RELATED LINKS Return to City Guide: Sonoma

Depending on traffic, the drive from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Sonoma, a distance of about 55 miles, can take anywhere from an hour and 20 minutes to well over two hours. If you plan to arrive or depart via SFO during weekday commute hours or weekend afternoons, brace yourself for very slow going on the approach to San Francisco and along Highway 101 in Marin County.

When planning your trip, it's smart to check schedules and fares for Oakland and Sacramento as well. Travel time from Oakland International to Sonoma is typically about the same as the drive from SFO, and the Oakland airport is favored by several discount carriers, including Jet Blue and Southwest. In highway miles, Sacramento International is a bit farther from Sonoma than San Francisco or Oakland, but generally faster freeway speeds through California's Central Valley mean you can usually make the drive in 90 minutes or less.