Palo Alto, CA, USA to San Mateo, CA, USA from $1: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Palo Alto to San Mateo: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$1 by busBest price

24 kmDistance

19m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Palo Alto 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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Palo Alto - San Mateo operators

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

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to San Mateo Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration

27m

Estimated price

$4-6

Bus

Website

samtrans.com

Bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to El Camino Real & E 5th Ave

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$1-5

Taxi

Contact phone

+1 408-459-8010

Website

taxisanjose.com

Taxi from Palo Alto to San Mateo

Average Duration

19m

Estimated price

$85-110

Drive

Drive from Palo Alto to San Mateo

Average Duration

19m

Estimated price

$2-4

Palo Alto to San Mateo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Palo Alto 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.

🚗 Start your journey from Palo Alto and enjoy the scenic 15-mile drive to San Mateo in just about 19 minutes. 💸 Prices for this short road trip typically range from $2 to $4 for gas and tolls, making it an affordable and convenient travel option.

Average price

$2 - $4

🚆 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Palo Alto to San Mateo by train. The direct train operated by Caltrain departs hourly, with a travel time of approximately 27 minutes. 🚌 For an alternate route, consider taking a bus towards San Francisco, which takes around 54 minutes before transferring to a train at San Francisco - Palo Alto Transit Center. This option offers a scenic and relaxed travel experience.

Departure Point

Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound station

Arrival Point

San Mateo Caltrain Northbound station

🚌 Traveling from Palo Alto to San Mateo by bus is a convenient and efficient option. The direct bus service operated by SamTrans departs every 20 minutes and takes approximately 56 minutes to reach the destination. 🚌 The journey covers a distance of around 18 miles, offering passengers a comfortable ride through the scenic route. The bus route passes by various stops before arriving at El Camino Real & E 5th Ave in San Mateo. 🚌 With affordable ticket prices ranging from $1 to $5, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free commute between Palo Alto and San Mateo. SamTrans provides reliable bus services, ensuring a smooth and pleasant travel experience for passengers on this route.

Departure Point

Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 station

Arrival Point

El Camino Real & E 5th Ave station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Palo Alto to San Mateo.

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The distance between Palo Alto and San Mateo is 20.9 km by direct route, and 23.8 km by road. Typically, it takes around 20-25 minutes to drive from Palo Alto to San Mateo, depending on traffic conditions. By bus, the travel time is approximately 40-45 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Palo Alto to San Mateo is by bus. It is an affordable choice, with ticket prices ranging from $1 to $5. The journey typically takes around 54 minutes. However, if time is a priority, a taxi would be the quickest way to reach San Mateo from Palo Alto. Although it is more expensive, with fares ranging from $85 to $110, the travel time is significantly reduced to just 19 minutes.

The prices for a bus journey from Palo Alto to San Mateo can range from $1 to $5.

To get from Palo Alto to San Mateo without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 24.1 km, which takes approximately 19 minutes. The road distance between the two cities is around 23.8 km. It is recommended to have a car for this journey and the cost would range from $2 to $4 for fuel.

The best way to travel from Palo Alto to San Mateo without a car is by taking the Caltrain. The journey usually takes around 27 minutes and the ticket prices range from $4 to $6. The Caltrain is a convenient and efficient option for commuting between these two cities, providing a comfortable and reliable transportation experience.

Yes, there is a direct link between Palo Alto and San Mateo. You can travel between the two cities by train or by bus. The train journey takes approximately 27 minutes and operates hourly. The bus journey, on the other hand, takes approximately 54 minutes and departs every 20 minutes.

There are plenty of accommodation options in San Mateo. There are over 510 hotels available in the area, offering a wide range of choices for all budgets. Prices start at $58 per night, depending on the type of accommodation and location you prefer.

Yes, it is possible to travel from Palo Alto to San Mateo by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is approximately 22 km, and the estimated travel time is around 1 hour and 11 minutes.