posted
I am planning on taking the Zephyr to Davis this summer and need to meet a friend who doesn't have time for the train ride and is flying from the East Coast. Should she go to Sacramento San Francisco and then take a train? If so, what are the connections to the Capitol Corridor trains like from SF Airport? Or should she go from Sacramento? Is that a major airport, with cheap prices like SF? And again, how to get from airport to train station? Thanks!
Vincent206 Member # 15447
posted
Davis is only about 20 miles from the Sacramento Airport (SMF), so the best solution might be a flight into SMF and a cab ride to Davis.
If the final destination is Davis and SMF fares are high, I wouldn't recommend flying into SFO. It's much easier to transfer from airport to train station using the Oakland airport (OAK), but I would recommend a cab ride from the airport to the Amtrak station in Oakland. And be sure to make the transfer at Amtrak's Jack London Station (OKJ) where there is a waiting room and ticket offices, not the Oakland Coliseum station (OAC) which is just a platform.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
When I first noted the title of this topic....I almost hit the heavens.
Ms. Sojourner FLYING (and maybe even renting)!!!!!
But alas, we're down on earth again.
Adding to Mr. Vincent's observations, Super Shuttle, a jitney van service, offers a rate of $24 from KSMF to Main Hall UC-Davis. I'm certain same rate would apply to anywhere in town. According to Mr. Google, all 'majors' - United, American/USAir, Delta, and Southwest, have service KALB-KSMF, but Delta is the only one offering one stop (change @ KATL).
yukon11 Member # 2997
posted
I wish there was a Capitol Corridor train to SFO.
I don't know how important it is to hook up with your friend in Davis.....another possibility would be to meet at Martinez, a shorter drive from SFO.
Richard
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Richard, how could there be a reasonable way for a Capitol Corridor train to serve either KSFO (airport) or San Francisco (city)?
Are we suggesting that a 'real railroad' bridge or tunnel be built/bored over/under the Bay as was in Edward Hungerford's book 'A Railroad For Tomorrow'?
From various stories I have heard, regarding BART, I would not recommend people taking BART.
I guess they could run a Capitol Corridor up the peninsula to SFO, probably out of Santa Clara. However, the CALTRAIN "Baby Bullet" now runs the peninsula so I don't think there is much of a chance that the Capitol Corridor will duplicate that run. In fact, California HSR may terminate in San Jose or Santa Clara..but we'll have to wait and see.
I tried, Mr. Norman, your "A Railroad for Tomorrow" link but it would not open. Looks like an interesting book.
Richard
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Taxi from SMF to Sacramento Amtrak---forget it. "sojourner" only wants to know the cheapest, most frugal ways to travel (correct me if I'm wrong). Taxi is expensive from the airport to the train station. To keep things cheap, she should take a city bus. The roughly 10-15 minute drive (in a car/taxi) will take about 2 hours by bus, but it's cheap.
If she uses BART, it's cheap also (less than 10 bucks). It's dangerous at certain times, and full of smelly homeless people and lots of folks high on drugs or just drunk. But it's cheap---so she may like it.
I live here and know the airports and how to get around, but I'm afraid to give advice if it costs anything. So my best advice as far as value would be public transit (buses) and BART.
(GBN: I think you might have misread what she posted. She has a friend flying---sojourner is not flying, she is taking Amtrak. And there is no mention of renting a car).
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
sojourner: I just read your questions again, and I think I might have missed something (it's written a little weird for me to understand clearly). Let me re-state it to make sure I've got it:
-You will be in Davis, CA (because you're taking the train there)
-Your friend is flying in from the east coast, and will meet you in Davis
Do I have the above correct? If so, you want to know:
1) Whether or not she should fly into SMF or SFO
2) How to get from either airport to Davis
Am I still correct?
For question #1, I have no clue---that's up to her. If you're looking for convenience (and I know that you are often not looking for that), by far, SMF is the clear, logical choice to fly into. SFO would be ridiculous---you're hours away by car. SMF is MINUTES away by car. Check out Google Maps so that you can see what we're talking about as to how close SMF is to Davis versus SFO.
So if she flew into SMF, she can take the very poor bus system that is cheap and takes about 2 hours to get to Davis (if it even goes to Davis---it might involve transfers). I tried to figure out how to take the bus once from SMF to Sacramento Amtrak for a PV special I was taking, and that's when I discovered how horrible Sacramento's bus service is from the airport. But again, it's cheap and that might be exactly what you're looking for. (A taxi was around $30 to $35, plus tip).
If she flew into SFO, she could take BART to Caltrain. Caltrain to San Jose. Once in San Jose, the Capitol Corridor train to Davis. Since I don't have the specific day of the week or the specific time, I will give a general time frame of roughly 4 to 5 hours to get from SFO to Davis utilizing this method. And it won't be cheap---1 BART ticket, 1 Caltrain ticket, 1 Capitol Corridor ticket (the Capitol Corridor ticket is the most expensive of all three). Just off the top of my head without looking up anything and without knowing specific dates and times, you're looking at roughly $75 total (plus 4 to 5 hours to get there, including LOTS of sitting around time waiting for trains).
Hopefully it's becoming clearer as to which airport she should fly into.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
quote:Originally posted by smitty195: GBN: I think you might have misread what she posted. She has a friend flying---sojourner is not flying, she is taking Amtrak. And there is no mention of renting a car.
Andy, once I opened the topic, I came back down to earth. However the topic as titled certainly suggested that the originator, Ms. Sojourner, was considering use of air transport.
Richard, I'm sorry there is difficulty opening the link; however it works for me so I am at a loss to be of further assistance. Possibly you can get there through Google, as that is how I located the material. I did, however, know of the work.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Link works on my end okay. (Try "quitting" browser, re-opening, and try again).
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Well, it looks like Yolobus - the County's municipal bus system - has Route 42A that offers a single ride KSMF to the Student Union at UC-D and at a fare of $3.00. Running time appears to be about 75min.
'Just pay the $24'.
I have used Super Shuttle in Miami; airport to hotel with no problems. What of course more problematic with any of these jitney services would be hotel TO airport.
yukon11 Member # 2997
posted
I was able to open up the "Railroad for Tomorrow" link by clicking the FULL PAGE, in purple.
Interesting that the analysis was in 1960, which was, in my mind, the beginning of the downfall of the US private passenger train. I'm glad I was able to take a few private passenger trains before Amtrak. The food was still very good but you could tell that the passenger train outfits had a negative attitude toward passenger traffic.
Smitty: I'm glad for your comment about the bus service from SMF to the Amtrak station in Sacramento. I don't think I will try that. I was, at one time, thinking of driving to the Sacramento airport and parking in long term parking, then taking a bus to the Amtrak station. I especially don't want to consider the plan for boarding the Starlight which arrives around midnight.
Yes, a CALTRAIN from SFO to San Jose, and then the Capitol Corridor to Davis would just take too long. Easier, I think, to rent a car at SFO and drive to Davis.
Richard
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
quote:Originally posted by yukon11: Interesting that the analysis was in 1960, which was, in my mind, the beginning of the downfall of the US private passenger train.
Richard, in case there is any question, 'Railroad For Tomorrow' was published during 1946 and was prophesying a railroad world of 1960.
During 1946, railroads were full of optimism for their passenger services. Save a few 'Parkways' in metropolitan areas, a highway was two lanes and passing through every downtown along the way. Air travel was defined by the DC-3, motion sickness, 'iffy' weather, 'elitist' fares, and a general 'fear of flying'. I'd would like to think that any investor owned enterprise that ordered some 2000 passenger cars between 1945 and 1965 was not doing so out of some perceived 'pro bono publico'. I believe the roads honestly held that streamlined passenger trains would pay their way.
While possibly some real 'tell 'em what they should know' rather than the usual 'tell 'em what they want to hear' market research would have established that absent some overwhelming speed advantage, people wanted to travel on their schedule and not somebody else's. I do not think the Interstate Highway system was foreseen immediately post-WWII and nobody foresaw that air travel would become everyman's travel.
All told, that the railroads spent a dime on new equipment and did not start to aggressively get rid of the trains as soon as 'the boys were home', ranks up there with business decisions like the Edsel, Coke Classic (edit to correct: New Coke), and AOL-Time Warner.
yukon11 Member # 2997
posted
I didn't know Coke Classic wasn't still around.
When I was a youngster, growing up in a small No. Calif. town, a schoolmate's father ran a Union 76 station (are those only in Calif?). The service station had one of those classic, red Coke machines with pull-out bottles. The bottles were glass, cold, and really great on a hot summer day. They also had real sugar. Not good for you but I did enjoy the Cokes from that machine (or "Co-Colas" as my southern friend would say).
Richard
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
posted
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: [QUOTE]
... business decisions like the Edsel, Coke Classic, and AOL-Time Warner.
Gil, I believe you're confusing everyone, including yukon. The product that Coca-Cola introduced as a poor business decision was "New Coke." After they dropped it, they marketed "Coke Classic" (the old formula) for many years, only recently dropping the term "Classic." In other words, it's still around, but it's just called "Coke," while "New Coke" is history.
DonNadeau Member # 61606
posted
If your friend decides on the Super Shuttle, sad experience has taught me to book it advance of arrival.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Ms. Sojourner, if you carefully review this topic, you will find some cogent advice regarding transfers from various Bay Area airports to Davis. Otherwise, this topic has definitely traveled 'off topic' starting with with comments made at Reply #3, and followed by 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, & 14. Be certain to note that this 'indictment' includes myself.
Now regarding Super Shuttle, speaking for my one experience at Miami last March, I just walked up to a dispatcher and said where I was going (Marriott Biscayne Bay), a seven passenger van showed up in about ten minutes and ran in a more or less straight line to my hotel, having made one stop at a residence prior to me, and had two other passengers for a South Miami hotel still to go.
Now again, where I would think issues could develop would be traveling FROM a residence or hotel TO the airport - with a flight to catch and TSA in the way.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Yukon: Re, the bus system from SMF to Amtrak Sacramento. This is all off the top of my head, but I think the reason things are so bad is because the airport is in Yolo County, and the Amtrak station in Sacramento is in another county (Sacramento County). The only bus I could find at that time was a long, meandering "local" that made stops every 30 seconds and took, literally, 2 hours to make its way to the AmStation. I did not check for a bus to Davis, as I never had any intentions on going there.
Vincent206 Member # 15447
posted
Yes, speaking from experience, the bus between the Amtrak station in Sacramento and SMF airport is painfully slow and indirect. A taxi ride is worth the investment.
yukon11 Member # 2997
posted
Sojourner- if an airport shuttle from SFO to Davis is something you would consider, here is a link:
posted
Ms. Sojourner, let it be noted that the outfit Richard notes also has service from KSMF to Davis as well. Possibly in view of Mr. Nadeau's experience with Super Shuttle, your friend would be more comfortable using the latter, regardless of airport she intends to use.
But from the postings thus far, it should be evident that to use Amtrak for any part of the transfer from either KOAK or KSMF is simply unreasonable and impractical, and from KSFO, impossible.
DonNadeau Member # 61606
posted
That Davis shuttle company sounds good (I suspect that it wouldn't last long in a small market by giving poor service), but please understand that I have had good experiences with Super Shuttle.
The problem I encountered came when I arrived with no reservation and Super Shuttle had no seats available for several hours. That can put you in a far more expensive taxi, especially on a long run to a place like Davis.
For business trips likely to change, I wouldn't recommend paying in advance. This one though seems more certain once the air ticket has been purchased.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
I wonder if when using any jitney service should one consider where do their vehicles hang out? This would be to say, if in this instance Ms. Sojourner's friend is to use KSMF, to use Super Shuttle for the trip to Davis, yet use the local outfit, Airporter, for the return.
I have not had much experience with jitneys; for me, it is either my 'poor man's' (BNSF to CTA Blue) or my 'White Glove' livery car service.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Super Shuttle service has gone UP! I just checked for me to get to SFO for my upcoming cruise. $125 for "Direct Exclusive Van Service" (or words to that effect). WOW that is expensive. Fortunately, I have a friend who will take me both ways. Whew!!
sojourner Member # 3134
posted
Thanks for all the help. As it turns out, my friend is not coming! If she were, based on all your advice, I would have recommended she fly to Sacramento and take the Yolobus with Super Shuttle as backup . . . but I'm not sure flights to Sacramento were affordable or reasonable timewise.
Anyway, I hope to get to Davis soon (by train).
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Smitty, possibly because your Super Shuttle inquiry involved non-airport to non-airport travel, they would only offer 'exclusive' service, and not the 'shared' (jitney) service offered to/from airports. They may offer a suitable jitney rate , but likely it would include a visit to, and even a transfer at, KSFO.
I have no particular love or hate for that outfit; they were 'just there' in Miami last March - and they completed their transportation contract with me.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
GBN: That's what I couldn't figure out----why was my quote based upon "exclusive" direct, non-stop service. The choice I made with their online reservation system was "Residence to Airport". I chose from a list of airports (SFO), and I put in the zip code for Pleasanton. And that's what it returned to me. So I did have as my destination a major Bay Area airport, and I couldn't figure out why I would not be sharing the ride. Maybe it's because at 6AM on a Sunday morning there aren't any others needing a ride to SFO and I would be "it"? I really don't know---but it sure had me scratching my head.
railrev Member # 2640
posted
I've found that reserving Super Shuttle type services in advance works best if you let a travel agent do the reservation. The rates always seem to be lower. I'm sure there is some back scratching going on there, but if it saves me money, who cares??
DonNadeau Member # 61606
posted
@ railrev
Am I right that this has happened when you've also purchased a airline ticket via an agent and that he or she has charged you a booking fee for doing that?
Because travel agencies receive no airline commissions on most tickets they sell, there's usually a booking fee involved, unless in some instances you've also purchased a high-dollar cruise or tour, which is commissionable, you have given them lots of business in the past, or in your case because you are doing the Lord's work.
railrev Member # 2640
posted
Well, DonNadeau, it may be that the TA is a friend and a parishioner, or was before I retired, and I hadn't really thought of that. I just know it was cheaper. It has been in both commissionable and non commissionable settings.
posted