San Carlos travel guide

San Carlos Tourism | San Carlos Guide

You're Going to Love San Carlos

With a population of 28 406, San Carlos is a must-see destination in California, United States. San Carlos deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in San Carlos

If you’re looking for affordable options, Town (716 Laurel Street) and Creola (344 El Camino Real) are great picks.

When to visit San Carlos

San Carlos in February
Estimated hotel price
$128
1 night at 3-star hotel
San Carlos in February
Estimated hotel price
$128
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to San Carlos

Plane

When flying to San Carlos, you’ll arrive at San Francisco Airport (SFO), which is located 16 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to San Carlos include American Airlines, Air France and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to San Carlos departs from Los Angeles and takes around 1h 18m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Carlos. The train journey from San Carlos to Sacramento takes 1h 41m and costs around $17 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $26 for a 4h 02m trip.

Car

Another option to get to San Carlos is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 34 km from San Carlos. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Fox, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Carlos, including FlixBus, Greyhound and Busbud. From Sacramento, the bus ride to San Carlos takes 89 km and will cost you around $29. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $44 for a journey of 676 km.

Plane

When flying to San Carlos, you’ll arrive at San Francisco Airport (SFO), which is located 16 km from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to San Carlos include American Airlines, Air France and Aeromexico. The shortest domestic flight to San Carlos departs from Los Angeles and takes around 1h 18m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Carlos. The train journey from San Carlos to Sacramento takes 1h 41m and costs around $17 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Fresno, expect to pay about $26 for a 4h 02m trip.

Car

Another option to get to San Carlos is to pick up a car rental from San Francisco, which is about 34 km from San Carlos. You’ll find branches of Kyte and Fox, among others, in San Francisco.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to San Carlos, including FlixBus, Greyhound and Busbud. From Sacramento, the bus ride to San Carlos takes 89 km and will cost you around $29. From Bakersfield, the ticket costs about $44 for a journey of 676 km.

Airports near San Carlos

Airlines serving San Carlos

Lufthansa
Good (4,679 reviews)
KLM
Good (857 reviews)
SWISS
Good (928 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,510 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,610 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,304 reviews)
Air France
Good (983 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,565 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (479 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,943 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,133 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,479 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,815 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,168 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (828 reviews)
LOT
Good (685 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (917 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of San Carlos

Most booked hotels in San Carlos

Residence Inn by Marriott Redwood City San Carlos
3 stars
Excellent (9, 146 reviews)
$186+
Hyatt Place San Carlos
3 stars
Excellent (9, 72 reviews)
$162+
Bay Landing Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1527 reviews)
$120+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Carlos, CA
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 398 reviews)
$122+
Aloft San Francisco Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1610 reviews)
$147+
San Carlos Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 24 reviews)
$116+

Renting a car in San Carlos

Renting a car in San Carlos costs $74 per day, on average, or $148 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 15% more expensive than at San Francisco.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in San Carlos (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in San Carlos is Full-size (Jeep Compass or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 70% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Carlos costs $74 per day, on average, or $148 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 15% more expensive than at San Francisco.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in San Carlos (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in San Carlos is Full-size (Jeep Compass or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 70% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.