maile

I live in the Central Valley (California) but actually like to (need to) leave it once in a while. But it is a mess to leave from FAT (Fresno) to connect to the big birds in San Francisco or Los Angeles. Flights are expensive and for my last two trips the flights were delayed or cancelled causing me to miss the connection. I am thinking about taking Amtrak up to San Francisco (Emeryville or Oakland) and wonder what would be the best (easiest) way to get to SFO ( or a nice hotel next to SFO with a shuttle service for a next day flight). I cannot lug suitcases up and down stairs nor would I be able to walk a long distance with my luggage. Information and suggestions will be appreciated.

vjpblovesitaly

It might be in your best interest to redo this thread with a new title that actually says something about the subject and a California tag.

Also two paragraphs would be nice.

tomfuller

If your destination is served by the Sacramento airport (SMF), try taking the San Joaquin to Sacramento and pulling your luggage to the stop for the YOLO bus. If you need to stay in Sacramento try the HI Hostel at the corner of 10th & H. It is within walking distance of the train station. It is the second oldest Victorian mansion in the city and across the street from City Hall.
The YOLO bus is less than $5 to the airport and works for getting to rental cars when the downtown locations are closed.

MmePerdu

Two pieces of information that would help are how long a trip away from home is it and where are you going? Or is this just general information you're looking for in which case it's pretty hard to say. Each trip might demand a different approach to the problem.

Patty

I would be more concerned about Amtrak delays. With a connecting flight from Fresno on the same ticket at least you'll be reaccommodated by the airline.

maile

I always have been compensated by the airline when flights cancelled, etc. But that really doesn't make up for the lost selected seats, the five hour drive, the necessary adjustments with hotels, pickups, etc. That is why I was tending towards taking Amtrak the day before a flight out and staying overnight at an airport hotel. I take both short domestic flights and international flights (Europe and Asia) for up to three weeks at a time. If I could somewhat easily get from Amtrak to SFO or a SFO hotel, it would/could be an easier, less stressful way to travel.

Rastaguytoday

A "trick" that I taught my relatives in the Central Valley, get a one-way car rental. You do have to look around at the various websites.

It no longer works in the Bay Area, but the longer distances usually work.

sf7307

Is there no bus or shuttle service from Fresno to SFO or Oakland - if there is, that's probably what I'd do. There is a limo service but I can't tell how much it costs.

http://www.hobolimo.com/airport_service_quotes.htm

MmePerdu

It seems as though the simplest way would be the best way, especially for when you return. I lived in the boonies for a long time and driving seemed to be the best way. Drive up the day before, stay overnight and the car was there when I got back. I'd stay another night if schedule or exhaustion demanded. Get a book on CD to listen to on the road, take your time, have a favorite lunch stop. I think that's what I'd do.

This is my favorite hotel near SFO. They have a shuttle and you can buy long-term parking: http://tinyurl.com/nya4qqe

Goldens

There are several hotels near SFO that offer "park, sleep, and fly" packages. You only have to spend one night and you can leave your car there for free (some up to 14 days). The hotel shuttle will get you to/from the airport.

clarkgriswold

It's easy by Amtrak...just time consuming as the metro from Amtrak to SFO takes another hour after your 3 hr 40 minute Amtrak ride.
Richmond Transit Station is your switching point and you just take Bart all the way to Millbrae, no connections or anything to worry about ...get off at the big station that serves both Caltrain and Bart in Millbrae. Best Western El Rancho (v.good hotel) is one place that shuttles to both the station and to SFO, there are several other hotels in the general area.

clarkgriswold

Another way to do it.....the person who suggested it says it involves less walking than the Richmond Station Amtrak transfer:

"Amtrak's San Joaquin train takes you from Fresno to Emeryville, where a waiting "Thruway Connector" bus (no extra charge) takes you to Downtown San Francisco (to Market Street, in front of the Westfield Shopping complex, from where you can catch BART at the Powell Street Station to Millbrae or SFO).

maile

I seem to remember that the BART station at Powell and Market has many many steps which might be difficult with luggage. Another "problem" with that particular route would be the very long bus trip from Emeryville; that bus stop is the last or almost last stop and it can take up to an hour and a half to even get there after all the other stops. At one time there was an airport shuttle bus near the Hilton which ran every 15 minutes or so. Has BART taken this service out?
Another question: if I took BART to Millbrae, how do I get to either the airport or o one of the hotels?

sf7307

BART goes to the airport.

You can either walk (some of them) or take a taxi from Millbrae BART to a hotel.

clarkgriswold

The Dylan and The Fairfield Inn are just a couple of blocks walk. The Millwood Inn, The Hampton Inn and the El Rancho are all fine but you'd have to phone to see if they'll pickup at Bart. There is also the airport Marriott or any of the Burlingame hotels, if you find a great rate don't worry about transpo from Bart as it's just a mile or 2 in a taxi.

sf7307

You can also just take a taxi from Millbrae to the airport - the BART station is just the other side of the freeway from the airport.

MmePerdu

I'm exhausted just reading all this, let alone the time spent with all the connections added in. Get to the train, the train, the bus, BART, taxi or shuttle. Then reverse it all going home? I like the sound of drive and sleep so much better. No missed connections, no waiting for the next bus or train and shifting the bags one more time. It reminds me yet again how pitiful our public transportation is.

5alive

Have you checked to see if any of your destinations are serviced for a decent price by the airport in San Jose? It is a half-hour closer and many people fly there for the Silicon Valley.

tomfuller

Just so you know - Allegiant flies at least 1 day per week from FAT to Hawaii if that is someplace yoiu'd like to go.

janisj

First we need to talk about packing lighter. If you can't manage your bags, you are very likely taking too much stuff.

Do you drive? If so, the park/fly packages at the El Rancho or the Dylan are great. Either that or a one way car rental/

I have the same problem out of Sacramento. But since we have so much better air service, I mostly fly out of SMF. Weird - my last flight to the UK in April/May was actually cheaper out of SMF than SFO. I ended up booking America West to LAX and AA to LHR. It was an easy connection and nearly $200 cheaper than SFO/LHR.