Flight Logic

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San Francisco International Airport vs Edinburgh Airport

Detailed comparison of SFO and EDI on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.

Verdict

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 7.6/10.

Score comparison

Metric San Francisco International Airport Edinburgh Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.8 7.6
On-Time Performance 7.5 7.4
Passenger Experience 7.7 7.6
Facilities & Comfort 8.2 7.8
Lounge Score 8.3 7.2
City San Francisco Edinburgh
Country United States United Kingdom
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, International Terminal A & G) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 50M+ 15M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy SFO — San EDI — Edinburgh
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.

Edinburgh, United Kingdom · EDI · #2 in this comparison

Edinburgh Airport

1 terminal · 15M+ passengers/year

7.6 / 10

How good is Edinburgh Airport?

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) scores 7.6/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.4), passenger experience (7.6), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.2/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Edinburgh EDI scores 7.6/10 on FlightLogic — Scotland's busiest airport. Tram to city centre ~30 min. Long-haul via Emirates, Qatar, United. UK261 applies to all departures. See /guides/edinburgh-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.6 Very Good
On-time 7.4 Departure reliability
Experience 7.6 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.2 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
7.4
Passenger Experience
7.6
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.2/10

Highlights

  • Scotland's primary international gateway — Emirates, Qatar Airways, and United long-haul plus dense European network
  • Edinburgh Trams reach city centre in ~30 minutes — direct link from airport stop
  • No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge accept Priority Pass; pre-book at peak
  • UK261 covers all EDI departures — essential for easyJet and Ryanair Scotland routes

Overview

Scotland's busiest airport — single terminal, tram to Edinburgh city centre in 30 minutes, and growing long-haul via Emirates, Qatar, and United.

Scotland's international hub

Edinburgh handles Scotland's intercontinental traffic — Emirates to Dubai, Qatar to Doha, United to Newark, and seasonal North America routes supplement a dense European network on easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, and BA.

For UK travellers north of the border, EDI avoids the Edinburgh–Heathrow positioning flight that adds cost and time. Compare MAN (/airports/manchester) for northern England connectivity.

Tram and ground transport

Edinburgh Trams run from the airport stop to York Place in the city centre every 7–10 minutes, taking ~30 minutes. Taxis and Uber operate from signed landside pick-up zones.

Allow extra time during Edinburgh Festival (August) when passenger volumes spike.

More comparisons

Compare San Francisco International Airport (SFO) against 59 other airports
Compare Edinburgh Airport (EDI) against 59 other airports
Compare different airports All airport comparisons →

FAQ

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

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher overall at 7.8/10 versus Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 7.6/10.

Which has better lounges, SFO or EDI?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) scores higher for lounges at 8.3/10, versus Edinburgh Airport at 7.2/10.

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

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has stronger on-time performance at 7.5/10 versus Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at 7.4/10.