Los Angeles, CA, USA to San Mateo, CA, USA from $25: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Los Angeles to San Mateo: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$25 by trainBest price

597 kmDistance

3h 48m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles to San Mateo 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 - San Mateo operators

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

Plane

Website

southwest.com

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

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$2358-2359

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$2352-256

Website

united.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$1641-1642

Website

delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 27m

Estimated price

$1641-250

Website

aa.com

Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$1641-1640

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

9h 55m

Estimated price

$837-838

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

caltrain.com

Train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain to San Mateo Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration

1h 4m

Estimated price

$834-836

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

$2354-2357

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Redwood City Station

Average Duration

7h 25m

Estimated price

$2350-2351

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

$2354-2357

Drive

Drive from Los Angeles to San Mateo

Average Duration

6h 12m

Estimated price

$578-579

Los Angeles to San Mateo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Los Angeles and San Mateo 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 Los Angeles to San Mateo, covering a distance of 371 miles. The journey offers a mix of coastal views, rolling hills, and urban landscapes. 💰 Depending on gas prices and toll fees, expect to spend between $65 to $100 for the drive from Los Angeles to San Mateo. Plan your budget accordingly and enjoy the flexibility of exploring new places along the way. 🛣️ With an approximate travel time of 6 hours and 12 minutes, the road trip from Los Angeles to San Mateo presents the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems, try local cuisines, and create unforgettable memories on the go.

Average price

$65 - $100

🚄 Traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Mateo involves a scenic journey with one transfer in San Jose Diridon. The total travel time is approximately 11 hours and 21 minutes.

Departure Point

Los Angeles station

Arrival Point

San Mateo Caltrain Northbound station

🛫 Flying from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport on a direct flight takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient journey. Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and other carriers provide options for this route. 🌉 Once you land in San Francisco, you can expect a total travel time of around 3 hours and 48 minutes to reach San Mateo, located nearby. Several airlines operate flights between these cities, offering a range of prices from $57 to $235 for the trip.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🚏 Passengers will depart from Los Angeles Union Station and make transfers at San Jose Diridon Station, Santa Clara & 2nd, and Palo Alto Transit Center before reaching their final destination in San Mateo. 💸 The cost of a bus ticket between San Mateo and Los Angeles ranges from $40 to $99, offering an affordable transportation option for travelers making this route.

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 San Mateo.

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The distance between Los Angeles and San Mateo is approximately 539.1 km by direct route. The road distance is slightly longer at 596.7 km. Travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. Taking a train and then the Caltrain, it typically takes around 11 hours and 21 minutes to reach San Mateo from Los Angeles. By plane, the travel time reduces to about 3 hours and 38 minutes. Driving by car takes approximately 6 hours and 12 minutes, while taking a bus usually requires around 9 hours and 4 minutes.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Los Angeles to San Mateo is to take a night bus, which typically takes around 8 hours and costs between $30 and $110. This is a longer journey time but can provide significant savings. However, if time is a priority, flying is the quickest option, taking approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes and costing between $80 and $300.

The prices for a bus ticket between San Mateo and Los Angeles range from $40 to $99.

To get from Los Angeles to San Mateo without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is approximately 597.1 km, and it takes approximately 6 hours and 12 minutes to drive. The prices for car rentals vary, but you can expect to spend around $65 to $100 for the journey.

The best way to travel from Los Angeles to San Mateo without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes around 9 hours and 4 minutes and costs between $35 to $100. Another option is to fly, which takes approximately 3 hours and 38 minutes and costs around $55 to $250. Alternatively, you can also take a combination of train and Caltrain, which takes a little longer at 11 hours and 21 minutes but costs between $24 to $170.

There is no direct train or bus link between Los Angeles and San Mateo. However, you can reach San Mateo from Los Angeles by taking a train to San Jose Diridon and then transferring to Caltrain, which takes approximately 11 hours and 21 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a plane from Los Angeles to San Mateo, which typically takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes. Driving is also an option, with a travel time of about 6 hours and 12 minutes.

The flight between Los Angeles and San Mateo typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, with prices ranging from $57 to $245.

There are plenty of options for accommodation in San Mateo. With over 510 hotels to choose from, you can find something that suits your preferences and budget. Prices start at $58, so there are options available for various price ranges.