New Student Orientation

Traveling to Campus

There are many ways to travel to campus for Move-In. However you come, we are looking forward to welcoming you home.

Resources and Directions

Getting to Stanford

Stanford's main address is: 450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305. However, if you are navigating to your Stanford residence, we recommend that you enter the address for your Residence or your Housing Service Center as a more accurate address.

The San Francisco Bay Area, and more specifically, the Peninsula, where Stanford is located, is served by three major airports: San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, and two main north-south freeways: Interstate 280 and U.S. Highway 101. If you will be traveling by plane, public transit and shuttle service may be available from the three nearby airports. For information about transportation options, review airport information from Stanford Transportation as well as the airports’ websites (SFO, SJC, OAK). 

  • From San Francisco International Airport: Take U.S. 101 SOUTH (direction San Jose). The distance is approximately 35 miles.
  • From San Jose International Airport: Take U.S.-101 NORTH (direction San Francisco). The distance is approximately 20 miles.
  • From Oakland International Airport: Take I-880 SOUTH (direction San Jose) to CA-92 WEST (direction Half Moon Bay) to U.S. 101 SOUTH (direction San Jose). The distance is approximately 35 miles.

For their first trip to campus, many students traveling alone choose to book a ride service such as Lyft or Uber. Remember that you will have to get your luggage on and off public transportation, shuttles, and ride services, so pack bags that you will be able to carry on your own. Make sure each piece of luggage is clearly labeled, inside and outside, with your full name and Stanford residence. You may even consider shipping some items directly to campus.

Searchable Campus Map

Download the Stanford Mobile app and use the "Map" feature to familiarize yourself with the Stanford campus. Look for your Housing Service Center and your Residence on the searchable campus map or on this map of campus residences.

Local Lodging

If you will be arriving before your move-in date, check out this list of nearby hotels and motels.