Is there a train from Davis to San Antonio?

No direct train exists; you would need to take Amtrak to Los Angeles and transfer to the Sunset Limited.

How long is the drive?

The drive takes approximately 24 hours of actual road time.

What is the best airport near Davis?

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the closest major airport.

Are there tolls on I-10?

Most of I-10 is toll-free, though some urban bypasses in Texas may have tolls.

What is the cheapest month to fly?

January and February typically offer the lowest airfares.

Davis

San Antonio

Flight Driving

Davis to San Antonio

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Davis to San Antonio covers roughly 2,400 km across the American Southwest. The most efficient route involves driving to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) for a connecting flight. Alternatively, driving via I-80 and I-10 offers a scenic cross-country experience through Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Expect travel times of 4 hours by air or 24 hours of pure driving time. This route transitions from the Mediterranean climate of the Central Valley to the humid subtropical climate of South Texas.

Total Distance: Driving distance 2,415 km, air distance 2,150 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from SMF to SAT takes 6 hours including layovers.

Cheapest Way

Driving is cheapest for groups of three or more, costing roughly $300 in fuel.

Compare Davis to San Antonio Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours	24 hours
Avg Price	$150 - $450	$300 - $500 in fuel
Operator	Southwest Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	SMF to SAT via Phoenix or Las Vegas.	I-80 E to I-15 S to I-10 E.
Tip	Book flights departing from SMF to avoid the traffic of SFO.	Carry extra water when crossing the Mojave Desert.

Travel Tips

Airport Choice
Always use SMF instead of SFO to save two hours of driving time from Davis.
Time Zones
Be aware that you will cross from Pacific Time to Central Time during your journey.
Fuel Stops
Fill up in major cities along I-10 to avoid high prices in remote desert stations.
Hydration
The desert heat on I-10 can be extreme; keep at least two gallons of water in your car.
Booking
Book your flight at least three weeks in advance to secure the lowest fares.

Safety Tips

Desert Driving
Check your tire pressure and coolant levels before crossing the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
Fatigue
Do not drive more than 8 hours per day to maintain alertness on long stretches of I-10.
Emergency Kit
Carry a basic roadside emergency kit including jumper cables and a flashlight.
Weather Alerts
Monitor weather reports for dust storms in Arizona and heavy rain in Texas.