Travel from the Airports to Stanford Campus
Stanford University is located next to the town of Palo Alto. Most of you will be flying into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose Airport (SJC), both of which are about 30 minutes from campus. Here's how you will get from the airport to campus:
Private Shuttle or Towncar (arranged by Stanford)
The Stanford Language Center will arrange to have a shuttle or car available at fixed times throughout the day. The driver will meet travelers at the baggage claim area and will be holding a sign that says "Stanford FLTA". You will be receiving an email from us with more specific information about how to find your driver. Please check your email frequently in the days before your departure.
Door to Door Shuttle
If you happen to miss the shuttle or car we have arranged for you, don't worry, there are plenty of other ways you can get to Stanford. There are vans called "door to door" shuttles available at both SFO and SJC airports. These shuttles leave every 10-30 minutes and will take you to the address you give them. You will usually share a shuttle with 2 to 5 other passengers and the cost varies (~$26-$34).
How to catch one - After you have picked up your baggage, call one of the following phone numbers to arrange a pick up. Ask for the driver’s name or the van number, so that it’s easier to find your van. Ask at an information booth if you need assistance. At SFO airport you can simply go upstairs from baggage claim, exit the main doors, cross the street and wait at one of the door to door shuttle stops (without having to call or make a reservation). Tell your driver that you are going to Stanford University and give him the address of Xanadu, the house where you will be staying. The address is 558 Mayfield Avenue.
VIP Airport Shuttle: 408-986-6000 or toll free within U.S. 1-800-235-8847
South and East Bay Shuttle: 408-866-6660 or toll free within U.S. 1-800-548-4664
Bay Porter: 415-656-2929 or toll free 1-877-467-1800 (San Francisco airport only)
Super Shuttle: 415-558-8500 or toll free 1-887-887-8819 (San Francisco airport only)
Taxi
A taxi is a little more expensive but definitely the easiest option if you have to get to campus on your own. It will cost about $40-$50 from SJC and around $60-$70 from SFO.
How to catch one - At either airport, go outside, through the doors by baggage claim, to the taxi stand. You will have to line up behind others who are also waiting for a taxi but you won't have to wait for long as there is a pretty constant stream of taxis pulling up. Just for your information: in the United States it is customary to tip taxi drivers about 10%, especially if they help you with your luggage.
Arrival and Check-in
Have the driver drop you off at the following address:
Xanadu
558 Mayfield Avenue
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
This is the house you will be staying in while attending the Orientation. Check-in will be between 10:00am and 6:00pm on Thursday, August 27.
NOTES: If you will be arriving before August 27, you will need to make arrangements to stay at a local hotel, as the house will not be available yet. If you arrive after 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, arrangements will be made to have someone meet you at the house for check-in.
Departure and Check-out
Check-out time will be anytime before 12 noon on Monday, August 31. This is because Stanford Conference Services needs to have the house cleaned and ready for another group to arrive. Breakfast will be served on Sunday morning between 8AM and 9AM in the Florence Moore Dining Hall.
Travel in and Around Stanford
On-campus there is a free shuttle called the Marguerite. There are various lines with different routes throughout campus. During the summer, there is no Marguerite service on the weekends, except for the Shopping Express, Line SE. More information about the Marguerite can be found on the Parking & Transportation Services website.