Getting to Napa Valley is easy and stress-free
Napa Valley is located north of San Francisco Bay, with several airports conveniently located nearby.
We have many transportation options to the Napa Valley, car or limousine services, rental cars, or public transportation.
Take a look at the directory of local transportation companies that can help ensure a safe and memorable trip to and from Napa Valley from a variety of locations.
Airports Near Napa Valley
The Napa Valley is located near several commercial airports:
- 58 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- 51 miles from Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- 63 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- 83 miles from San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- 45 miles from Sonoma County Airport (STS)
Private airports are also available:
- 7 miles from Napa County Airport (APC)
- 32 miles from Buchanan Field Airport (CCR)
FAQ
With multiple transportation options and miles of the valley to explore, we want you to know there's no wrong way to enjoy Napa Valley
How do you get from San Francisco to Napa Valley?
- Rent a car and drive the scenic route to Napa Valley.
- Private transportation services may be reserved for airport transportation (and many can also be booked for winery tours).
- Take the San Francisco Bay Ferry to Vallejo. Then use the VINE Transit bus into Napa Valley.
- Ride share options are prevalent and will take you directly to your Napa Valley location.
How far is it from San Francisco to Napa Valley?
Downtown Napa is just 50 miles north of San Francisco, which only takes about 1 to 2 hours (depending on traffic and day of the week).
The weather in Napa Valley wine country is mild year-round, and it's the ideal getaway for anyone who likes stunning landscapes, delicious wine, Michelin-rated restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Can you do a day trip to Napa Valley from San Francisco?
Absolutely! Napa Valley wine country is only about an hour drive (depending on traffic) from San Francisco.
The whole valley stretches just 35 miles from the north end in Calistoga to the south in American Canyon – which means you'll have time for wineries, dining, and activities.
What is the closest major airport to Napa Valley?
Napa Valley is 58 miles from San Francisco International Airport, which is just a short drive away. Other great options include: Oakland International Airport is 51 miles away and Sacramento International Airport is 63 miles away. Sonoma County Airport is just 34 miles from the north end of Napa Valley.
San Francisco Bay Area
Transportation To Napa Valley
Drive a Car
The most popular way to get to Napa Valley from San Francisco is by car. Typically it takes about an hour to drive from San Francisco to Downtown Napa during the week, and sometimes up to two hours on the weekend. You can take a scenic route across the Golden Gate Bridge to wine country or, alternatively, use the Bay Bridge to travel through the East Bay to get to Napa Valley.
Private Transportation Services
Private transportation services, such as limousines, SUVs or buses, may be reserved for airport transportation. (Many of the same services can also be booked for Napa Valley winery tours.) Most services can schedule your appointments for both individuals and groups as well as arrange dining reservations. The benefit is these drivers not only know the "secret routes" – they also know how to keep you extremely comfortable.
San Francisco Bay Ferry
The San Francisco/Vallejo Bay Ferry provides a scenic and leisurely route to Napa Valley. The San Francisco Ferry Building, located at the foot of Market Street along the Embarcadero waterfront in downtown San Francisco, is accessible by BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) from SFO. The Vallejo Ferry Terminal is just a block away from the Vallejo Transit Center, then use the connecting VINE Transit bus service to the Napa area.
Amtrak San Joaquins
Amtrak San Joaquins offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to Napa Valley from the Bay Area and Central Valley. To get to Napa Valley, travelers can take the Amtrak San Joaquins train to the Martinez station and transfer onto Amtrak Thruway Bus Route 7. Three stops later, travelers arrive at the Soscol Gateway Transit Center in Napa, located next to downtown and a short walk to Oxbow Public Market, the Napa Valley Wine Train, Napa Valley Welcome Center and many other enjoyable activities.
Rental Cars and Ride Share
All major airports offer car rental stations to help visitors get to Napa Valley. In the city of Napa, you will find Enterprise, Avis, or Budget for car rental services.
Download a ride share from the App Store or sign up with UBER or Lyft to request a ride. Ride share services are prevalent through the San Francisco Bay Area and they can take you directly to your location in and around Napa Valley.
Traffic Tips
To avoid rush-hour traffic when driving - set your trip to drive at unusual times - especially late night (after 8pm).
Utilize carpool High Occupancy Vehicle "HOV" lanes. San Francisco rewards drivers who combine passengers. Take full advantage of the diamond lanes to speed past much of the traffic. Make sure to note the times for HOV exclusive right to the special high-speed lanes on signs throughout Bay Area highways.
Getting Around Napa Valley
Experience Napa Valley "Car-Free"
Going car free doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. Even if you drive to Napa, leaving your car parked and taking advantage of bicycle tours, transit, and walking, makes a difference. Every car trip you eliminate helps improve the experience of visiting Napa Valley – now and in the future.
Public Transportation
The VINE Transit is the fixed-route bus system in the County of Napa. All buses are wheelchair accessible. There are daily routes that run the length of the valley, throughout the city of Napa, and extend to the Vallejo Ferry terminal. Weekday routes include access to El Cerrito Del Norte BART and the Suisun City Train Depot.
Shuttles Up Valley
The shuttles provide on-demand transit services within its city limits for the general public. These shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
Calistoga Shuttle: Call (707) 963-4229 to schedule a pick-up and the vehicle will arrive within 15-30 minutes. Cost: Free for lodging guests.
St. Helena Shuttle: Call (707) 963-3007 to schedule a pick-up and the vehicle will arrive within 15-30 minutes. Cost: $1
The Yountville Trolley: Call (707) 944-1234 or (707) 312-1509 after 7:00 p.m. This service is free thanks to the generous support from the Town of Yountville.
Biking
Many lodging facilities in the Napa Valley have bicycle rentals, and there are several bicycle rental companies that deliver to the smaller accommodations. Download our Napa Valley Bike Map.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition is a grass-roots nonprofit that currently has completed 12.5 miles of a walking/biking trail system that runs from the City of Napa north to Yountville. The coalition is working to build 47 safe and scenic miles of level, paved, family-friendly, free-access class 1 trail, that runs the entire length of the valley – from the Vallejo ferry to Calistoga.