Transit to North Lake Tahoe
In part one of our two-part Tahoe travel series, we’ll take a look at the many transit options for getting to North Lake Tahoe. The region abounds with flights, trains, and buses serving the area, and we’ll help you navigate the many options and provide valuable recommendations to ensure you have a smooth trip.
Whether you’re coming from the Sacramento area or the Central Valley, Reno or points East, or the Bay Area, there’s an excellent and low-drama option to get you and your traveling companions to North Lake Tahoe in comfort and style.
From the Sacramento area
Travelers coming to Tahoe from Sacramento have a particularly convenient option: the Amtrak California Zephyr. With daily trips between Sacramento, Truckee, Reno, and Emeryville/San Francisco, the Zephyr Is the preferred stress-free choice for many travelers. Other stops on the route include Denver, Salt Lake City, Elko, Sparks, Colfax, Roseville, Davis, and Martinez. It’s a great way to skip the traffic headaches and let the conductor do the work. You’ll be in Tahoe in no time.
The Zephyr’s North Lake Tahoe destination is Truckee Amtrak Station, Railroad St. & Commercial Row, Truckee, CA 96161.
From the train depot in Truckee, travelers can easily hire a ride-sharing service, catch a TART bus, or hire a private car service like Tahoe Sierra Transportation.
Visit Amtrak’s website to check out the California Zephyr’s schedule and book your ticket online.
From Reno
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest commercial airport to North Lake Tahoe. About 45 minutes away, the Reno airport services 9 airlines with 23 non-stop flights. Global travelers will appreciate Reno’s many connecting flights to several of the West Coast’s largest airports.
The drive from Sacramento International Airport to North Lake Tahoe takes about two hours, while San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 3.5 hours away.
If you’re flying to the Reno-Tahoe Airport, a very convenient option is the North Lake Tahoe Express shuttle. Service starts at 6:30 am, and buses run until midnight or so. The North Lake Tahoe Express has a variety of routes with consistent schedules between the airport and many communities throughout the Tahoe region. It’s helpful to note that the bus schedules change from summer to winter, and we recommend making a reservation well in advance to avoid sitting around the Reno airport waiting for the next bus.
Make reservations online or call (866) 216-5222.
From the Bay Area
Many Bay Area residents travel to North Lake Tahoe weekly, and visitors to California frequently access North Lake Tahoe by way of the Bay. Luckily there are many good options for travel between the two, whether you prefer flying, taking a bus, or driving yourself, a stress-free trip to North Lake Tahoe is closer than you think.
Jetsetters
Booking a direct flight to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the most accessible way to fly. From the Reno airport, travelers can take the North Lake Tahoe Express shuttle.
It is also possible to book direct flights to the Truckee Tahoe Airport, although this comes at a price. Surf Air sells seats on its scheduled private flights between San Carlos and Truckee for $400-800, and they’ll have you landing in Truckee in about an hour.
If it’s a charter flight you’re after, take a look at Mountain Lion Air and Blackbird. For a truly unique experience, charter flights can fly direct to Tahoe City, where they will land on the lake itself!
Road Warriors
Though many in the Bay brave the icy roads and frustrated drivers on I-80, there are several excellent transit options to access North Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area. The Tahoe Convoy is Tahoe-bound from the Bay Area every Friday night and returns every Sunday, making this luxe bus a perfect fit for the 9-5 crowd. Perhaps less luxe though incredibly practical, Greyhound buses are inexpensive and have flexible schedules and booking policies, which is perfect for midweek Tahoe trips, long-weekend trips, or any other time you might find yourself wanting a simple, inexpensive transit option to North Lake Tahoe.
