Sacramento, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $10:ย 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Sacramento to Palo Alto: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$10 by trainBest price
186 kmDistance
2h 4m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Sacramento 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.
Sacramento - Palo Alto operators
Explore transport companies operating between Sacramento and Palo Alto, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Sacramento to San Francisco
Average Duration
2h 15mEstimated price
$10-1795Contact phone
+1 714-839-3500Website
gotobus.com
Bus from Sacramento to San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich
Average Duration
4h 57mEstimated price
$54-58Contact phone
+1 408-321-2300Website
vta.org
Bus from King & Tully to El Camino & Churchill
Average Duration
1h 52mEstimated price
$545-173Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Sacramento to Santa Clara Amtrak
Average Duration
2h 52mEstimated price
$173-174Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Train from San Francisco to Palo Alto
Average Duration
1h 1mEstimated price
$177-171Website
united.com
Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 9mEstimated price
$175-176Sacramento to Palo Alto: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Sacramento and Palo Alto offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, youโre sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
๐ The scenic road trip from Sacramento to Palo Alto covers 115 miles and takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes, offering a smooth drive through California's diverse landscapes.
๐ฐ Travelers can expect to spend anywhere between $20 to $35 on gas and tolls for the journey from Sacramento to Palo Alto by car, making it an affordable option for a weekend getaway or business trip.
Average price
$20 - $35
๐ Traveling from Sacramento to Palo Alto by train involves a journey of approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes, with transfers along the way.
๐ Prices for the train ride between Sacramento and Palo Alto can range from $10 to $91, offering an efficient and scenic way to travel between these two California cities.
Departure Point
Sacramento station
Arrival Point
Santa Clara Amtrak station
๐ซ Fly from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport with a quick 1 hour and 7 minute direct flight option offered by United Airlines.
Departure Point
Sacramento Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
๐ Starting from Sacramento the bus journey to Palo Alto involves transfers and will take approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes with services operated by Hoang Express and Santa Clara VTA.
๐ The route options vary in duration, distance, and number of transfers, with some routes taking around 5 to 6 hours to reach Palo Alto from Sacramento by bus.
Departure Point
Sacramento station
Arrival Point
El Camino & Churchill station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Sacramento to Palo Alto.
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The distance between Sacramento and Palo Alto is approximately 140.0 km or 185.7 km by road. Travel times by train from Sacramento to Palo Alto typically range around 3 hours and 54 minutes. Taking a combination of bus and Caltrain from Sacramento to Palo Alto can take approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes. The fastest mode of transportation is by car, which usually takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes. However, if you prefer bus travel, it can take up to 4 hours and 40 minutes to reach Palo Alto from Sacramento.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Sacramento to Palo Alto is by driving. It takes approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes to drive the distance of 140.0 km. Taking a bus or a train may be cheaper, but it takes longer, ranging from 3 hours and 35 minutes to 4 hours and 40 minutes.
The price of a train ticket between Sacramento and Palo Alto ranges from $10 to $91, depending on factors such as the type of ticket and the time of booking.
To get from Sacramento to Palo Alto without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 185.1 km, and it takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes to drive. The prices to rent a car for this journey can vary between $20 and $35, depending on the rental company and any additional fees.
To travel from Sacramento to Palo Alto without a car, the best option is to take a bus and then transfer to Caltrain. This journey takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes and will cost between $17 and $55. The bus will take you from Sacramento to a station where you can catch Caltrain, which will then take you to Palo Alto.
There is no direct train or bus link between Sacramento and Palo Alto. However, you can reach Palo Alto from Sacramento by taking a train and transferring at Santa Clara Caltrain. This journey takes approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sacramento to Palo Alto with transfers at Stockton, San Jose Diridon, and Santa Clara & 1st. This journey takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes.
The flight from Sacramento to Palo Alto typically takes 1 hour and 2 minutes. The cost of the flight will vary depending on the airline and the time of booking. Once you arrive at San Francisco Airport, the most convenient way to get to Palo Alto would be to take a taxi or rideshare service, which should take approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can also take the BART train from the airport to Palo Alto, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Palo Alto. With over 856 hotels to choose from, visitors can easily find something to suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at $64 per night, offering a range of affordable options.