How to get from
San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Heavenly

About travelling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Heavenly, CA

Straddling the state border, Heavenly Mountain Resort is famous for its dizzying views of Lake Tahoe and expansive terrain. Its 4,800 acres mix flowing tree runs, well-groomed cruisers, and expert terrain found on the Nevada side in the Mott and Killebrew Canyons. Intermediate riders especially thrive here thanks to the huge network of blues weaving between California and Nevada. Clear days offer some of the best panoramas anywhere in the Sierra, with the lake stretching out beneath you.

Heavenly Village on the California side acts as the central gateway, complete with the gondola, rental shops, cafés, and lively après spots. Driftwood Café is a popular brunch stop, while Azul Latin Kitchen and Gunbarrel Brewing offer relaxed meals and drinks after skiing. Over in Nevada, the base sits beside the casinos and nightlife, giving the area a faster-paced energy once the lifts close. On-mountain favourites like Stagecoach Lodge and Boulder Lodge handle lunch crowds with ease.

Summer brings a totally different atmosphere — one focused on viewpoint hikes, lake time, and outdoor events. The Scenic Gondola gives access to family-friendly paths and platforms overlooking Tahoe. Trails like the Lam Watah Trail offer easy strolls, while more ambitious hikers take on sections of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Down at the shoreline, beaches and marinas buzz with paddleboard rentals, kayaks, and boat tours. Seasonal festivals, markets, and concerts keep South Lake Tahoe lively all season long.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is farther than Reno-Tahoe International Airport, but many visitors fly into SFO for better international routes or lower airfare. From SFO, Ridebooker can bring you straight to Heavenly, saving you the trouble of renting a car or navigating mountain roads through the Sierra. The drive normally takes around 3.5 to 4 hours via I-80, climbing out of the Bay Area and into high alpine country before reaching Lake Tahoe. Once you’re checked in, you won’t need a car as the gondola, dining, shops, and après are all walkable or serviced by local shuttles.