Getting Around Visalia
Visalia, located in California's San Joaquin Valley, offers several transportation options for visitors to navigate the city and reach nearby attractions. The city is served by a network of public transit systems, ride-hailing services, and major roadways that connect it to the wider region.
Public Transportation
Visalia Transit operates local bus service throughout the city, providing an accessible way to move around on a budget. For visitors planning to explore the broader region, several intercity transit options connect Visalia to nearby areas:
- Tulare County Area Transit (TCaT) offers regional bus connections
- Tulare Intermodal Express (TIME) Route 11X provides daily service between downtown Visalia and downtown Tulare
- Kings Area Regional Transit (KART) Route 15 offers weekly service between downtown Visalia and the city of Hanford
- Sequoia Shuttle operates seasonal summer service between Visalia and Sequoia National Park, making it convenient for visitors planning to explore the national park
Intercity Bus Service
Long-distance travelers can reach Visalia via Greyhound and Amtrak bus service, both of which serve the Visalia Transit Center located at 425 E Oak Ave. This central location serves as a hub for both local and intercity bus arrivals and departures.
Reaching Visalia by Air
Visalia Municipal Airport is the primary commercial airport serving the city and offers daily flights to and from Ontario International Airport in Ontario, California aboard Great Lakes Airline. Visitors flying into larger regional hubs can also access nearby airports: Fresno Yosemite International Airport serves the San Joaquin Valley region to the north, and Meadows Field Airport serves the South Valley area. From any of these airports, ground transportation can connect you to Visalia.
Driving and Walkability
Visalia is accessible by car via California State Route 99, which connects the city to Fresno to the north and Bakersfield to the south. Highway 198 runs east to west through the middle of the city, providing easy access to downtown, Sequoia National Park, and Kaweah Lake. Mooney Boulevard runs north to south and serves as the main commercial corridor; its northern end curves into Main Street, which leads to the downtown area. For those preferring to explore on foot, downtown Visalia is walkable, though specific neighborhood walkability varies across the city.
Getting Around by Car
If you plan to drive around Visalia, several key streets form the city's street network. Akers, Caldwell, Lover's Lane, and Goshen Avenue run along the outer borders of town, while Tulare, Walnut, and Whitendale serve as useful east-west routes on the southern side of the city. The city is served by major freeways including the Golden State Highway and the Sequoia Freeway.