SFO, A and G, located in the north and south sides of the airport. From either one of the International Garages, it’s a 10-minute walk to the International Terminals. You can also access the rest of the terminals by riding the AirTrain, which circles around the entire airport. Prices are $2 for 20 minutes and $20 for 24 hours.
The Domestic Parking Garage
The Domestic Parking Garage at SFO is the best place for short term parking. If you’re meeting someone or seeing someone off at one of the domestic terminal, you can park here and take the short 5 minute walk via pedestrian tunnel to the terminals. It’s $2 per 20 minutes and there’s a $33 maximum limit for 24 hours.
SFO Long-Term Parking
The new Long-Term SFO airport parking area has two things going for it: it’s relatively inexpensive and it’s indoors (many long-term parking facilities off-site only have outdoor parking). The cost is $14 per day, and passengers can arrive promptly from their cars at the terminals by taking a free airport shuttle.
Off-Site Parking
Off-site parking facilities offer an alternative to regular airport parking. These facilities are near the airport and usually offer free shuttle services. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of driving through the airport and want to save a few bucks in the process, look into this option.
The Cell Phone Lot
If you’re driving to the airport just to pick up a passenger and you don’t want to deal with the paid lots, you can wait at the Cell Phone Lot for free. Spaces are first come first serve, but if you find one, you can just wait for your passenger to call once he or she arrives and then meet them at the terminal drop off area or have them meet you at the Cell Phone Lot itself.
Ryan Frank is a 23 year writer and blogger living in San Diego, CA.
