How to Get from San Francisco to Wausau: The Ultimate Guide
Navigating a journey from San Francisco, CA to Wausau, WI, necessitates careful planning, especially with the unique challenges of air travel and ground transportation. This comprehensive guide provides you with a detailed route from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Wausau Regional Airport (CWA), and beyond to downtown Wausau.
Flying from San Francisco to Wausau
The most direct route involves a flight from San Francisco to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and then a connecting flight to Wausau. Delta Airlines operates 2 daily flights during the week and 1 on weekends from MSP to Wausau Regional Airport (CWA).
Connecting Flights from Minneapolis to Wausau
Once you arrive at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, you can easily connect to your final destination in Wausau. Delta offers multiple daily services from MSP to CWA, with convenient connections to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
Alternative Ground Transport Options
For those seeking a more independent travel experience, renting a car is the best option. However, it requires a bit of driving.
Car Rental and Ground Travel
From Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, you can rent a car and embark on a scenic drive. The route takes you via Highway 5 to the interstate I-494, and then follow I-94 eastward. Several other Wisconsin highways will guide you to your final destination, approximately 3 hours away. This straight path from the MSP airport to downtown Wausau is both efficient and scenic.
Potential Airport Drops in Wisconsin
While no direct flights land in Wausau, there are a couple of smaller airports in the region that could serve as potential stops. Tomah, WI, for example, is served by Amtrak's Empire Builder, with one or two trains a day. However, Tomah is still 99 miles away from Wausau.
Other Airport Options
Another feasible route is to fly to Madison (MSN) or Green Bay (GRB), both of which are closer but still require a long drive. From Madison, you can take a non-stop United Airlines flight to Wausau, and from there, drive approximately 2 hours north to your final destination.
Bus Travel and Other Considerations
Bus travel to Wausau from San Francisco is an alternative but highly impractical option. A bus trip to Wausau would likely take an entire day, making it a less attractive choice for most travelers. Therefore, unless you have a very specific preference for bus transportation, it is recommended to avoid this option.
Conclusion
Traveling from San Francisco to Wausau can be a combination of flying and car rental. The best route involves connecting flights from Minneapolis to Wausau, followed by a scenic 3-hour drive through the Midwest. While alternative options like bus travel exist, they are not as practical for most travelers.
Plan Your Trip
Use your favorite travel booking tools to secure your flights and rental car. Ensure you have enough time to make the drive as smoothly as possible. Enjoy your journey to the scenic beauty of Wausau, WI!