San Diego, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $27: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$27 by trainBest price

770 kmDistance

3h 49m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego 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 San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

9h 50m

Estimated price

$2911-2913

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

https://www.flixbus.com/

Bus from San Diego to San Jose Downtown

Average Duration

9h 40m

Estimated price

$2795-786

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

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

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration

2h 56m

Estimated price

$276-785

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

9h 55m

Estimated price

$25127-251260

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to Palo Alto Caltrain

Average Duration

36m

Estimated price

$276-277

Train from Santa Clara Caltrain to California Avenue Caltrain

Average Duration

27m

Estimated price

$2510-2511

Plane

Website

https://www.southwest.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 43m

Estimated price

$2914-2915

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$785-2916

Website

https://www.alaskaair.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 41m

Estimated price

$2918-460

Website

https://www.united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 44m

Estimated price

$2913-270

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Monterey (MRY)

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$2919-2916

Website

https://www.spirit.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 34m

Estimated price

$787-273

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration

1h 38m

Estimated price

$274-2910

Website

https://www.flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 36m

Estimated price

$274-460

Website

https://www.delta.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration

3h 22m

Estimated price

$275-2915

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

Traveling between San Diego 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 sunny San Diego to the bustling city of Palo Alto, covering a distance of 479 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes and charming cities along the way as you make your way north. 💰 Prices for the journey from San Diego to Palo Alto by car typically range between $85 to $130, providing budget-friendly options for travelers. Plan your route wisely to optimize your travel expenses and make the most out of your road trip experience. 🛣️ Set out on an approximately 8-hour drive through the beautiful California highways, passing through vibrant towns and picturesque stretches of the West Coast. Arrive in Palo Alto refreshed and ready to explore all the exciting attractions this dynamic city has to offer.

Average price

$85 - $130

🚆 Traveling from San Diego to Palo Alto by train involves a scenic journey with transfers through Los Angeles and San Jose. The total duration of the trip, including transfers, is approximately 14 hours and 52 minutes. 🚆 Ticket prices for the train journey from San Diego to Palo Alto range from $27 to $251, offering travelers a range of options based on their preferences and budget. Embark on this relaxing train journey to experience the beauty of California's diverse landscapes.

Departure Point

San Diego station

Arrival Point

San Jose station

🛫 Flying from San Diego to Palo Alto is a convenient option, with a quick direct flight usually taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes from San Diego Airport to San Francisco Airport.

Departure Point

San Diego Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🚌 Although there is no direct bus route from San Diego to Palo Alto, travelers can take a journey with Flixbus USA, making transfers along the way. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 12 hours and 17 minutes. 🚌 The bus services departing from San Diego station will take passengers through various stops before reaching Palo Alto, including San Carlos & Market and Evelyn & Frances. This route offers a scenic view of the California landscape during the 12-hour, 34-minute trip. 🚌 Ticket prices for the bus between Palo Alto and San Diego can vary, ranging from $53 to $124. Despite the need for transfers, the journey offers an affordable and convenient option for travelers looking to explore the region by bus.

Departure Point

San Diego station

Arrival Point

San Jose Downtown station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and Palo Alto is approximately 698 km. By car, it takes about 8 hours to travel from San Diego to Palo Alto. Taking a train, the journey takes approximately 14 hours and 52 minutes. Alternatively, flying to San Francisco and then taking the Caltrain can get you to Palo Alto in around 3 hours and 42 minutes. Buses also offer an option, taking around 12 hours and 30 minutes to reach Palo Alto from San Diego.

The most cost-effective way to travel from San Diego to Palo Alto is by taking a night bus, which typically costs between $40 and $140. Although it takes around 11 hours and 20 minutes, it is an affordable option for budget travelers. Alternatively, the quickest way to reach Palo Alto is by flying and then taking the Caltrain. This option takes approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes, but it is more expensive, with prices ranging from $65 to $300.

The prices for a train journey from San Diego to Palo Alto range from $27 to $251. On the other hand, taking a bus from Palo Alto to San Diego can cost anywhere between $53 and $124.

To get from San Diego to Palo Alto without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The distance by car is approximately 771 km, and it usually takes around 8 hours to reach Palo Alto from San Diego. The prices for a car journey can vary between $85 to $130, depending on factors such as fuel consumption and toll fees.

The best way to travel from San Diego to Palo Alto without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes and the ticket prices range from $50 to $130.

No, there is no direct train link between San Diego and Palo Alto. However, there are train services available with transfers. The journey takes approximately 14 hours and 52 minutes, including transfers at Los Angeles and San Jose. These services are operated by Amtrak.

The flight between San Diego and Palo Alto typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes. However, this is a direct flight from San Diego Airport to San Francisco Airport, so additional travel time will be required to reach Palo Alto. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300.

There are numerous options for accommodation in and around Palo Alto. With over 856 hotels available, visitors can choose from a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in Palo Alto start at $64 per night, making it possible to find a suitable place to stay for every traveler.