Getting to SSU

Because you are required to attend the Mandatory Orientation for new international students, we advise that you make travel arrangements to accommodate for our orientation dates as soon as you receive your F-1 or J-1 visa. Below you will find helpful links to maps, directions, and suggested accommodations to help you when you first arrive in the area.

Campus Maps

Here you can find all of our Campus Maps, including on-campus housing (residential community) maps. Remember that the Center for International Education is located on the bottom floor of International Hall in Room 107.

Directions from SFO/OAK to SSU

Regular public transportation from the Bay Area to Sonoma County can be difficult to navigate and generally cannot accommodate much luggage. If you are flying into San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK) airport, the Sonoma County airport shuttle, called Groome, will take you directly to Rohnert Park. The trip takes about 2 hours and costs $34. You can purchase your ticket online or pay the driver in cash after you ascend the bus.

Buses pick up SFO passengers at the Arrivals Level, outside Customs in the outer roadway center island at the "Airporters" zone. Busses pick up OAK passengers at the Ground Transportation Center platform marked "4D Scheduled Buses," directly outside Baggage Claim across four lanes of traffic between the two terminals.

You should descend the bus at the Doubletree in Rohnert Park. The Airpot Shuttle can help arrange for a taxi to meet you at the hotel to take you to the SSU campus or to your off-campus housing. Or, you can arrange rideshare through Uber or Lyft via their apps. 

Directions from Sonoma County (STS) Airport to SSU

Located just 30 minutes north of SSU is our local airport. Though the majority of students fly into SFO or OAK as flights tend to be cheaper, STS is very convenient. However, watch out for flights that may have a stop at SFO or OAK. If you are going to land in SFO or OAK anyway, it would be easier and faster to follow the shuttle instructions above rather than getting on a connecting flight to STS. 

The STS Airport has several ground transportation options for transport to and from the Airport, including getting to SSU. The STS website provides an overview guide on where to find on-site car rental agencies, public transportation bus, airport transit service, or where to pick up a taxicab or rideshare phone app service – such as Lyft. For convenience, a taxi or rideshare is recommended to get directly from the airport to SSU. 

Local Transportation Services

If you arrive outside of business hours or if you are living off-campus, here is a list of some taxi services that can take to your housing:

Sonoma County also has a public bus that is free for SSU students to ride (unfortunately you will need to get your SSU Student ID Card first). For more information on routes, schedules, and fares, visit the Sonoma County Transit website.

Local Hotels

If you are arriving in Rohnert Park several days before orientation, you may need to stay in a local hotel. The following is a list of nearby hotels. This is not a complete list, nor is it intended to offer any endorsement or guarantee.