A complete guide to every restroom at San Francisco International Airport — including family rooms, ADA accessible facilities, and insider tips for shorter lines.
San Francisco International Airport opened on May 7, 1927, as Mills Field Municipal Airport on 150 acres of cow pasture along San Francisco Bay. The first paved runway was built in 1930 and United Airlines began scheduled service in 1935.
The International Terminal, designed by Craig Hartman of SOM, opened in 2000 and was the largest international terminal in North America at the time. SFO became the first airport in the US to ban single-use plastic water bottles in 2019. The airport is also home to the SFO Museum, an accredited museum within the terminal buildings featuring rotating exhibitions. The Wag Brigade — therapy dogs wearing 'Pet Me!' vests — roams terminals daily. A BART extension to SFO opened in 2003, providing direct rail service to downtown San Francisco.
SFO has restrooms in all four terminals across six boarding areas. Terminal 2 (LEED Gold certified, renovated 2011) has the most eco-friendly restrooms. All terminals are connected landside by walkways and the free AirTrain. SFO has 14 nursing rooms — more than most US airports — available both pre- and post-security.
All restrooms are ADA-accessible. The free AirTrain connects all terminals, parking, BART, and the Rental Car Center. It runs 24/7. Call SFO Customer Service at (650) 821-8211 for accessibility assistance.
14 nursing rooms across all terminals, both pre- and post-security. SFO is one of the few airports with pre-security nursing rooms accessible without a boarding pass. Family restrooms with changing stations in all terminals. The Wag Brigade therapy dogs are a hit with kids.
Pre-security restrooms are in all terminals on the departures and arrivals levels. Open 24/7 without a boarding pass. The International Terminal has pre-security restrooms near the BART station.
19 restrooms across 10 areas at SFO Airport.
Pre-security restrooms on the departures and arrivals levels. No boarding pass required.
SFO has nursing rooms both before and after security in all terminals — 14 total. This pre-security room is accessible without a boarding pass.
Post-security restrooms in Boarding Area B. Southwest and JetBlue terminal. Recently renovated.
Post-security nursing room with comfortable seating, power outlets, and changing table.
Indoor pet park near Gate B6 with synthetic turf. SFO's Wag Brigade therapy dogs also roam the terminals wearing 'Pet Me!' vests.
Terminal 2 was renovated in 2011 with LEED Gold certification. Restrooms feature water-efficient fixtures and natural materials. Among the most pleasant restrooms at SFO.
Nursing room in the LEED-certified Terminal 2. Eco-friendly fixtures and natural lighting.
Indoor pet relief area near Gate C5.
United Airlines hub. Multiple restroom banks throughout Boarding Area E.
Nursing room in the United Airlines terminal.
Restrooms in Boarding Area F. United's domestic and regional gates.
Second nursing room in Terminal 3.
Indoor pet park near Gate F11 in the United terminal.
Modern restrooms in the international departures area. Handles international flights on various carriers.
Restrooms in Boarding Area G of the International Terminal. The BART station is on the same level.
Indoor pet relief area near Gate G5 in the International Terminal.
Pre-security restrooms in the International Terminal departures hall. No boarding pass needed. BART station is on this level.
Nursing room in the International Terminal. SFO has 14 total nursing rooms across all terminals, both pre- and post-security.
Outdoor pet relief runs outside baggage claim areas. No boarding pass needed.
All SFO terminals are connected landside by walkways and the free AirTrain. Post-security, Terminals 1-3 are connected via connector walkways. The International Terminal requires the AirTrain from domestic terminals.
Terminal 2 (renovated 2011, LEED Gold) has the best restrooms at SFO — eco-friendly fixtures, natural materials, and natural lighting. If you're in Terminal 1, the walk to T2 restrooms is worth it.
BART runs from the International Terminal to downtown San Francisco (Powell St) in about 30 minutes for $10. Trains run every 15-20 minutes. The BART station is on the same level as the International Terminal departures hall.
SFO has a free, accredited museum (SFO Museum) with rotating exhibitions throughout the terminals. Great for killing time during a layover.
The Wag Brigade therapy dogs in 'Pet Me!' vests roam terminals daily. They're trained therapy animals — not service dogs — and are there specifically for travelers to pet and destress.
SFO has 14 nursing rooms — more than most major US airports. Uniquely, SFO has nursing rooms BEFORE security in multiple terminals, accessible without a boarding pass.
The Yoga Room in Terminal 2 offers a quiet space for stretching and meditation. Not a restroom, but a welcome break during layovers.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available in all terminals. Terminal 3 (United) tends to have the longest regular security lines during morning departure pushes.
SFO handles 170,000+ passengers daily during peak periods. Terminal 3 (United hub) sees the heaviest traffic. Fog can cause significant delays and ground stops, meaning crowded terminals with heavy restroom use.
San Francisco's famous fog can reduce SFO to single-runway operations, causing massive delays. When flights are delayed, terminals get packed. Use restrooms before the crowds build.
Bay Area tech conferences (Dreamforce, Google I/O) and sporting events bring extra traffic. International Terminal sees increased business travel during conference season.
Popular pre-game and post-game spots within walking distance.
Brewery · Terminal 2
San Francisco's legendary craft brewery with a taproom in Terminal 2. Steam Beer on tap in the airport.
Known for: Anchor Steam Beer, San Francisco institution
Mediterranean · Terminal 2
Iron Chef Cat Cora's Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Upscale but accessible airport dining.
Known for: Mediterranean dishes, celebrity chef
Market/Cafe · Terminal 2
Farm-fresh market featuring products from Northern California farms and ranches. Great for grabbing artisan snacks.
Known for: Local produce, artisan cheeses, Northern California farm products
Bakery · International Terminal
Outpost of San Francisco's famous Tartine Bakery. Morning buns, croissants, and pour-over coffee.
Known for: Morning bun, croissants, sourdough bread
Garages, lots, and street parking options.
Attached to domestic terminals
Covered garage connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 by covered walkways.
International Terminal
Covered garage connected to International Terminal. BART station on same level.
Via AirTrain from terminals
Most affordable on-airport option. Free AirTrain Blue Line from Level 5 runs every 4 minutes, 24/7. Pre-book online for $21/day vs $27 walk-up.
North Access Road
Free waiting lot for pickups within 60 minutes. Stay in car until your traveler is ready.
Take BART — $10 to downtown SF, 30 minutes, runs every 15-20 minutes from the International Terminal. If driving, the Long-Term Garage is $21/day when pre-booked online ($27 walk-up) with free AirTrain to all terminals. Cell phone lot is free for pickups. Domestic garages cap at $39/day. Off-site lots start at $5/day.
BART to Downtown San Francisco
AirTrain (inter-terminal, free)
SamTrans Bus Service
656 ft
Nearby places sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Also nearby: Restrooms at Oracle Park · Restrooms at Levi's Stadium