Travel to San Fransisco from DL

[joestein]

We are going to spend 3 days in SF before or after DL. What is the best way to get to SF.

I know I can fly, but I really don't want to spend $400-500 for a family of 4. I know I can drive, but I heard it is like 7 or 8 hours.

Is there any cheaper or faster alternative.

 

[JDarling]

Check into a train maybe? Driving is really only about 5-6 hours. It's a pretty drive too!

 

[got2travel]

A train will actually take you much longer. There is only 1 train daily that does not include a bus connection. That train takes 10-12 hours to get from southern CA to SF. And you're looking at about the same cost as a budget flight.

You're right, a flight will cost you $100-150 per person.

The most economical way would be to drive. Its about 6-7 hours depending on how many stops you make, but you'll see a lot of beautiful places along the way. (I live 15 min from SF and my best driving time was 6 1/2 hours. But that was in the middle of the night with only 2 quick restroom stops. Most of the time it takes me 7 1/2 hours to drive).

 

[JDarling]

My DH and I did Escondido, CA to South SF in about 6 1/2 hours, but it was 3am (and we'll have to admit to being speed demons). We stopped about 3-4 times for quick rest breaks.

 

[Magix]

How long it takes you to drive depends on which route you take. If you take the 101, it will be about 7-9 hours, depending how many food and restroom stops you make. If you take the 5, it will be about 5-7 hours, depending on stops. Most people prefer the 5 route for speed of it, although it's mostly through the farmlands of the San Joaquin Valley, which can be extremely boring. The 101 takes longer, but you'll spend part of the time along the coast, which is much more scenic.

 

[CalGal]

Airfares are so expensive this summer. When you add in the transportation to and from the airports, taxes, you may be talking closer to $200/per person and perhaps even more (although they'll drop a bit after summer). I remember flying from SF to LA for $19 each way, and frequently for well under $100 RT, but that was before $2.50/gal gas prices.

Based upon mapquest and my own experience driving from the SF Peninsula to DL, I'd estimate 6 hours IF you minimize stops and don't hit bad traffic. That's assuming you are taking I5 to 152 or 580. I5 is pretty boring once you get into the central valley. Hwy 101 is a much nicer drive, but will take you around 8 hours.

 

[disneychrista]

It takes us about 9 hours but we are 2 hours north of SF. I generally plan on a 10 hour trip because you just never know traffic etc.

 

[YoHo]

The 101/CA1(PCH) for beauty. The 5 for speed.


If I remember right, there is no super convient train between San Fran and LA. Which makes no sense. The surfliner stops in San Luis Obispo.

 

[JDarling]

I've got an idea. How about taking the DL first? Then a 6 hour sit down in the car will be WELCOMED!

 

[disneychrista]

I've got an idea. How about taking the DL first? Then a 6 hour sit down in the car will be WELCOMED!

UGH!! The drive home is WORSE then the drive there, well for me at least. But that could be that at the end of it all I have to look forword to is the "real world" of being home.