Originally Posted by
Samoi
OP says may have to go. Sounds like a mandatory trip for business or family. They researched flights but didn't get completed info. I'm not a huge fan of small planes but to get to Eureka I'd fly. Driving only if I had lots of time, as in a small vacation. Arcata is a lovely town. Eureka a tad less so.
OP started this thread 5 years ago, so likely whatever specific need s/he had is long past.
Me? I would always drive to Eureka or Arcata, but I live near San Francisco so it's not worth dealing with the schedule or cost of a flight for that route. If I were traveling from farther away, my preferences would be:
1) Fly to ACV if the costs and schedule look reasonable; or if not then
2) Fly to SFO, OAK, or SMF (whichever is best for cost and schedule), rent a car, and drive several hours.
I consider bus service to Arcata/Eureka a waste of time unless one is unable to drive.