Getting There
Davis is served primarily by Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which sits roughly 19 miles from downtown Davis — about a 25-to-30-minute drive via I-80. Rideshare and taxi options run approximately $45-$80 from SMF to Davis. Budget-conscious fans can take Yolobus Routes 42A or 42B, which connect SMF directly to Davis for just $2.25 and run every 30-60 minutes, seven days a week.
Getting Around
Within Davis, Unitrans operates 20 bus routes serving the UC Davis campus and surrounding city neighborhoods, with strong weekday ridership and routes covering most game-day destinations. Davis is famously bike-friendly, and many fans walk or cycle to the UC Davis Credit Union Center, which sits on campus. Uber and Lyft are available but supply can be limited in this smaller college town, so rideshare waits may be longer than you'd expect in a major city.
Where to Stay
Downtown Davis (Central Davis) is the best base for visiting fans: it puts you within walking or biking distance of the UC Davis campus, close to restaurants and bars on G Street, and well-connected to Unitrans routes. Hotels in Davis range from budget options around $75-$100 per night to mid-range properties like the Hyatt House Davis and Best Western Plus Palm Court Hotel in the $125-$220 range depending on season. September is the priciest month — coinciding with the start of fall sports — so book well in advance for early-season games. The University Avenue corridor, which runs directly from downtown into campus, is another solid area with multiple hotel options close to the action.
Sports Fan Notes
Davis is a true college sports town built around UC Davis, where the Aggies compete in the Big West Conference and play basketball in the intimate, on-campus UC Davis Credit Union Center — a venue where student energy and proximity to the floor make for a genuinely fun atmosphere. The men's and women's basketball programs share the same building, so a weekend trip can easily include two games. Sacramento's Golden 1 Center is only about 15 miles east on I-80, giving fans a convenient option to pair a UC Davis game with an NBA or concert event in the capital. Davis's compact, walkable downtown also means pregame and postgame options on G Street are just a short stroll from campus.
Venues in Davis
University Credit Union Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from SMF to downtown Davis?
The fastest option is a rideshare or taxi, which takes about 25-30 minutes via I-80 and costs roughly $45-$80. The most affordable option is Yolobus Route 42A or 42B, which departs from both Terminal A and Terminal B at SMF, runs every 30-60 minutes daily, and costs just $2.25 per ride — the trip takes about an hour. A private shuttle service is also available for groups.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Davis for a sports trip?
Central Davis (downtown) is the top choice — it puts you a short walk or bike ride from the UC Davis campus and the Credit Union Center, with easy access to Unitrans bus routes, plus bars and restaurants on G Street for pregame and postgame. The University Avenue corridor is a close second, with several hotels lining the main route directly into campus.
Which sports teams play in Davis?
Davis is home to the UC Davis Aggies men's basketball team (NCAAB) and the UC Davis Aggies women's basketball team (NCAAW), both of which play at the UC Davis Credit Union Center on campus. Both teams compete in the Big West Conference, and a weekend visit can realistically include games from both programs, making Davis a strong value destination for college basketball fans.
Is Davis a World Cup 2026 host city?
No, Davis is not hosting any 2026 FIFA World Cup matches. The nearest host city is Los Angeles, which is one of the primary U.S. venues for the tournament. Fans looking to combine a Davis sports trip with a World Cup match would need to travel south to the LA area.
Sports cities near Davis
Close enough to pair with a Davis trip — or to catch a game on the drive in.