Travel

Telephoning

For those traveling internationally, when dialing any number, hold down the "0" key on your cell phone to display the "+" then enter the country code. So, the hotel's number would be dialed as: +1 415 771-1400, Carl's number would be dialed as: +1 435 770-5369. The country for the United States it is 1.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, please contact your wireless carrier before you leave for coverage and pricing information while in the US.

Passport and Entrance Requirements

Please verify with your appropriate government agency that you will meet all entrance requirements. For those traveling to the USA, please ensure your passport is valid for six months after your travel date. More information for those traveling to the USA.

VISA Invitations

For those traveling from outside of the USA, you may need to get a VISA for your stay in San Francisco. Contact your local government for more information. Download the CGA invitation letter, fill in the information and then email to visainvite@casualconnect.org. [download visa letter

Also to help receive your visa to the US, a representative of the city of San Francisco has also written an invitation letter that you can download and print to bring with you to your interview. [San Francisco invitation letter]

Getting Around

Downtown San Francisco is compact with everything you need for the conference nearby - you will not need to rent a car. All planned events are within walking distance.

If you need transport - there are plenty of taxis you can hail on the street in the city to take you around. If you have meetings inside of the city of San Francisco and just one trip to Redmond, taxis are cheaper than renting a car. If you need a taxi call: Yellow Cab +1 (415) 333-3333. Try to have a map of where you are going with you so you don't get lost!

Detailed Travel Instructions

CAR From I-80 going West into San Francisco, take exit 2A for Fifth Street. Turn left on Harrison St. Take first right on 6th St. Continue on to Golden Gate Ave. Turn right on Taylor St. Turn right on O'Farrell St. Hilton Hotel will be on your right.
Parking is available at the Hotel.

TRAIN from OAK Oakland Airport (OAK) airport is 20 miles from the venue. From OAK, board the AirBart to the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Bart Station price: $3.00. The Airbart runs every 10 minutes for a 15 minute journey. From the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Bart Station travel to the Powell Street Station by boarding the Fremont-Daly City or the Dublin/Pleasanton-Daly City train towards Daly City: price: $3.85. Trains run every 10 minutes for a 22 minute ride. It's then a short 5 minute walk from the Powell St. station to the venue from the 5th Street/Cyril Magnin Powell Street Station Exit. (Point B to point A on the map)

TRAIN from SFO San Francisco International Airport (SFO) airport is 15 miles from the venue. The BART station at SFO is located in the International Terminal. Trains arrive at the SFO International Terminal every 15 minutes and it's just 30 minutes to downtown San Francisco. A one-way ticket from SFO to downtown is $8.25. See train schedules here.. It's then a short 5 minute walk from the Powell St. station to the venue from the 5th Street/Cyril Magnin Powell Street Station Exit. (Point B to point A on the map)
+1 (415) 989-2278 Schedule Info and Customer Service

Taxi San Francisco International Airport has several taxi pick-up locations see this map. The ride is 15 miles, about 30 - 50 minutes depending on traffic and can be as much as $50.
Oakland International Airport cab pick-up location is in front of both terminals. The ride is 15 miles, about 30 - 50 minutes depending on traffic and can be as much as $65. If you do take a taxi make sure you have enough US dollars on hand to cover the fare.

Food

The food in San Francisco is very good, and restaurants are easily accessible. There is an excellent restaurant convienently located in the hotel that has a discount for Casual Connect attendees. If you would like to plan ahead, view restaurant options.

A buffet lunch will be served every day !

Weather

In July, the average high is 67F/19C and the average low is 54F/12C. Summer! Not too hot and not too cold. Time to loose all the jackets and scarf's and walk around in shorts and t-shirts! View San Francisco weather forecast.

Health & Safety

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's guide to Travelers' Health. The US State Deparment's information relating to International Travel.

Lost?

Please call the hotel: + 1 (415) 771-1400. If they can not help you then call Carl at: +1 (435) 770 5369.