San Francisco International Airport

Getting to Davis from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is around 80 miles (130 km) from the main UC Davis campus, and it can take between 90 minutes to 2 hours or more, depending on the time of day, traffic, and mode of transportation. It is advisable to use a map application (like Waze, Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc.) to estimate travel time when deciding on transportation options, such as public transportation, ride-share, taxi, etc.

If you are headed to a location in Sacramento from SFO, the distance is longer, so expect transportation costs to be slightly higher than for traveling to Davis. Pricing and routes for public transportation, ridesharing services, etc., can vary. Check online for accurate information to help plan your transportation.

Start planning your trip early, and if possible, avoid flights that get you into San Francisco very late at night.

The information below will show some of your travel options. However, please do your own research before finalizing your plans.

Ground Transportation

As you exit the airport, there will be signs to direct you to your ground transportation options.

There are two main ways to get from the SFO to Davis. Please note that they have their own costs associated with them, so please plan ahead and book in advance if needed. 

1) Rideshare, such as Uber or Lyft

• Rideshare may be the most expensive option.
• It is also the easiest because you don’t need a reservation and can usually find a car available at the airport.
• Download the rideshare app on your phone and connect it to a credit card before leaving your home country.
  Schedule an Uber ride from SFO »
  Schedule a Lyft ride from SFO »

2) Public Transit: Taking the subway to a train

• This is the least expensive, but most complicated option.
• The metro or subway system in the Bay Area is called BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). It does not go all the way to Davis, so you have to take an Amtrak train from the last BART stop in Richmond.
  BART Ticket Calculator »
  Amtrak Guide to Fares »
  More information about how to proceed is outlined in the section below.
  • BART to Amtrak
    Follow signs from the airport terminal that read “BART.” Look for a kiosk where you will buy a one-way ticket from the San Francisco Airport to the Richmond Amtrak Station. (Please note: See the BART Ticket Calculator for current rates.)
    Pay using cash or a credit or debit card.
    The ride takes about an hour.
    Make sure you check a map so that you stand on the correct side of the platform and know which line or lines you'll take to get to Richmond.
  • Amtrak to Davis
    Once you arrive in Richmond, you will need to buy a one-way Amtrak ticket to Davis.
    You can purchase your ticket in advance, but be aware of train times so you don't miss your train if your plane or BART train runs late.
    You can do this at the kiosk inside the station or on the Amtrak website.
    On average, the trip to Davis takes about an hour.
    Once you have your ticket, go upstairs and wait on the station platform for the train to Sacramento. Follow the signage so you know where to queue.
    Once you arrive at Davis Station, you may still need to take a taxi or rideshare to your destination in Davis.