San Francisco International Airport is an international airport located 21 km south of downtown San Francisco in an unincorporated area of San Mateo County. It has flights to destinations in North America and is an important gateway to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. The port is one of the most active private jet airports in the country.
The airport is the largest in the San Francisco Bay Area and the second busiest in California after Los Angeles International Airport. By passenger numbers, the port is the seventh busiest airport in the United States and the 24th busiest in the world. It is the fifth largest hub for United Airlines, operating out of Terminal 3 and the International Terminal. The port functions as United’s primary transpacific gateway. In addition, the airport is a major maintenance center for United Airlines and is home to the SFO Museum, the first museum at an international airport, established in 1980. It also serves as a hub for Alaska Airlines, which operates out of Terminal 2.
The airport has four terminals (1, 2, 3 and International) and seven concourses (Boarding Areas A through G) with a total of 115 gates arranged alphabetically in a counterclockwise ring. Terminal 1 (Boarding Area B), Terminal 2 (Boarding Areas C and D) and Terminal 3 (Boarding Areas E and F) serve domestic flights (including pre-checked flights from Canada). The International Terminal (Boarding Areas A and G) serves international flights and some domestic flights.
United States of America private jet charter prices
Although San Francisco Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → San Francisco are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 127.900 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 160.400 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 217.850 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of San Francisco Airport
San Francisco International Airport was designed by architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and opened on May 7, 1927, built on 60 hectares of meadows. From 1935, Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) converted the facilities into a terminal for its “China Clipper” hydroplane service crossing the Pacific Ocean. National regular flights began after the Second World War. With the use of Oakland International Airport for military purposes, civilian flights were shifted to San Francisco. The airport has housed the Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco since 1941.
After the war, United Airlines settled at the airport, using Pan Am’s terminal for flights to Hawaii and other American cities. In 1954, the Central Passenger Terminal (CPT) opened its doors. Jet services began in the 1950s: United Airlines built large maintenance facilities in San Francisco for its new Douglas DC-8 aircraft. In 1974, a new terminal for national flights was built and CPT became an international terminal.
San Francisco International Airport has expanded continuously over the years. At a cost of $1 billion, a new international terminal opened in December 2000, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) extension went into service on June 22, 2003. Passengers can now travel directly from the airport terminal to San Francisco or various destinations by train. BART trains also provide a quick trip to Millbrae, where passengers can continue to San Jose and the San Francisco Peninsula by commuter trains or SamTrans buses from San Mateo County. In 2004, the AirTrain2 automated shuttle system also went into service, transporting passengers on small trains between the airport’s terminals, parking lots, BART station and car rental service.
San Francisco travel guide
San Francisco is a city located in the state of California and is a world-famous tourist destination. The city is known for its historic architecture and popular tourist attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown. Golden Gate Park is a huge 4 km² park of natural beauty and home to a large museum complex.
One of the must-see sights in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. This 2.7 km long, red-colored bridge was built in 1937 and is one of the largest bridges in the world. Alcatraz Island is a short boat ride from the city and is a popular tourist destination, especially for those looking for a historical site. In 1963, it was home to a federal prison that was closed. Today, Alcatraz serves as a historical museum.
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist areas. It is known for its restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and historic fabric. The harbor and Pier 39 are popular places to visit for tourists. Chinatown, San Francisco’s famous Asian neighborhood, is one of the largest Asian neighborhoods in the US. It is home to Asian markets, temples, restaurants and many tourist attractions.
Transportation from San Francisco Airport to the city center
San Francisco Airport is located on the southeast coast of the city and offers many options to reach every part of the city. There are train, air train, bus, taxi and car rental options. You can also easily reach the city center by private car.
There are three rail systems to get to the city center. The first is the BART high speed train, which is located at the international terminal of the airport. You can easily reach the northern and southern regions with this high-speed train, which operates from early in the morning. The second option is CalTrain, which runs every hour on weekdays between San Francisco and San Jose. The last option is the AirTrain air train. By taking the red line, you can travel between terminals, the BART station and parking lots. By taking the blue line, you can travel between car rental offices, garages and other BART stations.
One of the most comfortable and fastest ways to get from San Francisco Airport to the city center is by taxi. Taxi service is available in every terminal of the airport. Another option to reach San Francisco city center is SamTrans buses. These public buses are provided by San Mateo County and allow you to travel between the airport, San Francisco and the San Mateo area. There are two bus stations in the International Terminal and one in Terminal 3, from where you can easily reach SamTrans buses.
