Posted on 4/14/2020

From the Bay to the Lake: Your Guide to a Great Trip to North Lake Tahoe!

Traveling from San Francisco to North Lake Tahoe is the perfect way to escape the city and retreat to a mountain escape like no other! Trade skyscrapers for towering mountains and immerse yourself in Lake Tahoe's natural beauty! Lake Tahoe is only a three-hour drive from the city, so itâs the ideal spot for a change of scenery. For all the insider tips on visiting North Lake Tahoe, get your copy of our Vacation Guide! Inside, youâll find all of the top local attractions, restaurants, live music venues, and so much more! Now letâs hit the road!

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Plan Your Trip From San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

Travel Time & Method

There are a few options available when it comes to traveling from the bay to the lake. Our lakeside destination is located less than 200 miles from the big city, so visitors usually opt to drive or take public transportation. Here are the details on each travel method:

Road Trip From San Francisco to North Lake TahoeLake Tahoe road trip

A road trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe is a great option for Bay Area residents with a car! The journey driving from San Francisco is less than 200 miles or about three hours. The route travels northeast through the state and passes through Tahoe National Forest. Be sure to pack a camera because youâre sure to want to stop at great North Lake Tahoe photography spots on the latter portion of the trip!

Take the Train from San Francisco to North Lake Tahoe

Public transportation is a great eco-friendly travel method for your trip to Lake Tahoe! Take the train from San Francisco to North Lake Tahoe for an affordable price, about $30 for a one-way ticket. Train rides to Lake Tahoe take a bit longer than the average road trip time, but save on cash and help the environment. Itâs also a popular travel method for non-car owners.

Take the Bus from San Francisco to North Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe

Taking the bus from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe is the cheapest way to make the journey, but it is also the most extended trip. Trips to Lake Tahoe arrive in Truckee and cost between $40-50. However, if you want to travel on a budget, this is a great way to avoid the stress of driving and take in the sights along the way.

Take a Plane from San Francisco to North Lake Tahoe

Flying to Lake Tahoe is the fastest way to arrive. Visitors fly a 1 hour flight into Reno-Tahoe International Airport. After arriving at the airport, there is another hour-long car ride before arriving at the shore of the lake.

North Lake Tahoe vs. South Lake Tahoe

If itâs your first time visiting Lake Tahoe, you need to decide between a stay in North Lake Tahoe or South Lake Tahoe. The two are located about a 45-minute drive away from one another, so itâs possible to visit both during an extended getaway. However, we recommend the North Shore for a quieter, more laid-back getaway. North Lake Tahoe is less congested than South Lake Tahoe while still showcasing incredible things to do, see, and eat! Reference our North Lake Tahoe Guide for local insight about what makes this area so special!

Stay With Tahoe Truckee Properties

Now that your trip to North Lake Tahoe is planned start putting your itinerary together for a relaxing and unforgettable trip. Pick your favorite amenity and get settled into your new home away from home! No matter what brings you from the bay to the lake, youâll love our Lake Tahoe rentals! We look forward to seeing you here!

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