How to Get to Paso Robles, CA: Ultimate Guide & Tips
Tucked away on California’s Central Coast is the quaint town of Paso Robles. Known for its world-class wine, picturesque landscapes, and charming downtown, Paso Robles is a must-visit destination in California.
Find out the best tips on how to get to Paso Robles, CA, by plane, car, and train so you can visit this magical location for yourself.
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Where is Paso Robles, CA
Paso Robles is located in the northern part of San Luis Obispo County on the Central Coast of California, about a 30-minute drive from San Luis Obispo.
It is equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco, making Paso Robles the perfect destination for a weekend getaway in a gorgeous wine country. It is also close to the coast and could be a great stop on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
Is Paso Robles Near Napa Valley
Paso Robles and Napa Valley are two separate wine regions. Paso Robles is located in central California, where Napa Valley is in northern California, outside of San Francisco. It is about a 4 to 4.5 hour drive from Paso Robles to Napa Valley.
How to Get to Paso Robles, CA
You can get to Paso Robles by airplane, train, or car. However, because of its location, Paso Robles can be a little tricky to get to and will require some preplanning. The closest major airports are at least a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away, but do not let that deter you from visiting this amazing location!
Paso Robles is a very special place that is absolutely worth a visit. Our first time there we couldn’t believe how underrated and little this place is talked about. It quickly became one of our favorite destinations to visit in California.
In this guide, you will discover the various ways to get to Paso Robles, things to do, and recommendations on where to stay.
Airports Near Paso Robles
If you got the big bucks and are able to fly private to Paso Robles, the closest airport is Paso Robles Municipal Airport. It is only an 11-minute drive from downtown Paso Robles. However, most of us will be checking out these other airports near Paso Robles:
- San Luis Obispo County Regional (SBP): 35 miles to Paso Robles
- Santa Maria Airport (SMX): 66 miles to Paso Robles
- Meadows Field Airport (BFL): 105 miles to Pas Robles
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY): 113 miles to Paso Robles
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): 115 miles to Paso Robles
- Santa Barbara Airport (SBA): 126 miles to Paso Robles
- San Jose International (SJC): 159 miles to Paso Robles
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): 190 miles to Paso Robles
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 192 miles to Paso Robles
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 213 miles to Paso Robles
What Airport Do You Fly Into for Paso Robles, CA
The great thing about visiting Paso Robles is that you have multiple options of airports to fly into. So depending on where you are flying from, you can decide which airport works best for you. The nearest commercial airport to Paso Robles is the San Luis Obispo County Regional (SBP).
However, if airlines in your city do not fly to San Luis Obispo County Regional, the major airports near Paso Robles are:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): approximately a 3.5-hour drive to Paso Robles
- San Jose International (SJC): approximately a 2.5 hours drive to Paso Robles
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): approximately a 3-hour drive to Paso Robles
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): approximately a 3-hour drive to Paso Robles
⭐ If you are visiting the Bay Area first, you can find some of my favorite day trips and things to do near San Francisco here. Such as visiting the redwoods in Muir Woods, the prison on Alcatraz Island, the adorable bayside town of Sausalito, the unique and interesting Sutro Baths, and more.
Booking Your Flight to Paso Robles
I always check Skyscanner when booking a flight to a destination. Skyscanner is a search engine that compares the prices of 1000 airlines to help you find the best deal for your flight.
It’s extremely easy to use and set up price alerts for future trips. Another perk is that you do not book with Skyscanner. So you will not encounter inaccurate prices or hidden fees, which is sometimes the case with Kayak.
✈️ Check Flights to Paso Robles here
What Airlines Fly In and Out of San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
There are three major airlines that fly in and out of San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport. They are Alaska, American, and United Airlines.
- Alaska Airlines Destinations: Seattle, San Diego, & Portland
- American Airlines Destinations: Dallas / Fort Worth & Phoenix
- United Airlines Destinations: Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles
Can You Fly From Los Angeles to Paso Robles
You can fly to Los Angeles to Paso Robles by booking a flight with United Airlines from Los Angeles International Airport to San Luis Obispo Regional Airport. It is a one hour and seven minute nonstop flight.
How to Get From San Luis Obispo Airport to Paso Robles
How to Get From San Luis Obispo Airport to Paso Robles By Car
It is about a 40 minute drive from San Luis Obispo Airport to Paso Robles. You can either rent a car from the airport, UBER/Lyft, taxi, or book a shuttle to Paso Robles. For more information you can go here.
How to Get From San Luis Obispo Airport to Paso Robles By Bus
To get to Paso Robles from the San Luis Obispo Airport you can travel by bus. Greyhound offers a bus from San Luis Obispo Cal Poly to Paso Robles for $15.
San Luis Obispo Airport ➡️ 10 minute drive ➡️ Cal Poly: Vista Grande Dining Complex 1 Grand Ave ➡️ 30 to 45 minute bus trip ➡️ Paso Robles Amtrak ➡️ 10 minute walk to downtown Paso Robles
There is another bus route you could take with SLO Transit. The Route 9 travels between the San Luis Obispo downtown Government Center, through Cal Poly, and then up through the North County cities, including Paso Robles. The bus fare from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles is $3.25.
San Luis Obispo Airport ➡️ 8 minute drive ➡️ Government Center Osos & Palm ➡️ approximately a 1 hour and 10 minute bus trip ➡️ Pine at 8th stop ➡️ 6 minute walk to downtown Paso Robles
How to Get From San Luis Obispo Airport to Paso Robles By Train
Lastly, you can travel from the San Luis Obispo Airport to Paso Robles by train. There is an Amtrak in San Luis Obispo that offers trips to Paso Robles Amtrak for $14 one way.
San Luis Obispo Airport ➡️ 6 minute drive ➡️ San Luis Obispo Amtrak ➡️ 40 minute train ride ➡️ Paso Robles Amtrak ➡️ 7 minute walk to downtown Paso Robles
How to Get to Paso Robles By Car
If you are flying into one of the major airports, LAX, SFO, OAK, and SJC, your best bet is to rent a car at the airport and drive to Paso Robles. It will be somewhere around a 2.5 to 3 hour drive not including traffic or any stops along the way.
🚗 Avoid the hassle and book your car rental ahead of time for the lowest rate by clicking here!
To get to Paso Robles by car if you are coming from the north (San Francisco/Bay Area):
If you are driving from the Bay Area, expect a 3-hour drive, without traffic. You will take US 101 South and exit at 17th Street to get to downtown Paso Robles.
🗺️ Planning an epic road trip along the PCH? Here are some great ideas for stops along the way: Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel by the Sea, and Big Sur to name a few of the popular ones.
To get to Paso Robles by car if you are coming from the south (Los Angeles):
If you are driving from LA, expect a 3.5-hour drive, without traffic. You will take US 101 North and Downtown Paso Robles is accessible by using the Spring Street offramp.
🥾 Extra time in Los Angeles? Check out one of my favorite hikes to the Griffith Observatory. Tip go at sunrise to witness those spectacular views of the pacific ocean, Downtown LA, and Mount Hollywood all to yourself!
To get to Paso Robles by car if you are coming from the east (Fresno or Bakersfield):
Take Highway 46 or 41 from Interstate 5 and the valley. From there, it will bring you right into town on 24th Street. To get downtown, turn left onto Spring Street. It is about a 2-hour drive from Fresno or Bakersfield to Paso Robles.
How to Get to Paso Robles By Train
Another option to get to Paso Robles would be by train. There is an Amtrak located just steps outside of downtown Paso Robles. It is only a 10 minute walk from the train station to the Downtown City Park, restaurants, and hotels.
If you have extra time to spare a train ride could be an adventurous and unique way to travel to wine country. There are trains that stop at Paso Robles from San Francisco, approximately a 6 hour trip, and Los Angeles, about an 8 to 9 hour trip one way.
Best Option: How to Get to Paso Robles
If you are from out of town, the best option to get to Paso Robles would be to fly into one of the major airports (SFO, OAK, or SJC) and rent a car from there. The major airports provide a large selection of direct flights to choose from. Also, there are many places to explore nearby Paso Robles, so not the worst idea to have a car with you.
By car, you can check out places like the famous Hearst Castle, San Luis Obispo, dune buggying in Pismo Beach, the elephant seals in Morro Bay, and the unique experience, Field of Light Sensorio.
🚗 Avoid the hassle and book your car rental ahead of time for the lowest rate by clicking here!
Things To Do in Paso Robles
You have arrived to gorgeous wine country, now what are the top things to do in Paso Robles?
Wine Tasting
Most likely, the number one reason you are here, is to do some wine tasting! The wineries in Paso Robles have some of the most spectacular and jaw dropping views. You can just look out to miles and miles of sweeping views of vineyards.
You will want to plan and book your wine tastings in advance. Here is a weekend itinerary in Paso Robles: Paso Robles Itinerary: Where to Wine Taste, Eat, Stay & More.
Explore Downtown Paso Robles
Spend some time and stroll along Paso Robles charming downtown. Where you can find boutique shops, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, or relax on one of the benches in the famous Downtown City Park.
Downtown Paso Robles also offers numerous incredible restaurants, including The Hatch, Thomas Hill Organics, La Cosecha, and more. Also, grab drinks at Alchemists’ Garden, for some of the best and innovated drink concoctions in town.
Soak in a Hot Spring
Besides wine, Paso Robles is also known for its hot springs. Spend your morning or afternoon relaxing in one of Paso Robles natural sulfur hot springs.
There are three locations where you can enjoy a soak: Franklin Hot Springs, Paso Robles Inn , River Oak Shot Springs. All of which offer a different experience.
Paso Robles is Surprisingly Dog Friendly
One of the things we were pleasantly surprised about was how dog-friendly Paso Robles is. The majority of the wineries are dog friendly and you will find many pet-friendly accommodations as well.
We have brought our dog Cash to Paso Robles on two different occasions, and both times he was welcomed with open arms and a belly rub everywhere we went.
Is There Uber in Paso Robles
As you are planning your trip to Paso Robles, you may be wondering, how do I get to the wineries? And is there Uber in Paso Robles? You will be happy to know there are numerous options of transportation for your to choose from.
Uber and Lyft are available, but may not be your most reliable option to get to the wineries in Paso Robles. Especially if you have a busy day ahead of wine tastings. You could run the risk of there not being any Ubers available, long wait times, fluctuating prices, not the best phone service, and canceled Ubers.
For helpful tips on using Uber in Paso Robles & what is the best way to get around wine country for you and your group: Is There Uber in Paso Robles: How to Get Around Paso Robles
Where to Stay in Paso Robles
Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles
Our favorite place to stay in Paso Robles is the Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles. It is about a 5-minute drive from downtown, and the grounds at the Allegretto Resort are stunning.
The resort features Tuscan-inspired architecture and is surrounded by 20 acres of beautiful vineyards. You can book vineyard tours or spend some time on your own exploring the grounds of Allegretto. They produce delicious wine as well. Allegretto provides wine tastings that you can do either in their tasting room or in the beautiful gardens.
Also, at the resort, you will find Cello Ristorante & Bar, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a luxurious spa, and a pool.
If you are traveling with your pup, the Allegretto Resort is also dog friendly! Definitely one of the nicest dog-friendly hotels we have ever stayed in.
✅ Book your stay at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort Paso Robles here
Paso Robles Inn
Paso Robles Inn is centrally located across from the historic Paso Robles town square. It is the ideal location if you want to be within walking distance of shopping, restaurants, and over 20 wine tasting rooms.
One of the best amenities they offer is a private balcony or patio with a spa tub. Just imagine relaxing with a glass of wine, soaking in a hot tub, outside with beautiful views overlooking their gardens.
✅ Book your stay at the Paso Robles Inn here
In Conclusion: How to Get to Paso Robles
I hope this guide on How to Get to Paso Robles has helped you find the best way to travel to this amazing destination!
Paso Robles may be a little bit of a challenge to get to. However, it is a destination in California that is so worth visiting! Also, you can easily make your drive to Paso Robles into an epic road trip.
If you love wine tasting as much as I do, and Napa Valley is on your bucket list, you can check out all of my Napa Valley Guides and Tips here. For everything you need to know before planning your trip to Napa Valley!
