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Verdict

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Dublin Airport (DUB) at 7.5/10.

Score comparison

Metric San Francisco International Airport Dublin Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 7.5
On-Time Performance 7.5 7.3
Passenger Experience 7.7 7.4
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 7.8
Lounge Score 8.3 7.6
City San Francisco Dublin
Country United States Ireland
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) 2 terminals (T1 legacy, T2 main)
Annual passengers 50M+ 32M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy SFO — San DUB — Dublin
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

San Francisco, United States · SFO · #1 in this comparison

San Francisco International Airport

4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) · 50M+ passengers/year

7.8 / 10

How good is San Francisco International Airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores 7.8/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.5), passenger experience (7.7), and facilities (8.2). Lounge quality rates 8.3/10. See full airport guide →

In short

San Francisco SFO is rated 7.8/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.3/10. United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G is the premium benchmark for transpacific business class. Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 serves domestic and some international cardholders. See /guides/sfo-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.8 Very Good
On-time 7.5 Departure reliability
Experience 7.7 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.2 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.3 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.5
Passenger Experience
7.7
Facilities & Comfort
8.2
Lounge score 8.3/10

Highlights

  • United Polaris Lounge in International Terminal G — among the best US airline lounges for transpacific departures
  • International Terminal A and G host Star Alliance, oneworld, and Centurion Lounge for long-haul passengers
  • BART train to downtown San Francisco in 30 minutes — preferred over LAX for city access on business trips
  • Common UK routing via London with BA, Virgin Atlantic, and United non-stops

Overview

West Coast tech gateway — United Polaris hub with strong Asia-Pacific routes and renovated International Terminal lounges.

International Terminal and Polaris

International Terminal G hosts United Polaris Lounge for United long-haul business class and Star Alliance Gold on international departures. Terminal A serves other Star Alliance and oneworld long-haul carriers with alliance lounges.

Airside connections exist between International Terminal A and G — easier than JFK for Star Alliance connections.

Dublin, Ireland · DUB · #2 in this comparison

Dublin Airport

2 terminals (T1 legacy, T2 main) · 32M+ passengers/year

7.5 / 10

How good is Dublin Airport?

Dublin Airport (DUB) scores 7.5/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.3), passenger experience (7.4), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Dublin DUB scores 7.5/10 — Ireland hub with US Pre-Clearance on Aer Lingus. Strategic UK positioning for transatlantic. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-dublin and /guides/dublin-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.5 Very Good
On-time 7.3 Departure reliability
Experience 7.4 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.6 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.3
Passenger Experience
7.4
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.6/10

Highlights

  • US Pre-Clearance — arrive in US as domestic passenger on Aer Lingus transatlantic
  • Dense UK schedule — Ryanair, Aer Lingus, BA from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and 15+ regional UK airports
  • Aer Lingus T2 lounge for business and AerClub Gold; 51st & Green US Pre-Clearance facility
  • UK261 on UK-departing Aer Lingus; EU261 on DUB EU departures

Overview

Ireland's hub and a strategic UK outbound gateway — Aer Lingus US Pre-Clearance, dense Ryanair/easyJet Europe network, and short hop from UK regional airports.

UK positioning and Pre-Clearance

UK travellers use DUB as a lower-fare transatlantic gateway via Aer Lingus — Pre-Clearance saves 60–90 min at US immigration. Factor positioning flight cost from UK regional airports.

Ryanair's largest base offers cheapest UK–Europe fares — compare total cost vs Stansted/Luton on same route.

More comparisons

Compare San Francisco International Airport (SFO) against 59 other airports
Compare Dublin Airport (DUB) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, San Francisco International Airport or Dublin Airport?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Dublin Airport (DUB) at 7.5/10.

Which has better lounges, SFO or DUB?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Dublin Airport at 7.6/10.

Which airport is more on-time, SFO or DUB?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Dublin Airport (DUB) at 7.3/10.