Layover in SFO, stay there or go in town?

Question

We are flying international flight to SFO, will arrive at 11:00~ then take domestic flight to JAC that departs at 17:00. Wondering if we should go in town such as Pier 39 to have a short outing?…..thx

Answer

With a layover of roughly six hours at SFO (arriving 11:00, domestic flight at 17:00), you do have time for a short outing into San Francisco, but there are several important considerations before deciding to leave the airport.

First, factor in immigration/customs processing from your international flight, which can easily take 30–60 minutes or longer depending on lines. Then allow time to collect checked bags if needed, get through security again for your domestic flight, and travel to and from downtown San Francisco.

Here are your options:

Stay at SFO: If you prefer low stress and guaranteed timing, you can remain inside the airport. SFO has comfortable lounges, restaurants, and observation areas where you can relax, eat, or even work. This avoids the risk of missing your connection.
Quick trip into downtown San Francisco: Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are the most popular tourist spots. They are approximately 25–30 minutes from SFO by taxi or rideshare, depending on traffic. You’d need to allow at least 2 hours round trip travel time and factor in time to get through security again. This could give you 1.5–2 hours of sightseeing at most.
Alternative closer options: Some travelers opt for nearby areas like Burlingame or Millbrae for a quick meal or coffee, which are closer and reduce the risk of being late for your domestic flight.

If you decide to go into the city, plan carefully: leave the airport by 11:45–12:00, keep track of time constantly, and consider using a taxi or rideshare to save time. Avoid peak traffic times (12:00–15:00 can have heavy traffic through the city). Bring only carry-on items if possible to save time on baggage claim.

Tips for a city layover:
- Check TSA wait times and flight boarding time before leaving the airport.
- Stick to one nearby area, like Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf, instead of trying to see multiple districts.
- Have a backup plan to turn around early if traffic or delays threaten your domestic connection.

In summary, while it is possible to make a short visit to Pier 39, it’s a tight window and requires careful timing. Staying at the airport is the safer, stress-free option, but a brief excursion can be enjoyable if you are comfortable moving efficiently and using rideshares.