California is the third biggest state in terms of land size, and is larger than many countries. Nevertheless, getting around California can be very simple. In addition to interstates and US highways, California has one of the most expansive state highway systems in the United States. As with all travels in the United States, a rental car or RV is the best way to get around, although flying is also a feasible option as many major and low cost airlines also link cities within the state.

Another relaxing, convenient and inexpensive way to get around especially for holidaymaker is by rail. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor and Coast Starlight routes are all particularly scenic ways to travel between some of the different regions of the state.

Los Angeles and San Francisco both have subway networks, in addition to light rail. Metrolink commuter rail serves much of Southern California, while BART and Caltrain commuter rail connect Bay Area suburbs to San Francisco. San Jose and Sacramento have light rail, and San Diego has a Trolley light rail and Coaster commuter rail services. Almost all counties run bus lines, and many cities run their own bus lines too. Intercity bus travel is supplied by Greyhound and Amtrak bus services.

Car and RV Rental

Renting a car in California is a fairly painless procedure. You must have a valid driver's license, a passport (for non- US citizens) and a credit card (used for a security deposit), and usually you must be at least 25 years of age (please check with your car rental company).

Another way to tour California — and a fun one at that — is by motor home (RV). Both El Monte and Cruise America rent motor homes in several sizes.

Airports

• Burbank Airport (BUR)

• Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

• LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT)

• Long Beach Airport (LGB)

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• Oakland International Airport (OAK)

• Orange County Airport (SNA)

• Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

• Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

• San Diego Lindbergh Field International Airport

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

• San Jose International Airport (SJC)

• Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

• Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO)

Public Transportation

Greyhound is the nation's primary bus company, and it travels all over California, from Canada to the south side of the Mexican border. You can also get to many national parks, including Yosemite and Big Sur, on public buses.

While San Francisco has good citywide public transportation, cities like Los Angeles and San Jose are nearly impossible to get around without driving or hiring a taxi. Visit these cities and you'll quickly learn the reality of California car culture!

Local and Regional Public Transportation Links:

Northern California:
• San Francisco Bay Area Public Transportation Directory
• Bay Area Rapid Transit
• Caltrain
• Sacramento Regional Transit
• 511.org

Southern California:
• Los Angeles Department of Transportation
• Los Angeles Metro
• Metrolink
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

Trains

Trains are perhaps the most overlooked of the planes, trains and automobiles trifecta, but they offer a unique perspective for the California traveller. Combining a plane’s ease of travel and the view by car, trains allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, local experiences and historical legends as they whizz by.

Amtrak’s Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner trains provide a return to old-school glamour – spreading across and outside the Golden State, you’re truly given an all-day pass to California’s complex mix of surroundings and culture. The Capitol Corridor provides ease of travel across Northern California, while the San Joaquins slices through the bustling Central Valley with Yosemite National Park and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom along the way. Trains dedicated to certain themes and in specific locales, such as the Shasta Sunset Dinner Train or the Napa Valley Wine Train, also offer a sneak peek into niches across California.

For just getting around, there are great utilitarian routes throughout the state. Amtrak connects to public transportation systems in several cities, giving you access to the “real” California.

Bicycle

Bicycling is a great way to see California, and cyclists will quickly realize that California motorists are becoming increasingly conscientious of peddlers. Group rides and cycling events are a great way to meet locals (Californians love chatting up foreigners), and a fun way to see places without having to navigate unfamiliar terrain on your own.

Most major cities have bicycle rentals for people who don't want to bring their own. Another option is purchasing a used bike through online classifieds such as Craigslist (which usually has loads of bikes for sale).

There are plenty of resources online, and a great place to start your research is the website of the California Bicycle Coalition . If you're spending time in the Los Angeles area, check out Los Angeles Bike Paths for the best areas to ride, or Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition for upcoming cycling events. For information and resources in San Francisco, see the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

California law requires anyone under 18 to wear a helmet when bicycling or riding as a passenger on a bike.