Your driver will meet you at your address in San Francisco International Airport.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
You’ll travel in comfort for 3 h 30 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in South Lake Tahoe.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
321 km3 h 30 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from San Francisco International Airport to South Lake Tahoe
What is the fastest way to get from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe?
The fastest transportation method from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe is by car. Daytrip's private car service can get you door-to-door in only 3.5 hours. Or you can take your time and stop for sightseeing!
How do you get from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe?
You can travel from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe by bus, flight, or car. But the easiest option is generally to take a private driving transfer with Daytrip as it's door to door!
What is the easiest way to get from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe?
The easiest way to get to South Lake Tahoe from San Francisco Airport is to take a private driving transfer, which will give you seamless door-to-door service and flexible booking for peace of mind.
Is South Lake Tahoe worth visiting?
South Lake Tahoe is a must-see destination for any traveler due to its diverse range of outdoor activities alongside its incredible urban comforts.
How much is a ride from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe?
A private car transfer with Daytrip from San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe starts at $196 per passenger. Buses can cost between $116 and $124 and take around 6 hours on average, so generally aren't worth it.
Are there buses from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe?
There are no direct buses from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe, but there are routes between the cities that take around 6 hours and involve 2-3 transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
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Overview: transportation from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe
The trip from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe takes 3.5 hours by private car, allowing you to choose between a speedy direct transfer and stopping along the way for some sightseeing to kick off your time in California.
You can consider a stop at the Oakland California Temple, a Mormon church overlooking San Francisco that offers fantastic views across the city and some insight into the religion. Or, you could choose a detour to the Suisun Bay Ghost Fleet, a preserved collection of 10 ships that were previously members of a 350-strong fleet intended for quick wartime responses.
As the fleet went unused, the number of ships dwindled and became open to the public for visitation. The collection includes the USS Iowa, which used to transport President Roosevelt and now acts as a museum.
If you prefer to get to South Lake Tahoe directly, a Daytrip private transfer gives you the fastest and most comfortable transportation possible. The seamless door-to-door service will kickstart your California adventure without any of the hassles of navigating public transit or finding a ride from the airport at the last minute.
About South Lake Tahoe
After your San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe transfer, you can look forward to being surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe National Park while having access to the vast range of amenities available in town.
South Lake Tahoe is known for its resort-style comforts and its proximity to all of the outdoor activities around the lake including world-class hiking, watersports, and skiing during the winter season. The area boasts scenic views and a crystalline lake, offering a picturesque travel destination in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The nearby Emerald Bay State Park is home to a plethora of hikes to stunning viewpoints and dense conifer forests, as well as a trail walk to Vikingsholm, a stone and wood Viking-style estate constructed in the late 1920s. The area also features glacier-carved granite landscapes contrasting with colorful wildflower meadows, making it unlikely that travelers will struggle to find an outdoor adventure suiting their tastes.
South Lake Tahoe is also one of the most popular ski and snowshoe destinations in California, offering everything from beginner slopes to deep powder and more challenging routes. Winter sports enthusiasts should check out the Heavenly Ski Resort, with over a hundred trails across 4,800 acres, including an impressive summit standing at 10,067 feet (3,068 meters.)
When you need a break from all of the outdoor adventures, the town is also home to a growing craft beer scene and a diverse collection of restaurants offering classic American fare and international cuisine.
From San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe: travel tips
As you prepare for your journey from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe, there are a few things you can plan for to ensure you have the smoothest journey possible.
Choose a private transfer service
A Daytrip private car transfer offers you the perfect balance of safety and efficiency on your door-to-door journey from the airport straight to your accommodation in South Lake Tahoe. You will also have more control over your itinerary, especially in the event of delayed flights. Given the variability of airline schedules, Daytrip offers some wiggle room with airport transfers, and choosing this private service gives you the most flexibility and peace of mind for your trip to South Lake Tahoe.
Additionally, you can stop en route to sightsee and visit places you hadn’t planned to commit time to. The Scott Harvey Winery, UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, and the California State Railroad Museum are all options for quick detours that will greatly enhance your travel day.
### Give yourself plenty of time on Lake Tahoe
Whether you are a skier, a hiker, or just eager to relax on the beaches of the lake, you will quickly find that South Lake Tahoe offers an impressive range of activities that deserve to be explored as much as possible.
This is a great town to use as a “home base” for further travel around the lake, as the area features a good amount of urban amenities alongside the outdoorsy options.
How to get from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe
There are a few options for your San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe transfer, including buses, taxis, flights, and private transportation.
Buses from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe
There is not a convenient direct bus route from San Francisco airport to South Lake Tahoe, but you can take a route that involves 2-3 transfers to new buses. Typically the first leg of the journey will get you into San Francisco proper, and you can then get on a 4-hour bus ride to the Heavenly Valley Ski Lodge in South Lake Tahoe. From there, you will need to find a taxi to carry you the rest of the distance to your accommodation.
The entire journey takes around 6 hours on average, and the typical cost is between $116 and $124.
### Flights from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe
There are no direct flights connecting San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe, but it is possible to first fly into Reno (about 1 hour in the air) and then take a bus (another hour) into South Lake Tahoe.
Ultimately, this option isn't the most budget-friendly as ticket costs can be as much as $324 for the whole journey, and the 4.5 hours in transit once you factor in the recommended early arrival at the airport makes it slower than just taking a car.
### Taxis from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe
Normal taxis don't like doing long-distance rides, so charge a small fortune for the service. Expect a taxi from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe to charge several hundred for the 3.5-hour trip. A private car service like Daytrip that specializes in long-distance transfers will serve you better.
### Private car transfer from San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe
The best option for many travelers is to choose a private driving transfer for this journey, as you will receive easy door-to-door service in 3.5 hours starting at $196 per seat.
With Daytrip, your journey will be as comfortable and stress-free as possible, and your friendly local driver will help you with your luggage as well as provide you with any helpful guidance you might need along the way.
With the option to add sightseeing stops, the private transfer becomes a fantastic option for elevating an ordinary travel day into something much more memorable.
Things to do when you get to South Lake Tahoe
After you complete your trip from the San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe, there are an abundance of activities to take part in at your destination.
Take a “Heavenly” gondola ride
The Heavenly Resort is home to a scenic gondola ride over the lake, offering unmatched views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. This nearly 2.5-mile journey takes a brief detour to an observation deck for a photo opportunity, before continuing up the mountain where you’ll gain access to trekking, zip lines, and climbing walls. This is one of the best ways to get a panoramic view of the area and is well worth the trip.
### Go clear kayaking
While kayaking and paddle boarding are already popular around Lake Tahoe, consider opting for a completely translucent kayak to make the most of your time on the turquoise waters. This will grant you unlimited views of the natural wonders along the shoreline and is a great summertime activity.
### Hike to Cave Rock
One of the shorter and easier hikes in the South Lake Tahoe area is the trek to Cave Rock off Highway 50. This gentle hike takes only 12 minutes from the parking lot and with another few minutes, you can scramble to the top of Cave Rock for incredible views across the lake.
### Visit Lester Beach
Located in the DL Bliss state park toward the SOuthwest of Lake Tahoe, this stunning beach is the perfect place for a family day out by the water. The beautiful surroundings can be explored by kayak, paddle board, or with a swim in the warm summer months.
### Hike the Rubicon Trail
From DL Bliss State Park, you can also head out on one of the area’s most famous hiking trails, the Rubicon Trail, which connects the park with Emerald Bay State Park. This trail traces along the shore for the entire route and is perhaps the most scenic of all of the hikes in the area.
### Ski or snowboard
If you’re heading to South Lake Tahoe in the winter, that can only mean one thing—you’re planning to hit the slopes. While Heavenly is the queen of the resorts, there are a few others you can add to your list. Kirkwood Mountain Resort and Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort are both great, smaller, and usually less crowded alternatives.
What is the best time to visit South Lake Tahoe?
As you plan for your San Francisco Airport to South Lake Tahoe transfer, you will likely be considering the best time of year to visit. Naturally, if you’re planning a ski vacation, you’ll want to be in South Lake Tahoe for the winter season sometime from December to February.
If you want to make the most of the outdoor recreation available in warmer seasons without facing the biggest crowds, consider a trip in March-May when the temperatures will be slowly climbing and you can usually find good deals on accommodation and flights (and maybe get in some late season skiing). The autumn season is also a good time for hiking, and the weather is cooler with fewer crowds.
Visit these sights on the way
Oakland California Temple
Overlooking San Francisco, this Mormon church and its eccentric blend of architecture offer great views and glimpse into the faith. The Beacon on the Hill
Suisun Bay Ghost Fleet
Learn about American protectionism in this massive example of military might. California’s Rusting Relic
Davis Arboretum and Public Garden
More than just a stunning public garden, these trees are a living museum educating visitors about the natural world. Environmental Education and Botanical Beauty
California State Railroad Museum
Discover the how trains shaped America in this excellent, family-friendly museum. The History of the Iron Horse
Scott Harvey Winery
Beautifully crafted wines with a European influence are produced by an expert winemaker in this stunning California valley. True to Taste
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
One of the most significant events in California history unfolded here. It’s a gold mine! As Good as Gold
“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”
“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”
“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”
“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”
“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”
“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”
“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”
“We did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.”
“We used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.”
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
