California is America's most populous and diverse state, stretching 1,300 kilometers along the Pacific Coast from the Oregon border to Mexico. It encompasses everything from sun-drenched beaches and towering redwood forests to the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains and the arid Mojave Desert.
California is a vast state where a personal vehicle or rental car is essential for most travel outside city centers. The state spans 800 miles from north to south, making internal transportation a key planning consideration. Major cities (San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego) have functional public transit systems, but the state's sprawling geography, national park locations, and highway culture make car travel dominant. San Francisco is the exception — excellent BART and Muni systems make a car unnecessary and parking frustrating. Los Angeles's Metro Rail network has expanded significantly and now reaches Santa Monica and Culver City, but most LA neighborhoods still require a car or rideshare. The iconic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is best experienced by car. Rental cars are available at all major airports; book in advance for best rates.
Transport at a glance
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
California is a vast state where personal vehicles or rental cars are essential for most travel outside city centers. Major cities have public transit systems, but the state's spread-out geography and highway culture make car travel dominant. Amtrak's Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner trains provide scenic alternatives along the coast.
Airports
Los Angeles International Airport
San Francisco International Airport
San Diego International Airport
Oakland International Airport
Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Long Beach Airport
Ontario International Airport
Sacramento International Airport
John Wayne Airport
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book rental cars at least 2-3 weeks ahead, especially for summer and holiday periods — last-minute rates in California are extremely high
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers all national park entrance fees — essential if renting a car to visit 3+ parks
Use Google Maps traffic layer to check I-405 and I-5 conditions before driving in Los Angeles — avoid 7-10am and 4-7pm
BART's SFO station connects directly to San Francisco airport — much cheaper and often faster than taxis or rideshare ($10.80 to any SF station)
The Pacific Surfliner Amtrak train is the most scenic and stress-free way to travel between San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara
Get a Clipper Card in San Francisco — it works on BART, Muni, and ferries, and provides slightly cheaper fares than cash
Download the Waze or Google Maps app for real-time traffic and lane guidance on California highways
Highway 1 through Big Sur can close unexpectedly due to landslides — always check Caltrans.ca.gov before driving the route
Yosemite Valley parking fills by 8am in summer — park at Yosemite Valley Lodge or use the free valley shuttle
SpotHero and ParkWhiz apps provide significant savings on parking garages in San Francisco and Los Angeles — often 30-50% cheaper than drive-up rates