Los Angeles, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $23: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Los Angeles to Palo Alto: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$23 by trainBest price

518 kmDistance

3h 57m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles to Palo Alto with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Los Angeles - Palo Alto operators

Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and Palo Alto, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

$2465-2467

Bus from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose

Average Duration

7h 20m

Estimated price

$2460-2467

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

9h 55m

Estimated price

$2468-2469

Train from Oakland Coliseum/Airport to Santa Clara

Average Duration

52m

Estimated price

$709-2460

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to Palo Alto Caltrain

Average Duration

36m

Estimated price

$703-704

Train from Santa Clara Caltrain to California Avenue Caltrain

Average Duration

27m

Estimated price

$707-708

Plane

Website

https://southwest.com/

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$230-231

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 14m

Estimated price

$232-233

Website

https://alaskaair.com/

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$232-1621

Website

https://aa.com/

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$1624-1623

Website

https://jetblue.com/

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 27m

Estimated price

$232-1628

Website

https://spirit.com/

Plane from Los Angeles to Oakland

Average Duration

1h 24m

Estimated price

$232-1621

Website

https://united.com/

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$1624-1625

Website

https://flyfrontier.com/

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 23m

Estimated price

$702-235

Tram

Contact phone

+1-323-466-3876

Website

https://www.metro.net/

Tram from Historic Broadway Station to Del Amo Station

Average Duration

41m

Estimated price

$705-705

Los Angeles to Palo Alto: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Los Angeles and Palo Alto offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from the bustling city of Los Angeles to the tech hub of Palo Alto, covering a driving distance of 358 miles. Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes and vibrant cities along the way. 💸 Experience flexibility in pricing as the cost of driving from Los Angeles to Palo Alto ranges between $65 to $95, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Take advantage of the affordability and convenience of a car journey for this exciting adventure. 🌉 Arrive in Palo Alto after approximately 6 hours of driving, ready to explore the innovative Silicon Valley region. Discover the blend of technology and nature in this dynamic city, making your road trip a memorable and rewarding experience.

Average price

$65 - $95

🚂 Traveling by train from Los Angeles to Palo Alto involves a journey with transfers, taking approximately 10 hours and 56 minutes. There's no direct route, so passengers will need to change trains during the trip. 💰 Prices for a train ticket between Los Angeles and Palo Alto range from $23 to $162, offering travelers a cost-effective and scenic way to explore the beautiful landscapes of California.

Departure Point

Los Angeles station

Arrival Point

San Jose station

🛫 Flying from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport is a quick and convenient way to travel to Palo Alto. The direct flight takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a popular choice for travelers. 🛄 Upon arrival at San Francisco Airport, travelers can easily catch a shuttle or taxi to Palo Alto, located approximately 30 miles south. Alternatively, rental cars are available for those who prefer to have their own transportation.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🚌 The journey from Los Angeles to Palo Alto by bus takes approximately 7 hours and 57 minutes with transfers required along the way. 💵 Ticket prices for the bus service between Los Angeles and Palo Alto range from $40 to $99, offering a cost-effective travel option for those looking to explore California.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Union Station

Arrival Point

San Jose Diridon Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to Palo Alto.

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The distance between Los Angeles and Palo Alto is approximately 518.2 km by air, with a typical travel time of about 3 hours and 54 minutes, including a flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco and then a train ride using Caltrain. By train, the travel time is around 10 hours and 56 minutes to cover the same distance. Driving by car takes approximately 6 hours, while the bus ride between the two cities usually takes 7 hours and 53 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Los Angeles to Palo Alto is by train, with prices ranging from $22 to $170. Although it takes significantly longer, with a travel time of 10 hours and 56 minutes, it is the most budget-friendly option. However, for a quicker journey, the fastest way to get from Los Angeles to Palo Alto is to fly to San Francisco and then take the Caltrain, which takes approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $90 to $310.

The train prices for a trip from Los Angeles to Palo Alto range from $23 to $162, depending on the time and class of the ticket. On the other hand, bus prices for the journey from Palo Alto to Los Angeles vary from $40 to $99, depending on the bus company and the level of comfort offered.

To travel from Los Angeles to Palo Alto without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 576.1 km, and it takes about 6 hours to reach Palo Alto by car. The cost of renting a car or using your own vehicle typically ranges from $65 to $95, depending on factors such as fuel prices and rental fees.

The best way to travel from Los Angeles to Palo Alto without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 53 minutes, and the cost ranges from $35 to $100. The bus route includes a stop at Santa Clara & 2nd and provides a convenient and affordable option for traveling between the two cities.

Yes, there is a direct train link between Los Angeles and Palo Alto. It takes approximately 10 hours and 56 minutes to travel from Los Angeles to Palo Alto by train with a transfer at San Jose Diridon Caltrain station. Alternatively, there is no direct bus route, but Greyhound USA operates services from Los Angeles to Palo Alto with a transfer at San Jose Diridon Station, taking approximately 7 hours and 53 minutes.

The flight between Los Angeles and Palo Alto typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of a flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but prices generally range from around $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket.

There are numerous options for accommodations near Palo Alto with over 856 hotels available. Prices for hotels in the area start at $64 per night. Some popular hotels in Palo Alto include The Westin Palo Alto and The Creekside Inn.