Eureka is 270 miles north of San Francisco on US-101, about a five-hour drive. The road is scenic but slow — the last 80 miles through the redwood belt are winding two-lane highway. There is no fast way to get here, which is part of why the city retains its character.
By air: Arcata–Eureka Airport (ACV) is 14 miles north of downtown Eureka, near McKinleyville. United Express operates daily service to San Francisco and Los Angeles. The airport is small; rental cars are available but must be booked ahead.
By bus: Greyhound runs service to Eureka from San Francisco (around 7 hours) and from Portland (around 10 hours). The bus station is downtown. Humboldt Transit Authority connects Eureka to Arcata and other local towns.
By car: US-101 is the only practical route. From San Francisco, take 101 north through the wine country, then Leggett, and into the redwood belt. The stretch north of Leggett is slow and beautiful. Gas up before leaving Leggett if heading north.