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Larkspur SMART Train
Image Source: Wikipedia

From Sonoma County to SFO, Without a Car!?

How a train ride and a short walk connect you to Marin Airporter and take the stress out of getting to the airport.

If you’ve ever tried to get to SFO from the North Bay without driving, you know it’s not exactly straightforward. Public transit exists, but it usually means juggling multiple transfers, watching the clock, and hoping everything lines up. Ride-shares work, until you check the price. And driving yourself is the fallback most people take, not because it’s ideal, but because it’s familiar.

But there’s another option. And it’s simpler than you’d expect!

The SMART Train runs south through Sonoma County to Larkspur, where it drops you just a few minutes’ walk from a Marin Airporter stop. From there, the bus takes you directly to SFO. No need to navigate traffic, pay for parking, or coordinate with a friend or a car service.

This might actually qualify as a travel hack! It’s a simple, reliable route that’s now serving North Bay travelers. For travelers coming from Santa Rosa, Petaluma, or anywhere along the SMART line, it’s worth trying out. 

How It Works

From SMART Train to Marin Airporter (Heading to SFO):

  • Exit at the Larkspur SMART Station.
  • Turn left onto the SMART pathway and follow signs for Downtown San Rafael.
  • Look for the path marked To Landing Circle Shops and take the first right.
  • Continue to Larkspur Landing Circle, then turn right.
  • At the corner with Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, turn left and cross the street.
  • The Marin Airporter stop is just ahead, beneath the overpass near Marin Country Mart.

Tip: Look for the Marin Airporter sign and bench. Buses arrive regularly throughout the day.

From SFO to the SMART Train (Coming Home):

  • Exit the Marin Airporter at the Larkspur stop.
  • Walk to the corner of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard and Larkspur Landing Circle.
  • Cross Sir Francis Drake, then cross again to the far side of Larkspur Landing Circle.
  • Walk uphill and turn left into the Larkspur Landing Cinema parking lot.
  • The SMART pathway is in the back-left corner. Follow it to the station entrance.

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