San Jose, CA, USA to San Mateo, CA, USA from $2: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$2 by busBest price

48 kmDistance

33m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Explore transport companies operating between San Jose 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 San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to San Mateo Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration

1h 4m

Estimated price

$7-9

Bus

Contact phone

+1 408-321-2300

Website

http://vta.org

Bus from Santa Clara & Almaden Boulevard to Palo Alto Transit Center

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$2-5

Website

http://samtrans.com

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

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$2-5

Taxi

Contact phone

+1 408-459-8010

Website

http://taxisanjose.com

Taxi from San Jose to San Mateo

Average Duration

33m

Estimated price

$160-200

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

Traveling between San Jose 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.

🚗 The scenic drive from San Jose to San Mateo covers a distance of 30 miles and takes around 33 minutes, making it a quick and convenient journey for a day trip or weekend getaway. 💰 Prices for the trip by car typically range from $5 to $8, offering an affordable transportation option with the flexibility to explore the vibrant attractions and local charm of San Mateo upon arrival.

Average price

$5 - $8

🚆 Traveling from San Jose to San Mateo by train is a convenient and efficient way to reach your destination. The direct train service operated by Caltrain takes approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete the journey. 🛤️ The train departs from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound station and arrives at San Mateo Caltrain Northbound station, with services running hourly every day. The route covers a distance of 29.1 miles, providing a scenic and comfortable ride between the two cities. 📞 For more information or to make reservations, you can contact Caltrain at 1-800-660-4287 or visit their website at http://www.caltrain.com/. Enjoy a hassle-free and relaxing journey from San Jose to San Mateo aboard the Caltrain service.

Departure Point

San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound station

Arrival Point

San Mateo Caltrain Northbound station

🚌 Starting from Santa Clara & Almaden Boulevard, travelers can embark on a bus journey to San Mateo 🌉 with a transfer at Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9. 🚏 The route operated by Santa Clara VTA and SamTrans spans approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes, making it a convenient option for those commuting between the two cities. 💰 Fares for the bus service range between $2 to $10, offering an affordable and accessible mode of transportation for individuals traveling from San Jose to San Mateo. 🚍

Departure Point

Santa Clara & Almaden Boulevard station

Arrival Point

El Camino Real & E 5th Ave station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Jose to San Mateo.

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The distance between San Jose and San Mateo is 45.1 km by road. By car, it typically takes around to travel between the two cities. If you prefer to take the bus, the travel time is approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes. The road distance is slightly longer at 48.4 km.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Jose to San Mateo is to take the line 22 bus and then transfer to another bus. This option costs between $2 and $10 and takes approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option is to take a taxi, which takes only 33 minutes but can cost between $160 and $200.

The prices for a bus ticket between San Jose and San Mateo vary between $2 and $10.

To travel from San Jose to San Mateo without public transportation, you can drive the 48.3 km distance, which takes around 33 minutes. The road trip offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore the scenic route at your own pace. The cost of the journey varies, ranging from $5 to $8 depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.

If you don't have access to a car, the best way to travel from San Jose to San Mateo is by taking the Caltrain. The Caltrain journey takes approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes and costs between $7 and $9.

Yes, there is a direct link between San Jose and San Mateo. You can take a train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain station to San Mateo Caltrain station, with services departing hourly and taking approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Santa Clara & Almaden Blvd in San Jose, which requires a transfer at Palo Alto Transit Center and takes approximately 2 hours and 27 minutes to reach El Camino Real & E 5th Ave in San Mateo.

There are a wide range of accommodation options available near San Mateo. With over 510 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a variety of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in San Mateo start at $58 per night, offering affordable options for those who are budget-conscious.

Yes, it is possible to travel from San Jose to San Mateo by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is approximately 45.1 km. The travel time by bike will depend on individual fitness levels and cycling speed, but it typically takes around 2-3 hours to cover this distance.