Best Ways to Get Around Paso Robles Wine Country Without Driving
Let’s be real—Paso Robles is a dream for wine lovers, but getting around without a car? Not always so dreamy. Whether you're flying in for a weekend getaway or planning a full wine-soaked vacation, transportation logistics can catch visitors off guard. Here’s what you need to know before you swirl and sip your way through wine country—without worrying about the keys.
Transportation in General: What to Expect
Paso Robles isn’t a big city with a fleet of rideshares on standby. It’s a rural wine region, spread out across hillsides, winding roads, and miles of open vineyard views. That’s part of the charm—but it also means getting around takes a little more planning.
If you're not driving yourself (which is a smart call if wine tasting is on the agenda), you’ve got a few solid options:
Wine tour companies that provide transportation
Private drivers or limo services
Shuttle services offered by some hotels or event organizers
Bike rentals, if you're sticking to town or feeling adventurous
These are your best bet for a smooth, no-worry wine-tasting experience.
Airport Transportation: Worth Planning Ahead
Flying into Paso Robles? You’ve got a few airport options, but none of them are right next door. The closest is San Luis Obispo Regional Airport (SBP), about 40 minutes away. Others might fly into Santa Barbara (SBA) or even San Jose or LAX and drive in.
The challenge? Airport transportation can be tricky—especially if your flight arrives early in the morning or late at night. Uber and Lyft coverage drops significantly outside typical business hours, and there’s no official shuttle between SBP and Paso. If you're flying in at an odd hour, pre-booking a car service or checking with your hotel about transportation options is key.
Uber & Rideshare: Unpredictable in the Hills
Here’s the big thing we tell our guests: don’t count on Uber like you would in a city.
In downtown Paso or just outside the city limits, you might get lucky and find a driver nearby. But once you head into the hills—where many of the most scenic and sought-after wineries are—rideshare becomes a gamble. Signal can be spotty, wait times are long (if there’s anyone available at all), and getting picked up at the end of a wine tasting on a winding hillside road? Not likely.
That’s why booking a wine tour or hiring a driver is hands-down the best way to enjoy your day without the stress. Not only will they take you safely from winery to winery, but they also know the roads, the tasting rooms, and the best photo ops.
Final Tip: Don’t Wing It
Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for your annual wine fix, transportation is something to plan ahead. Paso Robles offers incredible wine experiences, but a little groundwork goes a long way in making the day smooth, safe, and fun.
Looking for a reliable local driver or guided wine tour? We’ve got you covered—reach out and we’ll help you set it up.