Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Planning a trip to or from Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) and Marin County? You’ve got options.
Whether you’re headed to San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, or Sausalito, there are several ways to make the journey.
Groome Transportation offers regular shuttle service between STS and various Marin County locations.
This can be a convenient and cost-effective choice for many travelers. The trip takes about an hour, depending on your exact destination.
If you prefer more flexibility, you might consider renting a car at the airport or using a ride-sharing service.
These options let you set your own schedule.
For those looking to save money, there’s also a public transit option that combines train and shuttle service.
This choice takes longer but can be budget-friendly.
Understanding STS Airport
Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, also known as STS, is a small but modern airport serving Northern California. It offers convenient access to Sonoma County’s wine country and nearby attractions.
Overview of Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport
STS is located about 7 miles northwest of Santa Rosa. The airport is named after Charles Schulz, the famous Peanuts cartoonist who lived in the area.
It serves as a gateway to Sonoma County’s wine region and the beautiful Northern California coast.
You’ll find direct flights to several major cities from STS.
The airport is known for its short security lines and quick boarding process. This makes it a stress-free option for travelers.
STS offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
You can also enjoy local wine tasting inside the airport, giving you a taste of Sonoma County before you even leave.
Terminals and Facilities
STS has one main terminal building. It’s small but well-designed, making it easy to navigate. The terminal has all the basic amenities you need for a comfortable trip.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Check-in counters for airlines
- Security checkpoint
- Baggage claim area
- Car rental desks
- Gift shop
- Cafe serving local food and drinks
The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options. Rates are reasonable compared to larger airports.
For ground transportation, you can use taxis, ride-sharing services, or the SMART Connect shuttle.
The shuttle connects the airport to the nearby SMART train station, making it easy to reach other parts of Sonoma and Marin counties.
Transportation Services Offered at STS
Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) offers various transportation options to meet your travel needs.
You can choose from shuttle services, charter buses, taxis, and ride-sharing platforms for your journey to or from the airport.
Airport Express and Shuttle Services
Groome Transportation provides regular shuttle service between STS and Marin County. You can book your ride online or by phone.
The shuttles run 365 days a year, offering convenient transportation options.
Pick-up and drop-off locations include major towns in Marin County like San Rafael, Novato, and Mill Valley.
Travel times vary based on traffic but typically range from 1 to 2 hours.
Fares start at $34 for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors.
Luggage policies allow for two checked bags and one carry-on per passenger.
Charter Services and Modern Deluxe Motor Coaches
For group travel, charter services offer a comfortable and flexible option.
Sonoma County Charter Services provides modern motor coaches equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi and restrooms.
These services are ideal for:
- Corporate events
- Wedding parties
- School trips
- Large family gatherings
You can customize pick-up and drop-off locations to suit your group’s needs. Rates vary based on group size and trip duration, so it’s best to contact the company directly for a quote.
Taxi and Ride Share Options
Traditional taxi services are available at STS airport.
You’ll find a designated taxi stand outside the terminal building. Fares to Marin County destinations typically range from $80 to $150, depending on your exact location.
Popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also operate at STS.
You can request a ride using their respective apps. Pick-up areas are clearly marked near the terminal exit.
Ride-share fares are often cheaper than taxis but can vary based on demand and time of day. Always check the estimated fare before confirming your ride.
Connecting STS with Marin County
Getting from Marin County to Sonoma County Airport (STS) involves several transportation options.
You can take a train, use public transit, or opt for ground transportation services. Each method offers unique benefits for different travel needs.
SMART – Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit
SMART trains provide a convenient link between Marin County and STS.
The railroad runs from Larkspur to the Airport Station, about a mile from STS.
Trains run daily, with more frequent service on weekdays.
The trip from San Rafael to the Airport Station takes about an hour. Fares vary based on distance but expect to pay $3.50 to $11.50 one-way.
SMART offers wheelchair-accessible shuttles from the Airport Station to STS.
You can book these using the Ride Pingo app or by calling 800-727-0279. The shuttle runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
San Rafael Transit Center and Larkspur Connection
The San Rafael Transit Center is a key hub for buses to and from STS.
From here, you can catch Golden Gate Transit buses to Larkspur Ferry Terminal.
At Larkspur, you can board a SMART train to the Airport Station. The ferry terminal also has parking if you prefer to drive part of the way.
Buses and trains are wheelchair accessible.
Travel time from San Rafael to STS is about 1.5 hours using this route. Costs vary but expect to pay around $15-20 one-way.
Ground Transportation to Petaluma and San Rafael
Several ground transport options connect Marin County to STS. These include taxis, rideshares, and airport shuttles.
Travel time by car from San Rafael to STS is about 1 hour. From Petaluma, it’s around 30 minutes.
Costs for rideshares or taxis can range from $60 to $120 depending on your starting point.
Some shuttle services offer door-to-door pickup in Marin County.
These can be a good option for groups or those with lots of luggage. Prices vary, but expect to pay $30-$50 per person.
Transportation to Other Major Airports
Marin County travelers have options for reaching other Bay Area airports besides STS. You can take shuttles or other transportation to San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK) airports.
Shuttle to SFO – San Francisco International Airport
You can take the Marin Airporter shuttle from several Marin County locations to SFO.
The bus picks up passengers in Novato, San Rafael, Larkspur, and Sausalito.
Travel time is about 1 hour from central Marin.
Buses run every 30 minutes during peak times.
One-way adult fares are around $25. Kids under 12 ride for half price when with an adult. Seniors get a small discount.
The shuttles are wheelchair accessible.
You can bring two pieces of luggage and a carry-on bag at no extra cost. Reservations aren’t needed – you can pay the driver in cash or by credit card.
Accessing Oakland Airport – OAK
To reach Oakland Airport from Marin County, you have a few options.
You can drive yourself, which takes about 45 minutes from central Marin with no traffic. Parking at OAK costs $18-38 per day, depending on the lot.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, with fares around $60-80 one-way from San Rafael.
Travel time is similar to driving yourself.
Airport shuttle services also operate between Marin and OAK.
These offer door-to-door pickup and shared rides. Fares range from $30-50 per person. Travel time is longer due to multiple stops, usually 1.5-2 hours.
Special Features and Amenities
The airport shuttle service offers a range of features to make your journey comfortable and convenient.
You’ll find modern facilities and amenities designed with your needs in mind, as well as climate control for a pleasant ride.
Modern Facilities and Customer Amenities
SMART Connect microtransit shuttle provides an on-demand service from the SMART Airport Station to Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS).
You can easily book a ride using the Ride Pingo App or by calling customer service.
The shuttle operates on weekdays from 7 AM to 11:15 AM and 12:15 PM to 6 PM. On weekends, it runs from 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 7:30 PM.
This schedule aligns with the SMART train, making it simple to plan your trip.
For those needing wheelchair access, the shuttle is equipped to accommodate you. Just let the driver know when booking your trip.
Air Conditioning and Comfort Features
Modern deluxe motor coaches are used for airport transportation between Marin County and STS.
These vehicles are designed with your comfort in mind.
You’ll enjoy a climate-controlled environment throughout your journey.
The air conditioning system keeps the interior cool and fresh, even on hot days.
The coaches feature comfortable seating with ample legroom. You can relax and enjoy the ride without feeling cramped.
Large windows offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape as you travel. It’s a great way to take in the beauty of Sonoma and Marin counties.
Local Transit Connections
Local transit options make it easy to get to and from STS Airport. You can use buses or bike paths to connect with other transportation services.
Sonoma County Transit and Regional Buses
Sonoma County Transit offers bus service to STS Airport. Route 62 connects the airport to Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, and Cotati.
Buses run every hour on weekdays and every two hours on weekends.
The fare is $1.50 for adults and $0.75 for seniors and youth. You can pay with cash or use a Clipper card.
Buses have bike racks and are wheelchair accessible.
Regional buses like Golden Gate Transit also connect to Sonoma County Transit routes. This gives you options to travel from Marin County towns like San Rafael and Novato.
Cycling and Bicycle-Pedestrian Pathway Network
A bicycle-pedestrian pathway runs alongside the SMART train tracks.
This path connects several Sonoma and Marin county towns to the Airport Station.
The path is paved and separated from car traffic. It’s great for cycling or walking to the station.
From there, you can use the SMART Connect shuttle to reach the airport terminal.
Bike lockers are available at SMART stations. You can also bring your bike on SMART trains and the airport shuttle. This gives you flexibility for your whole trip.
Additional Transportation Considerations
Getting to and from STS Airport involves more than just choosing a mode of transport.
You’ll need to consider mobile-friendly maps, options for different locations, and how to reach the airport from the northernmost parts of Sonoma County.
Mobile-Friendly Transportation Maps
Mobile-friendly Google Maps are essential for navigating your trip to STS Airport.
These maps show real-time traffic, public transit routes, and ride-sharing pickup spots.
You can easily switch between driving, walking, and public transit modes.
For SMART train users, the mobile app includes station maps and schedules.
It also shows SMART Connect shuttle locations at the Airport station.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft offer built-in maps.
These show driver locations and estimated arrival times. They also provide fare estimates for your trip to or from the airport.
Services for Rohnert Park, Windsor, and Healdsburg Locations
Rohnert Park, Windsor, and Healdsburg each have unique transportation options to STS Airport.
From Rohnert Park:
- Drive time: 20-25 minutes
- Ride-share cost: $25-$35
- Public transit: Take Sonoma County Transit Route 62 to the airport
From Windsor:
- Drive time: 10-15 minutes
- Ride-share cost: $20-$30
- Public transit: Use Sonoma County Transit Route 62
From Healdsburg:
- Drive time: 25-30 minutes
- Ride-share cost: $35-$45
- Public transit: Take Sonoma County Transit Route 60 to Santa Rosa, then transfer to Route 62
All these cities have SMART train stations.
You can ride the train to the Airport station, then use the SMART Connect shuttle to reach the terminal.
Cloverdale: Northern Reach Transportation Options
Cloverdale, the northernmost city in Sonoma County, has limited direct options to STS Airport.
Driving from Cloverdale takes about 40-45 minutes.
Ride-sharing services are available but can be costly, ranging from $50-$70.
Public transit options:
- Take Sonoma County Transit Route 60 to Santa Rosa
- Transfer to Route 62 to reach the airport
This trip takes about 2 hours. Plan ahead if using this option.
A future SMART train extension to Cloverdale is planned. This will provide a direct rail link to the Airport station.
Until then, consider carpooling or arranging a shuttle service for groups traveling from Cloverdale to STS Airport.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Bus Transportation in Marin County
Ferry Transportation in Marin County
OAK Airport Transportation To/From Marin County
SFO Airport Transportation To/From Marin County
SJC Airport Transportation To/From Marin County
SMF Airport Transportation To/From Marin County
STS Airport Transportation To/From Marin County
Train Transportation in Marin County
Marin County Travel Guides
Visit Napa Valley from Marin County
Visit San Francisco from Marin County
Visit Sonoma County from Marin County
