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.
Important Note: Please read through this entire page, then check out our handy Know Before You Go document, which you may want to print and bring with you as a guide.
Private Shuttle or Town Car (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" (or something similar -- if in doubt, ask!). 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.
What if I miss the Town Car or Shuttle?
First, call us at (650)796-9237 to inform us that you missed your town car. Depending on the time of day, you may be able to wait for the next one. If you cannot reach us or you have missed the last town car that we have arranged, there are other ways to get to Stanford and we have listed the easiest options below. Upon arrival at the house, if it is between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., we will be at the house to check you in. If you arrive AFTER check-in hours, use the courtesy phone on the front porch to call us at 9-1-650-796-9237. From a mobile phone dial the number listed above (without the "9-1-"). A staff member will come to meet you and check you in.
Door to Door Shuttle
This option is only if you miss the Stanford-arranged town car or shuttle and cannot reach us to arrange something else. There are vans called "door to door" shuttles available at both SFO and SJC airports. These shuttles leave every 10-30 minutes and are usually shared with 2 to 5 other passengers. To find one 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). At SJC you may have to call the company to arrange a pick-up (see below). Tell your driver that you are going to Stanford University and give him the address of the house where you will be staying (see below).
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
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 constant stream of taxis pulling up.
Lost Luggage?
If you do not find your luggage at baggage claim, do not panic. Before leaving the airport, go to the passenger services representative for your airline in the baggage claim area and file a claim. You will most likely fill out a form. When they ask for a delivery address for your luggage give them the address of your residence at Stanford for the next 4 days (see below). You should also give them the Language Center phone number, which is (650)796-9237, unless you have a personal cell phone that will work in the US and that you plan to use at Stanford. If they need a delivery address beyond your 4 days at Stanford, you'll have to give them your address at your next destination. We cannot be responsible for your luggage after the FLTA Orientation, unless you have been assigned to Stanford for the academic year.
Arrival and Check-in
Have the driver drop you off at the following address:
Robert Moore South (BOB)
566 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 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17.
NOTES: If you will be arriving before August 17, you will need to make arrangements to stay at a local hotel, as the house will not be available yet. If you arrive after the official check-in hours on 8/17, 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 12:00 noon on Thursday, August 21. This is because Stanford Conference Services needs to have the house cleaned and ready for another group to arrive. Airport transporation will be arranged. Details to be announced during orientation.
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.