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San Francisco, CA, USA to San Rafael, CA, USA from $3:ย 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States
to
San Rafael, United States

How to Get from San Francisco to San Rafael: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$3 by busBest price
30 kmDistance
25m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to San Rafael 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.

Company
Golden Gate Ferry
Drive
Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$6-14
Recommended
Company
Golden Gate Transit
Bus
Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$3-9
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 30 km
Duration: 25m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$3-5
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$100-130

San Francisco - San Rafael operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+1 415-921-5858
Website
goldengatetransit.org

Bus from McAllister St & Polk St to San Rafael Transit Center Platform B

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$3-9
Ferry
Contact phone
+1 415-455-2000
Website
goldengate.org

Ferry from San Francisco Ferry Terminal to Larkspur Ferry Terminal

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$6-14
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 415.333.3333
Website
yellowcabsf.com

Taxi from San Francisco to San Rafael

Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$100-130
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 408-541-1515
Website
taxibayarea.com

Other from San Francisco to San Rafael

Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$100-130
Contact phone
+1 415-626-4733
Website
greencabsf.com

Other from San Francisco to San Rafael

Average Duration
25m
Estimated price
$100-130

San Francisco to San Rafael: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Francisco and San Rafael offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, youโ€™re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

๐Ÿš— Embark on a picturesque drive from San Francisco to San Rafael, spanning a mere 18 miles and offering a quick escape from the bustling city life. In just 25 minutes, you'll find yourself in the charming city of San Rafael. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Enjoy budget-friendly travel with car rental prices ranging from $3 to $5 for the journey from San Francisco to San Rafael. Economical and convenient, a road trip between these two Californian cities is a great way to explore the scenic beauty of the Bay Area.
Average price
$3 - $5
The route covers a distance of 18.5 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach your destination. ๐ŸšŒ Begin your trip by catching a bus towards Santa Rosa, which lasts about 48 minutes. This bus operated by Golden Gate Transit departs from McAllister St & Polk St in San Francisco and arrives at the San Rafael Transit Center. ๐ŸŒ‰ Enjoy a scenic ride as you travel 20.3 miles from San Francisco to San Rafael in 1 hour and 25 minutes. Take a bus towards San Rafael, a 1 hour and 2-minute journey that also departs from McAllister St & Polk St and arrives at the San Rafael Transit Center, operated by Golden Gate Transit.
๐ŸšŒ Catch the direct bus departing from McAllister St & Polk St to San Rafael Transit Center Platform B. Services run every 30 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 48 minutes. ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ The distance between San Francisco and San Rafael is about 21.2 miles, and the bus ticket prices vary from $3 to $9. Operated by Golden Gate Transit, the buses offer a convenient and affordable mode of transportation. ๐Ÿ“ Enjoy a smooth ride from San Francisco to San Rafael by bus, passing through scenic routes and arriving at the San Rafael Transit Center. For any inquiries, you can contact Golden Gate Transit at 1 455-2000 or visit their website at http://www.goldengate.org/.
Departure Point
McAllister St & Polk St station
Arrival Point
San Rafael Transit Center Platform B station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to San Rafael.

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The distance between San Francisco and San Rafael is 24.1 km. By ferry, it typically takes around 30 minutes to travel between the two cities. By car, it takes approximately 40 minutes to cover the road distance of 29.6 km. Lastly, if you prefer to travel by bus, it generally takes about 1 hour to reach San Rafael from San Francisco.
The most cost-effective way to travel from San Francisco to San Rafael is by driving, which typically costs between $3 and $5 and takes approximately 25 minutes. However, if time is a priority, taking a taxi would be the quickest option, which costs between $100 and $130 and also takes around 25 minutes.
The prices for traveling between San Francisco and San Rafael vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking the bus can cost anywhere from $3 to $9, while opting for the ferry can cost between $6 and $14.
To travel from San Francisco to San Rafael without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 29.0 km, which typically takes about 25 minutes. The driving route offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace and allows for convenient transportation of belongings. The cost of this journey by car varies, but it is generally around $3 to $5 depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to San Rafael without a car is by ferry. The ferry ride takes approximately 30 minutes and the cost ranges from $6 to $14.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and San Rafael. You can take a bus from McAllister St & Polk St in San Francisco to San Rafael Transit Center Platform B, with services operating every 30 minutes and the journey taking approximately 48 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from San Francisco Ferry Terminal to Larkspur Ferry Terminal, with services departing hourly and the journey taking approximately 30 minutes.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Rafael. With over 421 hotels available, you can find something to suit your needs and budget. Prices start at $74, offering a range of affordable and more luxurious options.
Yes, it is possible to travel from San Francisco to San Rafael by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is approximately 33 km and it takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes to cover this distance by bike.