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 Ontario and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Carlos. The train journey from San Carlos to Los Angeles takes 0h 38m and costs around $16 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Sacramento, expect to pay about $17 for a 1h 41m 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, Busbud and Greyhound. From Fresno, the bus ride to San Carlos takes 475 km and will cost you around $68. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about $86 for a journey of 684 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 Ontario and takes around 1h 20m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to San Carlos. The train journey from San Carlos to Los Angeles takes 0h 38m and costs around $16 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Sacramento, expect to pay about $17 for a 1h 41m 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, Busbud and Greyhound. From Fresno, the bus ride to San Carlos takes 475 km and will cost you around $68. From Los Angeles, the ticket costs about $86 for a journey of 684 km.

Airports near San Carlos

Airlines serving San Carlos

Lufthansa
Good (4,607 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (929 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,446 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,595 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,280 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,546 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,928 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,480 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,718 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (833 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (835 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, 144 reviews)
$193+
Hyatt Place San Carlos
3 stars
Excellent (9, 67 reviews)
$162+
Bay Landing Hotel
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1517 reviews)
$117+
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Carlos, CA
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, 398 reviews)
$121+
Aloft San Francisco Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, 1604 reviews)
$144+
San Carlos Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.5, 24 reviews)
$103+

Renting a car in San Carlos

Renting a car in San Carlos costs $69 per day, on average, or $137 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, 10% more expensive than at San Francisco.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in San Carlos is Luxury (Infiniti QX80 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 67% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in San Carlos costs $69 per day, on average, or $137 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, 10% more expensive than at San Francisco.

Expect to pay $3.90 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 $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in San Carlos is Luxury (Infiniti QX80 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Full-size rental cars (Nissan Altima or similar) are, on average, 67% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.