Discover essential travel information for exploring California, including convenient transportation options to and within the state. Whether you prefer flying into major international airports like LAX or SFO or driving through scenic highways, we provide a detailed guide on how to get to California and get around its diverse regions. Find tips on navigating through bustling cities, serene coastal areas, and iconic landmarks using public transit, rental cars, rideshares, or even by walking and biking, ensuring a seamless Californian adventure.
Getting to California
By Air
California has several international airports:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Major hub serving Los Angeles.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Major hub serving San Francisco.
San Diego International Airport (SAN): Serving San Diego.
Oakland International Airport (OAK): Serving the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF): Serving Sacramento.
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC): Serving San Jose.
By Car
Multiple interstate highways and state routes enter California from its borders with Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. Notable ones include:
I-5: Enters California from Oregon to the north.
I-80: Enters from Nevada to the northeast, connecting Reno to Sacramento.
I-10 and I-40: Enter California from Arizona to the east.
By Train
Amtrak offers several routes into and throughout California, like the Coast Starlight and the California Zephyr.
By Bus
Greyhound, Megabus, and other intercity bus services connect California with other states.
Getting Around California
Public Transportation
Metropolitan Areas: Major cities offer public transit systems, like BART in the San Francisco Bay Area and Metro in Los Angeles.
Intercity Transit: Amtrak and various bus companies provide service between cities.
Rental Cars
Rental car services are available throughout the state, particularly at airports. Having a car can be especially useful for exploring more remote or suburban areas.
Rideshares
Services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout California, especially in urban areas.
Biking
Many cities offer bike-sharing programs and have bike-friendly infrastructure.
Walking
In major cities and tourist areas, walking can be a viable option for getting around locally.
Traveling within California Regions
Southern California
Los Angeles: Famous for Hollywood, beaches, and Disneyland, it's a sprawling city best navigated by car, though there are expanding public transit options.
San Diego: Known for its zoo and Balboa Park, it has a trolley system and buses.
Central California
Big Sur: A rugged stretch of California’s central coast, primarily accessed by car via the scenic Highway 1.
Fresno: Gateway to Yosemite National Park, accessible by car, bus, and Amtrak.
Northern California
San Francisco: Known for the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, it has extensive public transit options, including buses, trolleys, and cable cars.
Sacramento: The state capital has light rail and bus services.
Eastern California
Lake Tahoe: A popular destination for skiing and outdoor recreation, accessible by car and with limited public transit options.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and transportation in advance, especially in peak tourist seasons.
Traffic: Traffic congestion is common in metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco, so allocate extra travel time.
Budget: California can be expensive, so plan your budget carefully, considering food, accommodation, transportation, and entertainment expenses.
Safety: Stay informed about local laws and safety advisories, and keep an eye on your belongings in tourist areas.
Diversity in Climate: California’s geography leads to varied climates, so check the weather for your specific destinations and pack accordingly.
