Your complete guide to navigating California

An iconic image of American travel is a red convertible with the top down, cruising along legendary California routes like the Pacific Coast Highway or over the Golden Gate Bridge.

California is often associated with cars, and while rentals are plentiful, you can easily explore the state without driving by utilizing its extensive options for planes, trains, buses, and public transportation. Here’s how to get around the Golden State.

Flying is efficient and competitively priced

Key airports in Southern California include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), and San Diego International Airport. In Northern California, major airports include San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport in the Bay Area, as well as Sacramento International Airport in the Central Valley. Numerous smaller regional airports are also scattered throughout the state.

Major airlines such as Alaska, American, Delta, and United provide extensive service throughout California with mainline flights and their commuter partners. JetBlue and Southwest also maintain robust flight networks within the state. Avelo offers budget flights from its BUR hub to various smaller California airports, including Sonoma County Airport, perfect for exploring the Wine Country.

The air route connecting the Bay Area's airports to those in Southern California ranks among the busiest globally. Thanks to the high volume of flights, fares remain low and competitive. However, remember that traveling by land between the two regions can be an enjoyable part of your journey, so consider taking the scenic route unless you're short on time. Choosing a train or bus over a flight is also more environmentally friendly.

Ride the train to soak in California’s stunning landscapes

Amtrak offers a fairly extensive rail network throughout California, featuring long-distance trains that connect the state with various regions of the US, as well as regional services for more frequent local travel.

In addition to its train services, Amtrak runs a network of Thruway buses that connect specific train stations to popular locations without direct train access, including Santa Cruz, Carmel-Monterey, and Yosemite National Park.

California is served by three regional train networks

Amtrak operates three local train networks in California in partnership with state and local transportation authorities. Each route has multiple daily departures. The double-deck coaches are equipped with large windows, snack bars, and wi-fi. Fares are affordable and typically fixed, and these local networks can serve as connections to longer journeys on long-distance trains.

● Capitol Corridor This service connects San Francisco’s East Bay (including Oakland, Emeryville, and Berkeley) and San Jose with Davis and Sacramento several times a day. Thruway buses provide connections west to San Francisco, north to Auburn in the Gold Country, and east to Truckee and Reno, Nevada. Passengers can transfer to BART trains in Richmond for quick access to Berkeley, San Francisco, and SFO.

● San Joaquin This line connects Bakersfield and Fresno in the Central Valley with Oakland or Sacramento, and offers Thruway bus connections to San Francisco, LA, Palm Springs, and Yosemite National Park.

● Pacific Surfliner This vibrant train network runs from San Diego in the south through LA to as far north as San Luis Obispo. The journey boasts stunning coastal views, with stops in San Diego's North County beach towns, Orange County's San Juan Capistrano and Anaheim (home of Disneyland), as well as Burbank, Ventura, Carpinteria, and beautiful Santa Barbara.

Beyond Amtrak’s regional services, California features two commuter train networks that are especially convenient for visitors: Caltrain in the Bay Area and Metro Rail in Southern California.

Some long-distance trains include helpful stops in California

Amtrak operates four routes connecting California with other states, typically running once daily in each direction. Each route includes several strategic stops within California for passengers not traveling across state lines. As always, the most affordable fares tend to sell out quickly.

● California Zephyr Experience a breathtaking journey through the Sierra Nevada, following the historic path of the transcontinental railroad through California, Nevada, and Utah. Key California stops include Sacramento and Auburn.

● Coast Starlight Regarded as one of the most scenic train journeys globally, the Coast Starlight travels between the Bay Area and LA, showcasing breathtaking ocean views. Tickets often include a bus connection to downtown San Francisco from Emeryville, with additional stops in Redding, Sacramento, San Jose, Salinas, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara.

● Southwest Chief Following the legendary route of the Super Chief, which connected Los Angeles and Chicago during the peak of rail travel in the 1930s and 1940s, the Southwest Chief runs daily through the Mojave Desert, stopping in Barstow and Needles in California.

● Sunset Limited Operating three times a week, this train links LA and New Orleans while running close to the Mexican border, providing access to Palm Springs.

Cut costs by opting for long-distance bus travel

In addition to the convenient Thruway buses from Amtrak, Greyhound provides long-distance bus services along major interstates and Hwy 101, connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. Flixbus also operates regional routes throughout the state. Most buses come equipped with wi-fi, charging ports, and restrooms on board.

Public transport is dependable in urban areas

Nearly all cities and larger towns in California feature reliable local bus systems, with fares averaging between $1.50 and $3 per ride. While buses are generally the most economical and slower option, you'll find extensive metro-area networks in major cities. For instance, San Diego's municipal trolleys operate on three lines extending to the Mexican border.

Several cities and regions incorporate trains and light rail into their public transit systems.

● Northern California Caltrain operates frequent commuter trains from San Francisco, traveling south along the Peninsula through Palo Alto and Mountain View, all the way to San Jose and Gilroy. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) provides a swift train network connecting San Francisco with cities in the East Bay, including Oakland and Berkeley, as well as the airports in San Francisco and Oakland.

● Southern California Metrolink features an extensive network of seven commuter rail lines radiating from Los Angeles. Key stops for visitors include Burbank's airport and Anaheim for Disneyland. Additionally, the Metro network consists of two subway lines, four light-rail lines, and numerous bus routes, with major stops at Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, and LAX.

Navigate with 511.org

511.org is a vital state-funded resource that provides comprehensive transportation information for California. Available as a website, mobile apps, and a phone service, it offers updates on road conditions, bus schedules, and train times.

Renting a car offers great flexibility, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

California’s deep-rooted passion for cars is largely practical: the vast size of the state means having your own vehicle is ideal for exploring its many attractions. This is especially true for iconic routes like the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1), which runs along the coast from the Oregon border down to Southern California, as well as the stunning mountain roads in the Sierras, the deserts, and the northern regions.

However, if you're in San Francisco, you might prefer to avoid the numerous hassles of car ownership altogether.

To rent a car, you usually need to be at least 25 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and have a major credit card (debit or ATM cards generally aren’t accepted). Some rental companies might allow drivers aged 21 to 24, but expect to pay a significant surcharge.

Car rental prices can be steep, even for a basic sub-compact model. If you're considering a hybrid or electric vehicle for an eco-friendly choice, be prepared for higher costs. And if you need to inquire about the price of a convertible for that dream drive along Hwy 1 (even on a foggy day with temperatures in the 50s), it’s likely beyond your budget.

When comparing prices, it's always beneficial to explore offers from smaller independent rental companies, even if you need to take a shuttle bus to reach their locations.

Your home driver’s license is valid for driving in California for up to a year.

Visitors can legally operate a vehicle in California using their home driver's license for a period of up to 12 months. For those coming from abroad, having an International Driving Permit (IDP) can enhance your credibility with traffic authorities and simplify the car rental process, particularly if your license lacks a photo or isn't in English.

To ride a motorcycle, you must possess a valid motorcycle license from a US state or a specially endorsed IDP. International automobile associations can issue IDPs for a fee, and they are valid for one year. Always carry your home license along with the IDP.

Liability insurance is a must.

California mandates that all vehicles have liability insurance. Before renting a car, verify your home auto insurance policy or travel insurance to see if you’re already covered. If not, be prepared to pay between $10 to $30 per day for an insurance package.

Always check if your home auto insurance or credit card offers coverage to sidestep the rental company’s expensive insurance options.

Finding parking in Californian cities can be challenging and pricey.

In smaller towns and rural areas, parking is generally abundant and free, but it can be limited and/or costly in urban areas. When parking on the street, make sure to read all posted regulations and restrictions (such as street-cleaning schedules and permit-only zones). Be mindful of colored curbs to avoid getting ticketed or towed.

Municipal parking meters and sidewalk pay stations might accept coins, credit cards, and/or app payments. In downtown areas and hotel parking garages in San Francisco and LA, daily rates can range from $30 to $50.

While renting an RV can be pricey, it offers savings in other areas.

A popular choice for family summer vacations and retirees in the US, recreational vehicles may come with a high rental price, but they conveniently provide transportation, accommodation, and cooking facilities all in one.

Finding RV campgrounds in California equipped with electricity and water hookups is straightforward. However, securing reservations at popular state and national parks can be challenging due to their high demand. Your ability to explore freely will depend on how many others have the same plans, so it's advisable to book your camping spots several months in advance. On the flip side, if you're open to venturing into less-traveled areas of the Golden State, you might enjoy greater freedom to roam.

Reserve RVs as early as possible. Rental prices depend on the size and model, typically starting at over $100 per day. Keep in mind that rates often exclude mileage, bedding, kitchen kits, vehicle preparation fees, and taxes. Additionally, if pets are permitted, a surcharge may apply.

It's important to be aware that California's homelessness crisis has led to many individuals living in older RVs parked on city streets. Laws exist to discourage this, which may impact unsuspecting visitors seeking overnight parking.

Taxis are readily accessible throughout California.

You can find taxis and ride-hailing options like Uber and Lyft all over the state, though rates tend to be on the higher side.

Travel between ports on a ferry.

While boats aren't the primary mode of transport in California, there are a few notable offshore routes. Ferries run to Catalina Island from Los Angeles and Orange County, as well as to Channel Islands National Park from Ventura or Oxnard, heading toward Santa Barbara. San Francisco Bay boasts an extensive ferry system connecting the city with Sausalito, Larkspur, Tiburon, Angel Island, Oakland, Alameda, and Vallejo, offering stunning views along the way.

Transportation options accessible to all in California.

California is fairly accommodating for travelers with disabilities, featuring dropped curbs at most intersections and some with audible signals to assist pedestrians.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all public buildings—including airports, train stations, bus stops, and restrooms constructed after 1993—must be wheelchair-accessible. Hotels and motels built after this date must offer at least one ADA-compliant accessible room, so it's advisable to specify your needs when booking.

Many national and state parks in California, along with various outdoor recreation areas, provide paved or boardwalk-style nature trails that are wheelchair-accessible.

For longer journeys, all airlines, trains, and buses can accommodate individuals with disabilities, though 48 hours' advance notice may be required. Public transit systems have accessible buses, trams, and trains available without prior notice. Legitimate service animals are allowed to accompany their owners on all modes of transport. For details on accessible public transportation in California, check the 511.org service.

Major car rental companies offer vehicles with hand controls and vans equipped with wheelchair lifts, but it's essential to book these in advance.