SFO - San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco, United States
IATA Code: SFO · San Francisco, United States
The airport code SFO is the IATA identifier for San Francisco International Airport. You may also find it referred to as San Francisco Airport (SFO).
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) serves San Francisco, United States, in the North America fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
SFO is the IATA airport code for San Francisco International Airport, located in San Francisco, United States. The airport is situated at coordinates 37.6190°N, 122.3750°W. The current jet fuel price in the North America region is $5.21/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (North America)
$5.21/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- SFO
- City
- San Francisco
- Country
- United States
- Timezone
- America/Los_Angeles
- Latitude
- 37.6190°
- Longitude
- -122.3750°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- North America
How Travelers Usually Use SFO
San Francisco is the Bay Area's flagship long-haul airport. It is strongest when transpacific depth matters more than pure airport convenience.
Planning note: Start with SFO for international strength, then compare it with OAK and SJC before you assume Bay Area geography does not matter.
Best Fit For
- Asia-bound itineraries where the broadest long-haul schedule matters.
- Travelers staying on the Peninsula or using the Bay Area as a major international gateway.
- Trips where a big-airport network is worth more than shaving a little time off the ground transfer.
Watch Before You Book
- Fog and weather sensitivity can change the real value of a tight itinerary.
- Oakland or San Jose often produce a better total trip for domestic travel or for destinations away from San Francisco itself.
Airports Travelers Compare With SFO
Metropolitan Oakland International Airport
Oakland, United States
Oakland often works better for East Bay travelers and for domestic itineraries where airport simplicity matters.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
San Jose, United States
San Jose is worth checking if your destination is in Silicon Valley or the South Bay and you want a faster ground finish.
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from SFO
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| SQL - San Carlos | 16 km | $233 | $0/passenger |
| HAF - Half Moon Bay | 16 km | $233 | $0/passenger |
| OAK - Oakland | 18 km | $263 | $1/passenger |
| NGZ - Alameda | 20 km | $292 | $1/passenger |
| HWD - Hayward | 23 km | $336 | $1/passenger |
| PAO - Palo Alto | 29 km | $423 | $1/passenger |
| NUQ - Mountain View | 37 km | $540 | $1/passenger |
| SJC - San Jose | 49 km | $715 | $1/passenger |
| LVK - Livermore | 50 km | $729 | $1/passenger |
| CCR - Concord | 50 km | $729 | $1/passenger |
| RHV - San Jose | 58 km | $846 | $2/passenger |
| NOT - Novato | 60 km | $875 | $2/passenger |
| APC - Napa | 67 km | $977 | $2/passenger |
| SUU - Fairfield | 82 km | $1,196 | $2/passenger |
| WVI - Watsonville | 92 km | $1,342 | $3/passenger |
| SCK - Stockton | 105 km | $1,532 | $3/passenger |
| STS - Santa Rosa | 106 km | $1,546 | $3/passenger |
| HLI - Hollister | 117 km | $1,707 | $3/passenger |
| OAR - Fort Ord | 118 km | $1,721 | $3/passenger |
| MRY - Monterey | 124 km | $1,809 | $4/passenger |
| MOD - Modesto | 125 km | $1,824 | $4/passenger |
| SAC - Sacramento | 126 km | $1,838 | $4/passenger |
| SNS - Salinas | 126 km | $1,838 | $4/passenger |
| SMF - Sacramento | 138 km | $2,013 | $4/passenger |
| MHR - Sacramento | 140 km | $2,042 | $4/passenger |
| MCC - Sacramento | 144 km | $2,101 | $4/passenger |
| MER - Merced | 162 km | $2,363 | $5/passenger |
| MCE - Merced | 168 km | $2,451 | $5/passenger |
| MYV - Yuba City | 179 km | $2,611 | $5/passenger |
| UKI - Ukiah | 182 km | $2,655 | $5/passenger |
| BAB - Marysville | 187 km | $2,728 | $5/passenger |
| RMY - Mariposa | 206 km | $3,005 | $6/passenger |
| MAE - Madera | 212 km | $3,093 | $6/passenger |
| CIC - Chico | 246 km | $3,589 | $7/passenger |
| TVL - South Lake Tahoe | 252 km | $3,676 | $7/passenger |
| FAT - Fresno | 253 km | $3,691 | $7/passenger |
| NLC - Lemoore | 258 km | $3,764 | $8/passenger |
| PRB - Paso Robles | 267 km | $3,895 | $8/passenger |
| TKF - Truckee | 271 km | $3,953 | $8/passenger |
| RBL - Red Bluff | 282 km | $4,114 | $8/passenger |
| VIS - Visalia | 302 km | $4,406 | $9/passenger |
| SBP - San Luis Obispo | 307 km | $4,479 | $9/passenger |
| RNO - Reno | 308 km | $4,493 | $9/passenger |
| MMH - Mammoth Lakes | 311 km | $4,537 | $9/passenger |
| RDD - Redding | 321 km | $4,683 | $9/passenger |
| SMX - Santa Maria | 348 km | $5,077 | $10/passenger |
| BIH - Bishop | 355 km | $5,179 | $10/passenger |
| VBG - Lompoc | 358 km | $5,223 | $10/passenger |
| LPC - Lompoc | 370 km | $5,398 | $11/passenger |
| NFL - Fallon | 377 km | $5,500 | $11/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your SFO Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the North America region has jet fuel priced at $5.21/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from SFO
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at San Francisco
San Francisco experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are generally pleasant (18-28°C / 64-82°F), while winters can be cold and may bring snow or ice that occasionally affects flight schedules. Travelers arriving in winter should be prepared for potential weather-related delays and dress in warm layers.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through SFO
Traveling through San Francisco in the Americas, passengers should be aware that fuel prices in the North America region directly influence ticket pricing. North and South American airports generally have well-established ground transportation networks, including ride-sharing services, shuttles, and rental car agencies. For international arrivals, customs and immigration processing times vary significantly by country.
🇺🇳 United States Travel Tips
Within the United States, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry can significantly reduce security wait times. Domestic flights require a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or passport starting in 2025. Jet fuel prices in North America tend to be among the most competitive globally, though they remain sensitive to Gulf of Mexico refining capacity.
Planning Your Trip via SFO
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at San Francisco International Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from SFO
- Fuel impact awareness: The North America region currently prices jet fuel at $5.21/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to SFO are SQL, HAF, OAK — consider these for potentially lower fares
Continue With Evergreen Guides
Airport code vs city code
Use this guide if you are still choosing between airports, metro-area codes, or booking strategies.
How to choose between airports in the same city
Use this guide if you are still choosing between airports, metro-area codes, or booking strategies.
Compare airport transfer costs before you book
Use this guide if you are still choosing between airports, metro-area codes, or booking strategies.
When paying more for a closer airport is worth it
Use this guide if you are still choosing between airports, metro-area codes, or booking strategies.
How to avoid booking the wrong airport
Use this guide if you are still choosing between airports, metro-area codes, or booking strategies.
Choose the right airport for an early or late flight
Use this guide if you are still choosing between airports, metro-area codes, or booking strategies.