America’s premier wine country destination, Napa Valley is conveniently located within an hour’s drive of three major metropolitan areas and international airports, yet it feels worlds away! While Napa Valley’s five towns are all walkable, the valley is spread out and rideshare availability can be limited at night and in more rural areas. If you’d like to make your trip car-free and carefree, there are plenty of unique transportation options available – from professional care services to biking, to unique modes of public transportation.
Photo Credit: Napa Valley Vine Trail
Avid cyclists and leisure cruisers have plenty of bike trails to choose from. When it’s fully completed, the paved 47-mile-long Napa Valley Vine Trail will stretch from the Vallejo Ferry Terminal up to the northernmost Napa Valley town of Calistoga, highlighting the 35 miles of Napa Valley along the way.
For now, cyclists can start exploring in south Napa and cruise 12.5 miles up to Yountville. The 8.2-mile St. Helena to Calistoga segment is also ready to ride!
Photo Credit: Napa Valley Bike Tours
Skilled bikers can share the road with vehicles on the 27-mile Silverado Trail from Napa to Calistoga. At just 1.7 miles, the mostly flat Moss Rock and Mid-Forest Loop through a forested area in American Canyon is family-friendly. Las Posadas State Forest Loop challenges mountain bikers with a moderate 4.5-mile trek. A network of bike rental outfitters and tour companies makes getting on two wheels easy, especially if you want the extra boost of an e-bike.
Rent cruiser bikes from Napa Valley Bike Tours in Yountville, where you’ll have easy access to the Napa Valley Vine Trail, or snag e-bikes from Fat Tire Bike Rentals in downtown Napa to explore the many activities, shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms downtown. Clif Family Winery also offers new Tour de Chef cycling experiences that include bike rentals and end with a tasting and a yummy bruschetta on the patio.
Photo Credit: Pure Luxury / Michael Cuffe
Leave the driving to someone else with Napa Valley’s full-service tour companies and unique public transportation options. The Napa Valley Wine Trolley offers group tours and private charters. The towns of Calistoga, St. Helena, and Yountville have free, on-demand shuttles. The fixed-route public bus system, Vine, covers the entire valley. Tour companies such as True Elegance, Pure Luxury Transportation, California Wine Tours and Transportation, Napa Valley Tours & Transportation, and Beau Wine Tours are known for knowledgeable, reliable drivers who offer bespoke tours and pre-packaged experiences. If using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to visit wineries across the valley, consider reserving in advance, as they can be sparse in the regions north of downtown Napa and in evenings.
Photo Credit: Napa Valley Wine Train
There are plenty of ways to enjoy wine country without renting a car. Cruise through vineyards with Napa Valley Bike Tours, take a mountainside ATV tour, hop aboard the iconic Napa Valley Wine Train with a luxury rail experience, or ride in a Tuk-Tuk with Laces and Limos.
Whether you’re looking to be a more eco-friendly traveler or just prefer to slow down and explore at a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of ways to enjoy wine country without renting a car or using rideshare services. Napa Valley is home to breathtaking scenery and mild weather year-round, and getting out of the car is one of the best ways to experience the destination.