How to Get to UC Davis from Los Angeles [2025–2026 Guide] 🎓🚆
The fastest way to get from Los Angeles to Davis is to fly and train which takes 4h 30m and costs $80 – $350.
🎓 Why Visit UC Davis?
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is one of the top universities in the U.S., located near Sacramento in Northern California. Whether you’re visiting as a student, parent, or tourist, getting from Los Angeles (SoCal) to Davis (NorCal) is a common route. The distance between the two cities is around 430 miles (690 km), and there are multiple ways to travel depending on your budget, time, and preference.
🚆 Option 1: Amtrak Train from Los Angeles to Davis
Taking the train is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to travel between Los Angeles and UC Davis.
- Route: Take the Amtrak Coast Starlight or Amtrak San Joaquins from Los Angeles Union Station to Davis Station.
- Travel Time: ~11–12 hours (Coast Starlight), ~9–10 hours (San Joaquins with a transfer in Stockton).
- Cost: $60–$120 one-way depending on class and booking time.
- Arrival: The Davis Amtrak Station is right in Downtown Davis, just a short walk or bus ride to campus.
👉 Best for travelers who want a scenic, stress-free ride and don’t mind a longer journey.
🚌 Option 2: Long-Distance Bus (Greyhound, FlixBus, Megabus)
If you’re traveling on a budget, buses are the most affordable option.
- Operators: Greyhound, FlixBus, and Megabus all run routes from Los Angeles to Sacramento or Davis.
- Travel Time: ~8–10 hours depending on traffic.
- Cost: $30–$60 one-way.
- Drop-off Points: Some buses stop in Sacramento, where you can transfer to a local Yolobus or Amtrak train to Davis. FlixBus often offers direct LA–Davis routes.
👉 Great for budget travelers and students who want the cheapest option.
🚗 Option 3: Driving from Los Angeles to UC Davis
Driving gives you the most flexibility and can be faster if you time it right.
- Distance: ~430 miles (690 km)
- Route: I-5 North (the most direct) or US-101 (more scenic but longer).
- Travel Time: ~6–7.5 hours without heavy traffic.
- Fuel & Tolls: ~$70–$100 depending on gas prices and stops.
- Parking: UC Davis has designated visitor parking lots (daily permits required).
👉 Perfect if you’re traveling with friends, family, or bringing luggage.
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✈️ Option 4: Flying from Los Angeles to Sacramento + Local Transit
Flying is the fastest way to reach UC Davis if you want to save time.
- Flight: Los Angeles (LAX, BUR, or LGB) → Sacramento International Airport (SMF).
- Flight Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes.
- Cost: $60–$150 depending on season and booking.
- From Sacramento Airport to UC Davis:
- Yolobus Route 42A/B: ~$2, ~1 hour ride.
- Uber/Lyft/Taxi: ~$35–$50, ~25–30 minutes.
👉 Best for those short on time or flying into LA first before heading north.
📊 Travel Options Summary
| Option | Duration | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Amtrak Train | 9–12 hrs | $60–$120 | Scenic, comfortable, no driving |
| 🚌 Bus | 8–10 hrs | $30–$60 | Budget travelers, students |
| 🚗 Driving | 6–7.5 hrs | $70–$100 | Flexible, groups, luggage |
| ✈️ Flying (to SMF) | 3–5 hrs (incl. transfers) | $60–$150 | Fastest option, time-saving |
💡 Travel Tips for 2025–2026
- Book Early: Amtrak and flights get cheaper when booked in advance.
- Avoid Rush Hour: If driving, try to leave LA before 7 AM or after 10 AM.
- Student Discounts: Amtrak, Greyhound, and FlixBus often offer student fares—bring your student ID.
- Weather Watch: Winter in Northern California can bring rain and fog, so plan accordingly if driving.
- From Sacramento: If you arrive in Sacramento, the Yolobus 42A/B is the easiest public bus to UC Davis.
❓ FAQs About Getting to UC Davis from Los Angeles
Q1: What’s the cheapest way to get to UC Davis from Los Angeles?
Taking a bus (FlixBus or Greyhound) is the cheapest option, with fares starting around $30.
Q2: What’s the fastest way to reach UC Davis?
Flying from LA to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and then taking Yolobus or a taxi is the fastest route.
Q3: Does Amtrak go directly to Davis?
Yes! Both Coast Starlight and San Joaquins services stop at Davis Amtrak Station, right near campus.
Q4: Can I take public transit from Sacramento Airport to Davis?
Yes, the Yolobus Route 42A/B connects SMF to Davis in about an hour for just $2.
Q5: How long is the drive from LA to UC Davis?
Around 6–7.5 hours depending on traffic and stops along the way.
✅ Whether you choose train, bus, car, or flight, getting to UC Davis from Los Angeles in 2025–2026 is straightforward. For comfort, take Amtrak. For speed, fly into Sacramento. For budget, hop on a FlixBus or Greyhound. 🚆🚌✈️🚗