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How to Get to Redwood National Park

How to Get to Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park California, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) is the closest, about 30 miles south of the park's southern boundary. Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) is about 150 miles southeast. Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) is about 160 miles northeast in Oregon.

International Hubs

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 270 miles south (5-6 hour drive), offering the most flight options and often better prices for international travelers.
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a similar distance to SFO, also a major hub.
  • Flight prices generally increase during the summer high season (June-September) and around major holidays. Book several months ahead for optimal prices. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Airlines & Transfers

For ACV, United Airlines flies from SFO and Denver. American Airlines flies from Phoenix and Los Angeles. For RDD, United Express, Alaska Airlines, and American Eagle offer connections to major hubs. For MFR, United Express, Alaska Airlines, American Eagle, and Delta Connection provide connections.

Airport Services & Connections

  • ACV is a small airport with basic services: rental car counters, a restaurant/cafe, limited gift shop. SFO and OAK offer full international airport services.
  • From ACV, rental cars are the main transfer option. Taxis/ride-sharing are limited. From SFO/OAK, many rental car options are available.
  • Public transit (BART) runs from SFO/OAK to downtown San Francisco/Oakland. For Redwood National Park, a rental car from SFO or OAK is highly recommended for the road trip north.

Direct Flight Options

Direct flights to ACV, RDD, or MFR from major global hubs are unlikely. Most international travelers will fly into SFO or OAK and then connect or drive.

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices increase during summer (June-September) and holidays. Book several months ahead for better rates.

Airport Amenities

Larger airports (SFO, OAK) offer extensive dining, shopping, lounges, and currency exchange services.

Transfer Options Overview

From Regional Airports ACV, RDD, MFR

  • Rental cars are the main and most flexible option.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are very limited.
  • Some local hotels may offer shuttle services.
  • Pre-booking your rental car is highly suggested.

From Major Hubs SFO, OAK

  • Many rental car options available for the scenic drive north.
  • BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects to downtown areas.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available.
  • The most common approach is to rent a car at these airports for flexibility.

Affiliate Flight Resources

Dollar Flight Club

Find affordable flight deals to destinations worldwide, including those serving Redwood National Park.

Skyscanner

Compare prices across various airlines and find the best routes for your journey.

AirHelp

If your flight is delayed or canceled, AirHelp can help you claim compensation.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving Essentials

Self-driving is the most practical and flexible way to explore Redwood National Park due to its linear layout and dispersed attractions.

Requirements & Tips

  • A valid driver's license is needed. An International Driving Permit is good if your foreign license is not in English.
  • The minimum age for renting a car is typically 21, with surcharges for drivers under 25.
  • Gas stations are available in towns along Highway 101; fuel up before remote sections.

Road Conditions & Safety

U.S. Highway 101 runs through the park. Most park roads are paved and well-maintained.

Driving Safely

  • Some scenic drives (Newton B. Drury Parkway, Howland Hill Road) are narrower or unpaved. Howland Hill Road is gravel and suits most vehicles.
  • Be aware of potential fog, rain, and wildlife (especially elk) on roads. Drive slowly.
  • Cell service is spotty to non-existent in many park areas. Download offline maps.

Public Transport & Trains

No international border crossings are relevant. Public bus services (Humboldt Transit Authority, Redwood Coast Transit) connect nearby towns but offer limited access within the park.

Connectivity Limitations

  • Bus travel within the park itself is not possible. This option is generally slower and less convenient than driving.
  • No direct Amtrak train service reaches Redwood National Park. Nearest stations are in Sacramento or Redding.
  • Not a practical option for direct park access.

Sea/River Arrivals

Not applicable for park access. Redwood National Park sits inland from the immediate coast. No commercial ferry or cruise services directly serve the park or its immediate vicinity as an arrival point.

Recreational Waterways

  • Recreational river activities like kayaking or rafting on the Smith River are popular activities.
  • These are not for transportation to the park.
  • No commercial river transport exists for park access.

Important Considerations for Driving

  • Standard U.S. Driving laws apply. Drive on the right. Seatbelts are required.
  • Obey speed limits (15-35 mph on park roads, 55 mph on Highway 101 outside towns).
  • Do not park on vegetation or block roads.
  • Check the park website for current road conditions, especially in winter for potential closures.
  • Download offline maps due to patchy cell service.
  • Border crossing information is not relevant.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No direct exit fees or taxes apply for departing the U.S. By air, land, or sea. Airline tickets include various taxes and fees, but these are part of the ticket price.

Departure Procedures

  • For airports, arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
  • Check your airline's specific recommendations for arrival times.
  • Allow enough time for rental car return procedures at the airport.

Airport Facilities

Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV) has limited facilities. SFO and OAK offer a full range of dining, shopping, and passenger services for departing travelers.

Departure Experience

  • Larger airports include diverse dining options for pre-flight meals.
  • Extensive shopping opportunities are available for last-minute souvenirs or needs.
  • Comfortable lounges are available at major international airports.

No Park Departure Formalities

No formal departure procedures are required from Redwood National Park itself. You simply exit onto public roads.

Check Airline Rules

Confirm baggage allowances and any specific check-in procedures with your airline before heading to the airport.

Final Destination Planning

Plan your route to the airport with potential traffic in mind, especially when departing from larger cities like San Francisco or Oakland.

Getting Around

Public Transportation

Public transportation within Redwood National Park is almost non-existent. The Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA) operates bus services connecting towns in Humboldt County. Redwood Coast Transit (RCT) serves Del Norte County.

Transit Limitations

  • Service is limited, mainly weekdays, and not suitable for extensive park exploration.
  • Neither system offers full access to park trails or scenic drives.
  • Fares are typically paid with cash upon boarding. Day passes may be available.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis are available in larger towns like Eureka and Crescent City but are rare within the park boundaries. Hailing is difficult; you usually need to call taxis in advance.

Availability & Advice

  • Uber and Lyft operate in Eureka and Arcata.
  • Availability becomes extremely limited or absent once outside these urban areas and within the park.
  • Do not rely on ride-sharing for park transportation.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Highly recommended and necessary for independent park exploration. Major companies operate at ACV, SFO, OAK. Book well ahead, especially for summer travel. DiscoverCars.com is a good resource.

Motorcycle & Scooter

Not commonly available or practical for the park's terrain and distances. Limited options in nearby major cities, but generally not suited for park access.

Bicycle Rentals

No public bicycle sharing programs. Rentals may be available from local shops in Arcata or Crescent City. Good for paved paths, not all park roads or rugged trails.

Rental Requirements

You need a valid driver's license. An International Driving Permit is good if your foreign license is not in English. A major credit card in the renter's name is needed. The minimum age for rental is typically 21, with a potential young driver surcharge for ages 21-24.