San Francisco · SFO
SFO Airport Parking Guide 2026 — Rates, Options & Money-Saving Tips
Everything you need to know about parking at San Francisco International Airport: current rates for every lot, shuttle info, cell phone waiting areas, and tips to save.
SFO Parking Rates & Options
Here are all current parking options at San Francisco International Airport. Rates are subject to change — always confirm on the official airport website ↗.
| Parking Type | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Garage | $5/hr, $36/day | Connected to Terminals 1, 2, 3 |
| International Garage | $5/hr, $36/day | Connected to International Terminal |
| Long-Term Parking | $18/day | AirTrain shuttle to all terminals |
| Valet | $45/day | Available at Domestic and International terminals |
How to Save Money on SFO Parking
💡 Money-Saving Tips
Book ahead online. Many airports offer 10–30% discounts when you reserve parking through their website or app before arriving.
Use economy lots. Economy parking is typically 50–70% cheaper than terminal garages. The free shuttle ride adds only 5–10 minutes to your trip.
Consider off-site lots. Third-party lots near the airport (like The Parking Spot, PreFlight, or Park 'N Fly) often undercut on-airport rates and include a shuttle.
Use ride-share for short trips. For trips under 3–4 days, ride-share or taxi round-trip is often cheaper than daily parking fees.
Join frequent parker programs. Many airports offer loyalty programs that earn free parking days after a certain number of visits.
SFO Cell Phone Waiting Lot
Most airports including SFO have a free cell phone waiting lot where drivers can wait until their passenger texts or calls that they've landed and are at baggage claim. This eliminates the need to circle the terminal or pay for short-term parking while waiting for arrivals.
Look for signs directing you to the "Cell Phone Lot" or "Waiting Lot" as you approach the airport. When your passenger is ready, it's typically a 2–5 minute drive to the terminal pickup area.
Getting Dropped Off & Picked Up at SFO
- Drop-off: Use the Departures level (upper roadway) for drop-offs. Pull to the curb in your airline's terminal area. Stay with your vehicle — unattended cars will be towed.
- Pick-up: Use the Arrivals level (lower roadway) for pickups. Have your passenger meet you curbside. If you need to wait, use the free cell phone lot.
- Ride-share: Ride-share pickup areas vary by airport — follow signs for "TNC," "Ride App," or "Ride-share" zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost at SFO?
Parking rates at San Francisco International Airport vary by lot type. Options range from $5/hr, $36/day to $5/hr, $36/day to $18/day to $45/day depending on whether you choose economy, garage, or valet. Book online for potential discounts.
Is there free parking at SFO?
There is no free long-term parking at San Francisco International Airport, but the cell phone waiting lot is free for drivers picking up passengers. Some off-site hotels offer park-and-fly packages that may be cheaper than airport lots.
Should I use economy or garage parking at SFO?
Economy lots are significantly cheaper but require a shuttle ride (5-10 min). Garage parking costs more but is walking distance to the terminal. For trips longer than 2 days, economy saves substantially.
Can I reserve parking at SFO in advance?
Many airports offer online parking reservations through their official website, often at a discount. Third-party services like SpotHero and ParkWhiz also offer advance reservations at both on-airport and off-site lots.