The UC Davis sign on a concrete wall on the corner of College Park and Howard Way at one of the entrances to the UC Davis campus on a sunny day. Three students on foot cross the street in the crosswalk toward the sign and another student walks a bike across the crosswalk away from the sign. A white Tesla crosses the street heading east past the sign.
A UC Davis sign at the intersection of Howard Way and College Park welcomes students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus. (Karen Higgins/UC Davis)

What to Expect When Getting to Davis from the San Francisco Airport

Ground transportation is required from SFO to UC Davis

Updated: June 5, 2024

Navigating a large international airport in a foreign country can be confusing. 

Flying into Sacramento?

Some international flights route to Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which is closer to Davis than SFO. You will still need ground transportation to get to Davis. Visit our webpage about arriving at SMF to explore some of those options.

Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS) within Global Affairs, wants you to have a good experience from the moment you land in California. Many international flights arrive at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Although San Francisco and Davis are both located in Northern California, it is important to remember that the city is more than 90 miles from the UC Davis campus. You will need to use ground transportation to get from the airport to Davis. We recommend researching your options in advance so you understand the pricing, availability and timing that your journey will entail.

Live Map

Arrival to SFO

  • When you exit the airplane in San Francisco, you’ll be directed to immigration and customs, where you will go to the line for non-U.S. citizens.
  • After immigration, you’ll collect your luggage and exit into the International Arrivals meeting area where you will look for signs directing you toward your transportation options.
  • Remember: At any point in your journey, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Airport and transportation officials are easy to spot in uniforms.
The American government seal for the Department of Homeland Security and the logo for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection printed in blue on a white wall.

Ground Transportation

A man looks at a black sign with arrows directing where to find Ride App Pickup, Parking Shuttles, Hotel Courtesy Shuttles and BART.

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

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

1. Private van or car service.

  • A private van or car goes directly from the airport to your destination in Davis.
  • The vehicle may be shared between multiple travelers, so there may be additional wait time or stops along the way.
  • Travel time is approximately two to three hours, depending on traffic and additional stops to drop off other passengers.
  • There are several carrier options, and you must make a reservation and pay in advance.
    • Search online and visit the van service website to learn more.
  • Using a private van or car service is often the most common choice because it’s very secure.

2. 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.
  • To be safe, make sure you ask the driver for their name and check the car's license plate to make sure the information matches the ride assigned to you on your phone.

3. 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 to Davis. 
  • There is more information about how to do that in the section below.

BART to Amtrak

A woman with bags walk through a revolving door marked into a BART station.
  • 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.
  • BART moves quickly and may have lots of people getting on and off. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure you feel safe.
A traveler uses a payment kiosk at a BART station. The payment screen is displayed indicating that the traveler has added $20 to their fare.

BART to Amtrak

  • 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.  
  • The trip to Davis will take about an hour.
A man stands at a payment kiosk and removes his wallet from his pocket at an Amtrak station.
  • Once you have your ticket, go upstairs and wait on the station platform for the train to Sacramento. Follow signage so you know where to queue.
    • If you’re unsure what to do, ask someone at the station.
  • Once you arrive in Davis, you may still need to take a taxi or rideshare to your destination.

As you can see, there are many options to get to Davis. Start planning your trip early, and if possible, avoid flights that get you into San Francisco very late at night. We’ll see you in Davis!

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