Ready by the Runway: 7 San Francisco Airport Hotels for Every Budget

Ready by the Runway: 7 San Francisco Airport Hotels for Every Budget
Some links in this post are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book through them, which helps keep the blog running. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Headed to San Francisco, California, and looking for hotels near the airport?

This is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I sincerely hope you have time to check out Lombard Street, try San Francisco Sourdough, ride a cable car, and soak up the sunsets and unique neighborhoods of San Fran!

However, if you’re not in town for long, you’ll be pleased to know that SFO is surrounded by hotels for every budget.

Note: If you didn’t get a cool San Francisco souvenir during your trip, SFO has tons of great shops.

Here are the best hotels near the San Francisco Airport:

Budget Hotels Near SFO

Vagabond Inn

1.5 miles from Airport

Planes take off from a runway.

Highlights: Airport Shuttle, Breakfast, Bayfront Views

Vagabond Inn is one of the best budget hotels in San Francisco near the Airport, thanks to its cleanliness, bayfront views, and shuttle.

Located in Burlingame, the Vagabond Inn SFO is 1.5 miles from the San Francisco Airport, and the property has an airport shuttle.


Super 8 Wyndham San Bruno

2 miles from Airport

Highlights: Airport Shuttle, Breakfast

If you’re in town for a quick night or a long layover and want a clean, no-fuss place to lay your head near the airport, the Super 8 Wyndham San Bruno is a solid choice.

At just 2.8 miles from SFO, you’ll be at your room or the gate ready for take-off in no time.

The hotel has an airport shuttle service and is just a minute’s walk from the nearest BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit System) stop for making budget-friendly runs downtown.


Mid-Range Hotels near SFO

The Millwood

1 mile from Airport

Highlights: Airport Shuttle, Fitness Center, Kickass Showerheads

The Millwood, located in Millbrae, CA, is an absolute gem within minutes of SFO International Airport.

Numerous transportation options include airport shuttle, BART, and Caltrain for easy commuting to San Fran or Silicone Valley.

The Millwood emphasizes convenience and has amenities like coffee and espresso machines, breakfast, and a good fitness center.


The Dylan Hotel at SFO

1.3 miles from Airport

Highlights: Optional Balconies, Airport Shuttle

The Dylan Hotel at SFO, located one mile south of the San Francisco International Airport, was awarded AAA Inspector’s Best Housekeeping 2021 and TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice 2021.

If you want to stay near the airport in comfort and style, The Dylan is one of the best hotels to check both boxes. This mid-century modern boutique hotel has on-site and street parking, a giant wall game, and beer/wine/snack purchase options.


SFO Airport Hotel, El Rancho Inn

0.8 miles from Airport

Entrance to the security line at The San Francisco Airport.

Highlights: Ambiance, Photo Spots, Breakfast, Airport Shuttle

El Rancho is in Millbrae, between Silicone Valley and downtown San Francisco, and has direct entry into all guest rooms, meaning you won’t have to drag your luggage through a hotel lobby.

Serving the Bay Area for over 70 years, El Rancho is precisely what you think of when you picture a Spanish resort, yet somehow, it’s 3 miles from the SFO airport.

Luxury Hotels near SFO

San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront

1 mile from Airport

View of airplanes from San Francisco airport hotels.

Highlights: SoundProof Windows, Bay Views, Starbucks, Restaurant, Fitness Center

San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, with panoramic views of the airport, will not disappoint! 

My favorite thing about this hotel is the waterfront trails, with distant views of San Francisco and the occasional airplane landing/take-off.

My second favorite thing about the hotel is that there is a Starbucks directly in the building, meaning you don’t have to go far for a caffeine fix. I always advise buying from a local coffee shop when you can, but capitalism’s focus on convenience wins here.


The Westin San Francisco Airport

1 mile from Airport

Highlights: Indoor Pool, Bayfront Trails, Fitness Center, Airport Shuttle, Indoor Pool, Convenience Store

Located right on the water with incredible views, The Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel is exactly the type of luxury you’d expect from a Westin hotel.

Here, you can do laps in the indoor pool, go for a jog on the bayfront trails near the hotel, or get your workout on at the gym. When you need to refuel from all the day’s activities, check out Grill & Vine, the hotel’s on-site full-service, tavern-style restaurant.


FAQ: San Francisco Airport Hotels 

Is SFO the same as San Francisco International Airport? 

Yes, SFO, or San Francisco International Airport, is one of three International airports in San Francisco. SFO is in an unincorporated part of San Mateo County, 13 miles south of Downtown San Francisco.

Is there anywhere to sleep at San Francisco airport? 

Nap rooms are available at FreshenUp, located inside the International Terminal. FreshenUp is super cool, and I wish every airport had it. Basically, you get access to Wi-Fi, a desk, a mirror, and a nap room.

Does the San Francisco airport close at night? 

The San Francisco Airport is open 24/7. TSA, baggage drop, and airline check-in hours vary depending on flight times.

Does San Francisco airport have a transit hotel? 

Yes, the Grand Hyatt at SFO is located at the entrance to SFO and is close to airport terminals and parking garages. AirTrain provides direct access to the hotel. 

How far is San Francisco downtown from the airport? 

It is 13 miles from the San Francisco International Airport to Downtown San Francisco.

How to get from SFO to Union Square and the city center:

  • Rideshare
  • BART if you’re on a budget
  • There are also two buses (292 and 398) that run daily, but note that a ride downtown typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes

Pin it for Later


Follow:

3 Comments

  1. May 5, 2023 / 6:02 am

    thanks for sharing the useful information about the hotels.

    • Courtney Lux
      Author
      May 22, 2023 / 5:18 pm

      Always! I’m glad to see that you’ve found value 🙂

  2. August 8, 2023 / 2:18 am

    Choosing accommodation near an airport can significantly impact the convenience of our travel journeys. This blog post showcases the best hotels near the San Francisco Airport, providing a valuable resource for travelers. Accommodation options that offer comfort, accessibility, and quality service enhance the overall travel experience. The careful curation of these hotel recommendations helps travelers make informed decisions and ensures a seamless transition from the airport to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.


Looking for Something?