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Transportation

Getting from San Francisco to Santa Barbara (and return)

San Francisco is an important city in California, famous for architecture, scenic beauty and the cultural and ethnic diversity. The Golden Gate is a landmark recognized all over the world.

Santa Barbara is perfect for a day trip from Los Angeles , but is also an excellent side trip for those visiting the entire state of California. It is well known for its beaches, shopping options and wineries.

Quick summary

The cheapest option for traveling between San Francisco and Santa Barbara is by bus. Single fares start at $57.15* and the journey takes about 9 h.

There isn’t a direct rail link between the two cities, so you need to go via Oakland (for the shortest route) and travel by bus and then by train. The fare is almost double than the bus fare.

Flights are excluded as option as there is only one carrier operating on the route and the fares are very high.

Flights from San Francisco (airport code: SFO) to Santa Barbara

San Francisco International (SFO) is one of the largest airports in the world and handles both international and domestic travel.

Santa Barbara is served by Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which handles about 30 daily flights to/from US cities. Flights from San Francisco are operated only by United Express. The flight time is 1h 20 min.

Direct single fares start at $400 one way in late December 2011 and mid-March 2012. Indirect flights start at $120 one way.

Trains and buses from San Francisco to Santa Barbara

Amtrack offers connections for only part of the route between the two cities, as San Francisco is not served by a train station. So you need to take the bus and the train to travel from San Francisco to Santa Barbara.

There are two possible routes to choose from:

Route 1:

Step 1: San Francisco Caltrain Station to Oakland Jack London Square by bus

The bus leaves San Francisco at 7 a.m. The layover time is 25 min

Step 2: Oakland to Santa Barbara by train

The train leaves Oakland at 8:50 a.m.

The total travel time (excluding the layover) is 10 h 52 min. The single adult fare is $96.

Route 2:

Step 1 : San Francisco Caltrain Station to Emeryville, CA by bus

The bus leaves San Francisco at 8:45 a.m. The layover time in Emeryville is 10 min.

Step 2 : Emeryville, CA to Bakersfield, CA by train

The train leaves Emeryville at 10:15 a.m. The layover time in Bakersfield is 9 min.

Step 3 : Bakersfield, CA to Santa Barbara by bus

The bus leaves Bakersfield at 4:20 p.m.

The total travel time (excluding layovers) is 10 h 29 min. The single adult fare is $96.

Buses from San Francisco to Santa Barbara

Greyhound operates three direct buses per day between San Francisco and Santa Barbara. The travel time is between 8 h 40 min and 9 h 5 min. The web only single adult fare is $57.15.

The buses leave San Francisco at: 5:20 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. The only direct bus leaves Santa Barbara at 8:55 a.m. and takes 9 h 20 min to get to San Francisco. Three other indirect buses (via Oakland and San Jose, respectively) leave during the day. Regardless of the route chose, the same fares as above apply.

Driving from San Francisco to Santa Barbara

You can rent a car and drive the 337 miles between San Francisco and Santa Barbara on US-101 S. You should be able to cover the distance in 5 h 45 min but do make sure to plan some stops along the way.

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Note: *at the time the article was written

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Transportation

Getting from San Diego to Palm Springs (and return)

San Diego is the second largest city in California and is well known for the excellent weather, beaches, the famous Zoo and quick access to the Mexican border and Tijuana. San Diego offers a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angles .

Palm Springs is a resort city in California and offers a lot of indoor and outdoor activities. You can spend the day hiking or trying other outdoor activities and relax in the evening.

Quick summary

There isn’t any direct route to travel between San Diego and Palm Springs, unless you plan to drive. The cheapest option for traveling between San Diego and Palm Springs is the bus. Single tickets cost $31.50* and the travel time is up to 5h. Train tickets are more expensive and the connection is via Los Angeles. Flights aren’t even an option due to the very expensive fares for the Los Angles to Palm Springs leg of the trip.

Flights from San Diego (airport code: SAN) to Palm Springs

There aren’t any direct flights from San Diego to Palm Springs, but you can fly via Los Angles, which makes it a very expensive journey.

For the first leg of the trip, book a flight between San Diego and LAX. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located 3 miles from the central business district of San Diego and is the second busiest single runway airport in the world (after London Gatwick). It is a focus city for Southwest Airlines. Flights to LAX are operated by: American Eagle, Delta Connections and United Express. The flight time is 40 minutes. In late December 2011 and mid-March 2011, expect to pay from $119 one way on United.

For the second leg of the trip, book a flight from LAX to Palm Springs, which is served by Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). Flights between LAX and Palm Springs are operated only by United Express. In late December 2011 and mid-March 2012, expect to pay from $511 for the 51 minutes flight. Indirect flights start at $211 one way.

>>read more about Flights to Los Angeles

Trains from San Diego to Palm Springs

Amtrak offers train connections between San Diego and Palm Springs via Los Angles. The total journey time is 6h 45 min and the single adult fare is $83.

The train leaves San Diego daily at 10:50 a.m. and arrives in Los Angeles at 1:35 p.m. Another train leaves for Palm Springs at 3 p.m.

The train leaves Palm Springs daily at 4:45 a.m. and arrives in Los Angeles at 8:30 a.m. Another train leaves for San Diego at 9:40 a.m.

Buses from San Diego to Palm Springs

Greyhound offers bus connections between San Diego and Palm Springs but this is not a direct service either. Buses go either through San Bernardino or Riverside.

The travel time is 4h 25 min (via San Bernardino) and 4 h 50 min (via Riverside) and the web only single adult ticket is $31.50 regardless of which route you choose. Buses depart San Diego at 10:45 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. Buses depart Palm Springs at 11:05 a.m. and 5:45 p.m.

Driving from San Diego to Palm Springs

When you rent a car and plan to drive from San Diego to Palm Springs , there are three possible routes to choose from. The on highlighted in the map below is via I-15 N and CA-74 E. The 133 miles can be covered in about 2h 40 min.

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Note: *at the time the article was written

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Los Angeles Transportation

Getting from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara (and return)

“Riviera of the West” or Santa Barbara is perfect for a day trip from Los Angeles . Located about 100 miles from the City of Angels, Santa Barbara is well known for its beaches, wineries and the many shopping options. You might know it to be the playground of the rich and famous, but don’t worry, a day or two here won’t break your budget.

Quick summary

If you choose the afternoon train between Los Angles and Santa Barbara, then that’s the cheapest option: $16* one way. Otherwise, buses remain the most affordable way to travel between the two cities ($19.35 one way).

Flights from Los Angeles (airport code: LAX) to Santa Barbara

Although LAX is the closest large airport to Santa Barbara, the city is served by its own airport Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which handles about 30 daily flights to/from US cities, including Los Angeles. The airport is located about 7 miles from downtown.

Flights to/from Los Angeles are operated by American Eagle and United Express. The flight time is 40 minutes. In late December 2011 or late March 2012, expect to pay from $91 one way on American Eagle or United Express.

>>read more about Flights to Los Angeles

Trains from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

Amtrack provides eight daily connections between Los Angeles Union Station and Santa Barbara. The first train leaves Los Angles at 7:35 a.m. and the last at 9:10 p.m. The first train leaves Santa Barbara at 6:46 a.m. and the last at 6:59 p.m.

The travel time is 2h 25 min. The cheapest fares are in the afternoon: just $16 for a single adult ticket. On the morning train, the fares start at $36 one way.

Buses from Los Angles to Santa Barbara

Greyhound offers four daily buses between Los Angles and Santa Barbara. The buses leave Los Angeles at : 6:10 a.m., 1:25 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 10:20 p.m. Buses leave Santa Barbara at 6 a.m., 9:30 a.m. 2:45 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. The journey time is between 2h 10 min and 2h 40 min. The web only single adult fare is $19.35.

Driving from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara

You can rent a car and drive the 95 miles via US-101 N between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Part of the road is along the coast, so you’ll be rewarded with superb views. The travel time is 1h 45 min.

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Note:*at the time the article was written

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Planning a Trip Portugal Transportation travel guide

Getting from Lisbon to Porto (and return)

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and has recently started to gain more and more popularity among travelers. It is one of the rare Western European cities which faces the water and knows how to use this for its own advantage. The intimate alleys, the superb views and the contemporary culture make it a travel destination year round.

Porto is the second largest city in the country. It is a busy industrial and commercial central. Its historical city has been awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1996. The historical sites, along with the lovely scenery enchant any traveler.

Those planning a vacation in Portugal most often plan to visit both cities. So knowing how to get between them cheap and easy is a must.

Quick summary

Flying takes less than one hour, but for whatever reason, it’s cheaper to book a return flight between the two cities, rather than a one way flight. Still, for €132 per person you can travel between the Lisbon and Porto. A much better option is the train, which takes 3 hours and is also cheap (from €24 per person, one way).

Flights from Lisbon (airport code: LIS) to Porto

Aeroporto da Portela (airport code: LIS) serves Lisbon and is the largest international airport in Portugal. It is the main hub for TAP Portugal. Sá Carneiro Airport (airport code: OPO) serves Porto and is the 3rd largest airport in the country. The only airline running flights between Lisbon and Porto is TAP Portugal. The flight time is 55 min and the one way adult fare is €148. Return fares start at €132 per person.

>>read more about Cheap Flights to Lisbon

Trains from Lisbon to Porto

The national rail company (CP) offers direct trains from Lisbon to Porto. There are 18 departures daily and the travel time is 3 hours. The trains depart either from Lisboa – Entrecampos or Oriente. The 2nd class (turistica) fares start at €24 for an adult, one way. There are two types of trains to choose from: InterCity and Alfa-Pendular. Tickets can be bought here

>>read more about Train Travel in Portugal

Buses from Lisbon to Porto

Rede Expressos runs buses between Lisbon and Porto. Unfortunately, at the time this article was written neither versions (English or Portuguese) of the website allow us to check the timetable or the prices.
Other website which lists buses from various companies gave the price for the Rede bus: €16.50 for an adult, one way. The trail time is 3 h 30 min.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Portugal

Driving from Lisbon to Porto

Driving from Lisbon to Porto is a real pleasure and you’ll be rewarded with superb views. So, rent a car , get a map and plan your trip. The shortest route is 317 km and you should be able to cover it in 3 hours. Please note that you’ll have to pay tolls.

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Portugal

Getting Around in Porto

While most people think of Porto (or Oporto) as straddling the Douro river, that’s actually incorrect. Porto is located on the north side of the Douro while the south side, where the port houses are located, is actually called Vila Nova de Gaia. The two cities are connected by a bridge which carries cars, a tram and pedestrians over the river.

Visitors to Porto are generally better off without a car; the streets can be confusing (and some require special permits to drive on), parking is hard to come by, and public transport is cheap and easy to use. Here’s what you need to know about getting around in Porto.

From the airport or train station

Porto Airport has a station on the Metro do Porto light-rail/tram system. Depending on where in Porto or Gaia you are staying, it will take about 20-30 minutes to arrive and you may need to change train lines or take a cab from the city center (especially if you are staying on the Gaia side) once you arrive. The tram from the airports costs just a few euros (the price will vary depending on your destination) and there are attendants at the airport to help you plan your route and use the automated machines. Be aware that the machines only take change, no bills.

The  main train station – Porto Campanhã  –  is on the east side of the city, about 2 kilometers from the center. Upon arrival, you can take  a local Urbanos train 5 minutes to the city center station of São Bento or take a cab to your final destination.

Trams/light rail and bus

The public transportation system in Porto is excellent and made up on trams, buses and the Metro do Porto , a network of six tram or light-rail lines that run every 10 – 20 minutes from 6am until after midnight. Ticketing on most buses, trams and rail is integrated under the ANDANTE system using zones to set the fares.  The trams – four-wheeled wooden trams from the 1920’s – run about every 30 minutes on three different lines. Line 1 is the most popular with tourists, taking them from Porto to the leafy and upscale suburb of Foz. There’s also a funicular that runs from the Ribeira (riverfront) up the hill towards the city center.

Cabs

Cabs are plentiful and cheap (compared to other European countries) in Porto. It’s safe to hail one on the street, just make sure the meter is on or that you negotiate a fare beforehand. Most taxi drives speak enough English to take direction, but if you are headed to a less touristy destination, it’s wise to have the address written out for the driver. It’s common to tip a taxi driver 10% of the fare.

Walking

Most of Porto is easily accessed on foot as many of the main attractions are located in a small area. However, Porto is quite hilly and walking up from the riverfront (on either side) can be tiring. Especially if you are headed from the riverfront to the city center of Porto, consider taking a cab or riding the Funicular to save your legs.

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Portugal travel guide

Getting Around in Lisbon

Central Lisbon is relatively compact and easy to navigate. Set on seven hills, the city streets are a mix of wide open lanes and narrower, steep cobblestone streets. With old tram cars rattling past  modern buses, the transportation options are equally diverse. Here’s what you need to know about getting around in Lisbon.

Public Transportation

Carris operates the network of trams, metro, buses and funiculars, in Lisbon. You can buy tickets for each at Carris booths (open from 8am to 8pm daily), in most Metro stations at automated booths, and onboard buses (with change only, no bills) and network train stations. You must show a passport to buy a pass.

Buses, trams and the metro generally run from 6am to 1pm and the fare depends on how many zones you’re traveling. If you aren’t sure, check with the attendant. If you caught with an invalid ticket, you can face hefty fines of over 300 euros. The other main type of transport you’ll see in Lisbon is the funiculars of which there are three that whisk riders up Lisbon’s steep hills. Though the city is quite walkable, these hills are steep and the funiculars serve as a vital part of the transport network. Ferries are also commonly used by locals who take them from the  one side of the Tagus river to the other, avoiding the heavy bridge traffic during rush hour.

Taxis are also an inexpensive and popular option. Fares are very economical and most drivers are honest. You can get just about anywhere in central Lisbon for about 5-6 euros.  Most Lisbon hotels can call you a radio taxi is you have a very early or very late flight, otherwise it’s easy to hail on on the street.

Trains

Lisbon’s main departure point for international destinations and central/northern Portugal is Santa Apolónia Station.  All the trains that depart from Santa Apolónia Station also stop at Estação Oriente. If you accidentally get off here, it’s a 15 minute ride on the Metro into Lisbon. High-speed Alfa trains depart for Oporto every and taking less than three hours, so if you are exploring these two cities of Portugal by train, the connection is an easy one.

By car

While a car does come in handy if you want to explore further off the beaten path where train and bus service is not as good, for the most part a car is an unnecessary burden, particularly in cities like Lisbon. Plus, with so many options for what to drink in Portugal, from the delicious port to local ginjinha, you don’t want to have to worry about driving.

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Croatia travel guide

Croatia: Getting There is Half the Battle

Croatia has been on the tourist radar for some years, but despite the alluring pictures of stunning blue waters, beautiful beaches, and Roman ruins it still hasn’t been completely overrun by people visiting on a European tour. There’s every reason to include Croatia on your next trip to Europe – the great bargains being only one – that it’s frankly a little surprising that more travelers don’t visit Croatia each year.

Of course, European vacationers have been enjoying Croatia’s gorgeous coastline for longer than it’s been called Croatia – this part of the world has been extremely popular as a holiday destination since Roman times (note the proximity of those Roman ruins to great sea views), and now with all the travel deals you can find out there it’s even more appealing if you’re coming from further away.

As mentioned, Croatia is a pretty good bargain for budget travelers, with the many cheap hotels in Croatia and even cheaper hostels, and once you’re in the bigger tourist destinations you’re doing well. But getting around in Croatia is still a little bit of a challenge if you’re used to the great network of rail lines throughout most of Europe. Among the many options for how to get to Croatia from Italy, for instance, the train will only take you so far before you have to switch to a bus or rent yourself a car.

One of the cheaper options these days for getting to Croatia from elsewhere in Europe is simply to fly. If you’re already in Europe you can find excellent deals on cheap flights to cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik on carriers like Ryanair, Germanwings, and easyJet. And if you’re coming from outside Europe, your best course of action may be to find the best deal you can on cheap flights to Europe and then look for one of those budget carrier flights from there into Croatia.

Yes, it can be a little more challenging to get to Croatia than it is to get to places like France or Italy, but since the prices once you get there are still so great it’s worth the effort.

photo by Michael Caven

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Alaska Transportation

Direct International Flights to Anchorage

Millions of travelers from all over the world come to Alaska each year to experience the unique cultures, unspoiled wilderness and all of the other charms the state has to offer. The majority of those visitors coming from outside of the United States enter Alaska by way of an international flight to Seattle and then a shorter flight from Seattle to Anchorage. But depending on where you are coming from, there are several options for direct international flights right to Anchorage. Direct international flights are often cheaper, and are always faster, than having to book both an international and domestic flight.

Frankfurt is currently the only airport in Europe serving direct flights to Anchorage, and these flights are only available in the warmer seasons. Of any country, Japan has the most options for flying to Anchorage, with direct flights departing four different airports. Vancouver, British Columbia is currently the only airport in Canada with direct flights in, and there are none from Central or South America.

Currency exchange is available inside Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. For information on currency, plug conversion and other helpful hints on international travel to Alaska, check out our Alaska Information page.

International Routes to Anchorage

From the Americas

  • Vancouver, BC, Canada (on Air Canada, seasonal only)

From Asia

  • Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo-Narita, Japan (Japan Air)
  • Taipei-Taiwan (China Airlines and EVA Air)
  • Seoul, South Korea (Korea Air, seasonal charter only)

From Europe

  • Frankfurt, Germany (Condor Air, seasonal only)

>> More on finding the right flight to Alaska

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Alaska Transportation

Getting from Seattle to Anchorage

2780880072_9d3eff74b8Alaska is one of two US states that doesn’t border any of the others directly, so it can be a long trip even for Americans. Because its the closest large American city to Alaska, Seattle is one of the most popular starting points for a trip to the frontier state. The two cities have a lot in common, both being coastal northwest cities with a population that likes to get outdoors and explore. Whether you are a Seattle resident or an international traveler stopping there on the way, there are several options for getting from Seattle to Anchorage. There are no rail options that cover the entire route, but trains can get you part of the way, if you want to make the cruise or drive to Anchorage a shorter one.

Flights from Seattle-Tacoma to Anchorage

This flight route is the single most popular way for outside visitors to get to Alaska. There are daily flights year-round on both Alaska Airlines and Continental Airlines from Seattle-Tacoma Airport to Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. Flight time is about three hours, making this route the fastest option for getting from the lower 48 states to Anchorage. Flying is also usually the cheapest option. To search for flights, enter your travel dates into the form at the bottom of this page.

>> International travelers may be able to skip the stop in Seattle and get a direct international flight to Anchorage
>> More about flying to Alaska

Cruises from Seattle to Anchorage

If you aren’t in such a hurry, and want to see some of the amazing coastline between these two coastal cities, consider taking a cruise from Seattle to Anchorage. Though more travelers board their cruise in Vancouver rather than Seattle, starting in Seattle gives you more ship time, and includes views of the stunning Puget Sound as you depart. The major cruise trips all take about seven days, and ships range in size from the 235-passenger Empress of the North to the huge 2000+ passenger cruise ships from Princess, Royal Caribbean and other providers.

>> Find out more and search for cruises with our Alaska Cruise Guide.

Driving from Seattle to Anchorage

As close as Seattle is to Alaska, in comparison to the rest of the country, it’s still a good distance. Some might be surprised to learn that the driving distance between the two cities is 2,250 miles, about the same as between New York and Phoenix, Arizona. That being said, if you have the time to devote to this drive, it can be one of the most memorable and beautiful you will ever take. If time is no object, and you want to see and interact with both Alaska and British Columbia, this is the way to go. The drive at least five days for a quick trip, and seven if you want to make stops and wander a bit, so it’s really no faster than a cruise.

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Alaska Transportation

Getting From Anchorage to Fairbanks (and back)

3857293492_a41ef086b9Being the two biggest cities in Alaska, Anchorage and Fairbanks are on the itineraries of many visitors to Alaska, and there are several options for traveling between the two cities. Which one is right for you depends on your budget, your style of travel, and how much time you have to spend.

Flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks

By far the fastest way to get between Anchorage and Fairbanks is by plane. This is also sometimes the only way to make the trip during the winter months, when roads are closed and trains aren’t operating. There are multiple flights daily on Alaska Airlines, and flight time is about an hour. To search for flights, use the form in the right column of this page.

Trains between Anchorage and Fairbanks

Alaska Railroad runs daily service (in the summer months) between the two cities. The trip lasts about 12 hours, and passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in Alaska, including stops at Talkeetna and Denali National Park. If you don’t mind dedicating a day of your trip to this leg, the views are spectacular, and there are always great conversations to be had with your fellow passengers as you watch out the windows for wildlife and scenic vistas. For those travelers looking for more than a simple train ride, there is the Princess Tours Midnight Sun Express, a full-service luxury train with a domed glass ceiling for the best possible views, and onboard fine dining options.

Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks

As nice as a glass-domed train ride might be, you still can’t stop and choose your own speed on the train, and so some travelers prefer to drive themselves. The only road option is the George Parks Highway, or Alaska Route 3. The 358-mile trip takes about 7 hours, not including stops, and you will want to make stops, since the road passes through not only Denali National Park, but also less well-known spots like Eklutna Lake. Plan on a full day for making this trip – keeping in mind that a full day in the summer can last quite a while. For those wanting to make it more than a day’s trip and stop in the middle, Talkeetna is close to the halfway point and offers a very different kind of Alaskan experience than either of the cities.

Photo by lisahazen