Airports · Verified September 2026
Does San Francisco airport (SFO) have free Wi-Fi?
San Francisco International Airport has free Wi-Fi: look for the network "#SFO FREE WIFI". There is no time limit. To connect: captive portal; one click to accept terms, no ads, no email.
| Network | #SFO FREE WIFI |
| Time limit | Unlimited; may be asked to re-accept terms every few hours |
| Login | Captive portal; one click to accept terms, no ads, no email |
| Local number needed | No |
| Speed | Ookla measured a median of about 174 Mbps download, the fastest free airport Wi-Fi in the US. |
| Coverage | All terminals including International Terminal A and G, baggage claim and main halls; a 5 GHz variant exists for newer devices. |
Have data before the Wi-Fi question comes up
Airport Wi-Fi is fine for a message home and useless for the things you need on arrival: booking a ride, finding the hotel, checking in with the driver. An eSIM installed before you fly connects the moment your phone leaves airplane mode at SFO, on the local networks, with nothing to log in to. The plan only starts counting when it first connects in the United States, so you can buy it weeks ahead.
Installs in about a minute. No app, no account. Works on your phone or a full refund.
SIM cards at SFO
TripTel Mobile Services store in the International Terminal arrivals hall, about 8am-9pm; T-Mobile plans from about $79-99, Lycamobile from $99.
Arriving at SFO
From international arrivals go up one level to Departures and cross to the center island for Ride App Pickup Zones 14-17. BART station is in the International Terminal; free AirTrain links terminals and rental cars.
Common questions
Does San Francisco International Airport have free Wi-Fi?
San Francisco International Airport has free Wi-Fi: look for the network "#SFO FREE WIFI". There is no time limit. To connect: captive portal; one click to accept terms, no ads, no email.
Do I need a local phone number for the Wi-Fi at SFO?
No. You connect via captive portal; one click to accept terms, no ads, no email.
Can I buy a SIM card at SFO?
TripTel Mobile Services store in the International Terminal arrivals hall, about 8am-9pm; T-Mobile plans from about $79-99, Lycamobile from $99.