Parking Overview
SFO Long-Term Parking is the airport’s main on-site option for multi-day trips, combining two garages (Long-Term Parking Garage 1 and Garage 2) plus a surface lot area for taller vehicles. It’s designed for travelers who want the convenience of staying on airport property without paying short-term garage prices.
Best for: week-long (or longer) trips, travelers who want reliable airport-managed parking, and anyone prioritizing predictable access to terminals via AirTrain. It’s typically a smoother experience than off-site lots (no waiting for a third-party shuttle), while still being cheaper than SFO’s short-term garages and valet.
Pricing
- Rate: about $4 per 30 minutes.
- Daily max: up to $27 per 24 hours (verify before arrival as rates can change).
- Estimated weekly cost: about $189 (7 x $27), before taxes/fees if applicable.
How it compares at SFO: Short-term garages commonly cap around $36/day (best for quick visits), while valet runs about $45/day for maximum convenience. If your top priority is price, off-site lots 1–5 miles away can run roughly $8–$13/day with shuttle service, often saving significantly versus on-site long-term.
Discounts: Booking online through SFO’s official parking reservation system can offer better rates and helps ensure space availability (you’ll typically use a QR code for entry/exit). Loyalty programs vary by provider; off-site marketplaces may offer coupons, “best price” guarantees, or free cancellation windows.
Payment: On-site facilities generally support major credit/debit cards and mobile wallet payments; with prepaid reservations, the QR code is usually your primary “payment method” at the gate.
Getting to Your Terminal
Long-Term Parking connects to all terminals via free AirTrain. After parking, follow signs to the AirTrain station; trains run frequently throughout the day and are generally more predictable than a road shuttle during heavy traffic.
- Service: AirTrain (no bus shuttle needed for most travelers).
- Reliability: Frequent service with minimal waiting in typical conditions.
- Weather exposure: Expect some outdoor walking between your vehicle and the station depending on where you park; garages provide more shelter than the surface lot.
- Time estimate: plan roughly 10–20 minutes from parking your car to arriving at your terminal, depending on where you park and your AirTrain wait.
Features & Security
- Covered vs. uncovered: Garages offer covered parking; the long-term lot area may be more exposed.
- Vehicle height limits: Garage clearance varies; commonly cited maximums are about 6'10" (Garage 1) and 8'2" (Garage 2). Use the surface lot option for taller vehicles.
- Security: Expect airport-managed lighting, routine patrols, and monitored access points typical of major on-site airport parking.
- EV charging: Availability can change by facility; confirm current on-site charging locations via SFO’s official parking pages before arrival.
- Accessibility: Marked accessible spaces and step-free routes via elevators and AirTrain access points are available throughout the garages.
Booking Tips
- Reserve ahead: Use SFO’s online booking to lock in pricing and reduce the risk of arriving to limited availability during holidays and peak weekends.
- Build in buffer time: AirTrain is fast, but allow extra time for finding a space, unloading luggage, and waiting for the next train.
- Know the cancellation rules: Policies vary by reservation channel; check the confirmation email for deadlines and fees.
- If it’s full: Consider off-site lots with frequent shuttles (often every 10–15 minutes) for lower daily rates, or use short-term garages if you need the closest walk to the terminals.