So You Want to Park Your Plane...Err, Car at San Francisco Airport? A Hilarious Guide to Long-Term Parking Costs (Because Let's Face It, Flying is Expensive Enough)
Ah, San Francisco International Airport. A majestic gateway to the Golden Gate City, a whirlwind of delicious sourdough smells, and...a place where parking can leave you feeling lighter in the wallet than a sourdough breadstick. But fear not, intrepid traveler! This guide will shed light on the murky world of long-term parking at SFO, all with a healthy dose of humor to keep you from joining the mile-long line at customer service (because, let's be real, that's no laughing matter).
| How Much Is Long Term Parking At San Francisco Airport |
The Long and Short of It (Literally)
There are two main types of parking at SFO: short-term and long-term. Short-term is great for quick pickups or impatient goodbyes (think: "Honey, I forgot my lucky socks!"). But for extended stays, you'll want the long-term parking garage, which offers a refuge for your car while you're off chasing waterfalls (or, you know, attending a business conference).
How Much Does This Laughter-Free Zone Cost?
Alright, alright, enough with the suspense. Here's the deal: long-term parking at SFO will set you back around $18 per day. Not bad, you say? Well, that's where the plot thickens (like fog rolling over the Golden Gate Bridge). This is a daily maximum, which means you won't pay more than that no matter how long your car becomes a glorified suitcase.
But wait, there's more! There's also a $2 per 15-minute charge. Don't worry, though, this only applies after the first 24 hours. So, unless you're planning on leaving your car there for a realllly long time (like, longer than it takes to bake a perfect batch of sourdough), the daily max is your main concern.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling fancy (or your car has a serious case of claustrophobia), you can opt for the valet parking option. However, be prepared to pay a king's ransom (or at least a fancy sourdough dinner's ransom) for this privilege.
So, Basically, I'm Stuck Paying an Arm and a Leg?
Not necessarily! Here are a few ways to save some cash on your long-term parking woes:
- Book online in advance: Sometimes, you can snag a discount by pre-booking your parking spot. Think of it as a virtual high five to your future self.
- Consider off-site parking: There are a number of reputable companies that offer parking near the airport, often at a lower rate than on-site parking. Just be sure to factor in the cost of the shuttle ride to the airport.
- Carpool or take public transportation: If you're traveling with a buddy (or a very agreeable carpool app), splitting the cost of parking can be a great way to save. Public transportation is also an option, especially if you're staying near a BART station.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to find long-term parking at SFO?
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
Easy! Just follow the signs for "Long-Term Parking" at the airport. You can't miss it (unless you're too busy admiring the fog, in which case, we get it).
How do I pre-book my parking spot?
Head over to the San Francisco International Airport's website and you'll find all the info you need.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
How long does it take to get from the long-term parking garage to the terminals?
The long-term parking garage has a handy shuttle service that runs every 5-15 minutes. So, you shouldn't have to wait too long to be whisked away to your adventure.
How tall can my car be to fit in the long-term parking garage?
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Most vehicles will fit just fine in the garage, but there is a height restriction. Garage 1 has a maximum height of 6'10", while Garage 2 allows vehicles up to 8'2". Taller vehicles can park in the surface lot.
How much does it cost to park a private jet? (Okay, we made this one up, but hey, a little humor never hurt anyone!)
Unfortunately, this guide doesn't cover private jet parking rates. But hey, if you can afford a private jet, you can probably afford the parking too, right?