San Francisco Airport Parking SFO
Compare On-Site vs Off-Site For Best Rates
SFO Airport Parking Overview
San Francisco International Airport, or SFO, is one of the world’s busiest and largest airports. As such, SFO parking can be a difficult and expensive ordeal for the uninitiated. Luckily, there are a number of options for SFO airport parking and SFO long-term parking which you can choose from, depending on how long you want to stay, your budget and your convenience.
Normally, there is a tradeoff between convenient and cheap SFO parking options. For example, if you choose to use the on-site San Francisco airport parking, you can save time by driving right up to your desired terminal. Charged at an hourly rate, this is the best option to use when you are picking someone from the airport, dropping them off or going on a very short trip yourself. On-site parking is available for both domestic and international flights. Once you have parked your vehicle, it’s only a few steps to a moving walkway or the SFO AirTrain which you can then use on your way to getting on your flight.
On the other hand, the SFO long-term parking is a much more practical option to use if you are going on a longer trip. Services like Park SFO, Park ‘N Fly SFO and Anza Parking SFO not only offer rates that are half that of on-site airport parking, but also provide free shuttle services with shuttles that run every few minutes to take you from your vehicle to your desired terminal at the airport. Moreover, they help with your luggage and, for a few extra bucks, will even wash and detail your car for you. Using a Park SFO coupon can lower your cost of using this service even more. Most people do not mind waiting a maximum of 15 minutes to embark on a shuttle, which takes only about 10 minutes to take them to the terminal of their choice. This, together with its lowest SFO parking rates, makes long-term parking the most popular option among flyers.
Compare On-Site vs Off-Site
On-Site Parking At Airport at San Francisco Airport
Overall 3.6
Off-Site Parking At Airport at San Francisco Airport
Overall 4.2
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SFO Parking FAQ
Are there any hidden charges with any of the above services in addition to the quoted prices?
No, these prices include all taxes and fees.
What payment methods are accepted to pay for San Francisco airport parking?
As of now, the following payment methods are accepted: cash, FastTrack, and Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Diner’s Club and JCB credit cards.
Can I make a prior booking for a parking space at SFO airport?
You cannot pre-book a space for the on-site SFO short-term parking. However, you can make prior bookings with most off-site San Francisco airport long-term parking services, like Park SFO, Park ‘N Fly SFO and Anza Parking SFO, and you can also access these services without prior bookings.
How much space is available in SFO airport parking? Should I worry about not finding a place to park?
The number of extremely spacious parking lots at SFO airport (8 parking areas adjacent to domestic terminals and 2 separate dedicated garages for international travelers) ensure that there is normally ample space for travelers to park their vehicles.
What are the best options for parking near SFO?
The best options are the SFO long-term parking services (see above). You can also visit these services’ websites to make prior bookings, compare their rates of service and avail discount coupons.
Is there an option for free parking?
Yes, the SFO Airport Cell Phone Waiting Lot offers free parking for up to one hour but you are not allowed to leave your car unattended if you avail this option.
Where can I find an EV charging slot for my car at SFO airport?
All SFO parking lots have EV charging stations. The greatest number of EV charging stalls (60) can be found at the on-site SFO domestic parking garage.
Can I rest at a hotel before my flight and also avail airport parking?
Yes, with the ParkSleepFly package, you can book a hotel room for a night and park your vehicle at the hotel. The airport shuttle will take you to the airport the following day for your flight.
Where can I find SFO airport parking discount coupons?
A number of websites like Groupon, RetailMeNot, and Ebates offer discount coupons and you can avail these by directly visiting these websites. Another option is to visit the official SFO website or any of the SFO long-term parking services’ websites to find discount offers and coupons.
Can I get to my flight terminal easily even if I don’t park adjacent to it in the on-site SFO airport parking lot?
Once you are parked, getting to your flight terminal is extremely easy. Just take the AirTrain and it will drop you at your terminal as it stops at every SFO airport terminal and is free to use.
Does SFO airport provide disabled parking for persons with restricted mobility?
Yes, special parking is available in all garages, that you can access if your car has a disabled person plate, disabled veteran plate, or a disabled parking placard.
Who can I contact in case of trouble with my parked vehicle or for emergency assistance?
The airport provides emergency assistance services and can be contacted at 650-821-8211. If you are facing problems with your car battery, your tires are deflated or you cannot locate your vehicle, the airport emergency assistance service providers will be happy to assist you.
San Francisco Main Parking Garage Map
SFO Airport Parking Overview (Continued)
Still, many travelers opt for luxury over price. For them, the option of ParkValet is available. Being the most expensive of all the parking choices, it also offers the most convenience. You simply have to pull up at the airport and all your car needs will be taken care of, including recharging of EV batteries. You can also avail extra facilities, like car care and laundry, with an additional cost if you go for valet parking.
In the event that you are only going to the airport for less than an hour to pick somebody or to drop someone off, you can go to the cell phone waiting area. This is a free parking lot, which can be used for up to 60 minutes at a time. However, you have to stay with your vehicle the entire time. This constraint makes it a less favored option among travelers than the more convenient SFO airport parking and the cheap SFO long term parking.
Finally, there is also the option of ParkFast, which is intended for quick access. It is similarly priced as the on-site San Francisco airport parking, except that it caps at a slightly higher maximum cost per day, making it much more exclusive than the other on-site and off-site parking options available.
SFO Parking – Onsite Rates
As one of the busiest airports of the world, the San Francisco International Airport serves millions of passengers every year. This massive influx of visitors translates into higher prices for parking than many other airports. Therefore, it is best to know about the available options beforehand and to plan accordingly.
On-site SFO airport parking
This option is charged at a rate of $2 for every 15 minutes. The parking bill accumulates until it reaches a maximum point of $36, after which the bill stops accumulating any further for the day. This makes it a cheap option to use only as long as it does not exceed the maximum charge at SFO long-term term parking. This facility is available for both domestic and international flights, with every section of the garage aligned with the airline you are travelling on.
SFO airport long-term parking
Capping at only $18 per day, SFO long-term parking rates are significantly less than on-site parking. This makes the maximum off-site SFO airport parking bill per day half that of on-site parking. Moreover, the added complimentary shuttle service, assistance with luggage handling and car care (should you opt for it) mean that this option provides more value for money than all the other options.
ParkValet
In addition to parking, this option also gives you access to a business center with amenities like phone chargers, hot beverages and newspapers. It costs $45 the first day. Afterwards, it charges at the rate of $2 per 15 minutes, capping at a daily maximum of $45.
ParkFast
ParkFast is charged at the same rate as on-site SFO airport parking, that is, it costs $2 for every 15 minutes. However, due to its added convenience of even easier access than SFO short-term parking, it caps at a higher maximum: $40 if you’re a member of ParkFast or $42 if not.
Cell phone waiting area
As mentioned above, this facility is free to use but you have to stay with your vehicle and you cannot stay parked for longer than 60 minutes. This service is also unavailable in the early hours of 1 AM to 5 AM every day.