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San Mateo, CA, USA to Berkeley, CA, USA from $3: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Mateo, United States
to
Berkeley, United States

How to Get from San Mateo to Berkeley: 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
50 kmDistance
38m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Mateo to Berkeley 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
BART
BART
Average Duration
1h  26m
Estimated price
$14-17
Recommended
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
2h  59m
Estimated price
$3-10
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 50 km
Duration: 38m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$5-9
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$170-210

San Mateo - Berkeley operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Train from Millbrae to Downtown Berkeley

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$10-13
Bus
Website
samtrans.com

Bus from S Delaware St & 2nd Ave to Mission St & 1st St

Average Duration
1h 56m
Estimated price
$3-10
Website
actransit.org

Bus from Salesforce Transit Center Bay 32 to Shattuck Av & Allston Way

Average Duration
44m
Estimated price
0-0
Taxi

Taxi from San Mateo to Berkeley

Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$170-210
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Other from San Mateo to Berkeley

Average Duration
38m
Estimated price
$5-9

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

Traveling between San Mateo and Berkeley 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 journey from San Mateo to Berkeley, covering a distance of 31 miles, which can be traversed in just under 38 minutes by car. Enjoy the smooth drive with picturesque views along the way. 💵 Explore flexible pricing options for your trip from San Mateo to Berkeley by car, ranging from $5 to $9. Plan your budget accordingly and choose the most suitable travel package for a budget-friendly excursion.
Average price
$5 - $9
🚆 Despite there being no direct train from San Mateo to Berkeley, travelers can easily make the journey by taking the BART service. The trip involves a transfer at Millbrae and takes approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes in total.
Departure Point
Millbrae station
Arrival Point
Downtown Berkeley station
🛫 Flying from San Mateo to Berkeley is a quick and convenient journey, with a flight duration of just 1 hour and 26 minutes. It's a great option for travelers looking to save time. 💸 The prices for flights between Berkeley and San Mateo typically range from $14 to $17, making it an affordable choice for those looking to travel on a budget. With varying prices, passengers can find a deal that suits their wallet.
🚌 Your journey from San Mateo to Berkeley via bus will include transfers at Salesforce Transit Center Bay 32. The total travel time is approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes. 🛤️ The route covers a distance of 40.5 miles, with the first leg operated by SamTrans towards San Francisco. The second step, managed by AC Transit, heads towards 800 Richmond Bart All-Nighter via downtown Oakland. 💰 Prices for the bus service between San Mateo and Berkeley range from $3 to $10. Ensure to check the schedules and contact SamTrans and AC Transit for more details on the journey.
Departure Point
S Delaware St & 2nd Ave station
Arrival Point
Shattuck Av & Allston Way station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to travel from San Mateo to Berkeley is by driving. The approximate cost of gas for this journey ranges from $5 to $9, depending on the vehicle and current gas prices. The drive takes about 38 minutes via US-101 N and I-80 E, making it a cost-effective and efficient option for transportation between these two cities.
The fastest way to travel from San Mateo to Berkeley is by taking a taxi, which typically takes around 38 minutes to reach your destination. However, this option can be quite expensive, with taxi fares ranging from $170 to $210 for the journey. Alternatively, you can consider driving yourself, which is not only cost-effective, with expenses around $5 to $9, but also relatively efficient in terms of travel time.
The distance from San Mateo to Berkeley is approximately 22 miles. If you are traveling by road, the distance will be around 30.9 miles. The driving route offers a scenic journey taking you through different neighborhoods and landscapes along the way. The estimated driving time is around 38 minutes, but this can vary depending on traffic conditions.
To travel from San Mateo to Berkeley without a car, the most convenient option is to take the BART train. The BART train ride from San Mateo to Berkeley takes approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes. The cost of a one-way BART ticket for this journey ranges from $13 to $18, making it an affordable and efficient alternative to driving. You can access the BART system at the nearest station to your location in San Mateo and ride it all the way to Downtown Berkeley station for a smooth and hassle-free commute.
The journey from San Mateo to Berkeley takes approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes, including any necessary transfers. This time may vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen, such as driving, public transportation, or ridesharing services. It's essential to consider potential traffic conditions and peak travel times when estimating the duration of your trip between these two cities. Planning ahead and checking real-time traffic updates can help you better gauge the expected travel time.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Berkeley with over 800 hotels available, providing a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area typically start at $76 per night, offering affordable options for travelers. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly stay or a more luxurious experience, you can easily find suitable lodging in the Berkeley area to enhance your travel experience. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Yes, you can drive from San Mateo to Berkeley. The driving distance between the two cities is 31 miles, and it usually takes around 38 minutes to drive, depending on traffic conditions. The route typically involves taking I-580 E or I-880 N, and both are straightforward drives without any major complexities. Make sure to account for traffic and plan your journey accordingly to ensure a smooth trip.
There is no direct bus service available between San Mateo and Berkeley. Traveling by bus typically involves transferring at the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 2 hours and 59 minutes. It is advisable to plan for these transfers and allocate enough time for the trip.
To catch the bus from San Mateo to Berkeley you will need to go to the S Delaware St & 2nd Ave station. This station is where the SamTrans services operate from for this route. It is advisable to arrive at the station a little early to ensure you catch the bus on time. The schedule for the bus service can vary, so it's recommended to check the timetable in advance to plan your journey efficiently.
The bus service from San Mateo to Berkeley, operated by AC Transit, arrives at the Shattuck Avenue & Allston Way station in Berkeley. This stop is conveniently located in downtown Berkeley, making it easy for passengers to access local attractions, shopping centers, and dining options. The station is a convenient hub for connecting to other AC Transit routes as well as the BART system for further travel within the Bay Area. Passengers can expect a straightforward and hassle-free arrival at Shattuck Avenue & Allston Way station when traveling from San Mateo to Berkeley by bus.
The fastest way to travel from San Mateo to Berkeley by plane is by taking a flight. Flights between the two cities typically take around 1 hour and 26 minutes, making it the quickest option. Prices for a flight from San Mateo to Berkeley range from $14 to $17, depending on the airline and time of booking. Flying is not only the fastest but also a convenient option for this journey.
Trains from San Mateo to Berkeley arrive at Downtown Berkeley station. This station is located in the heart of Berkeley, making it convenient for travelers visiting the city. Downtown Berkeley station is a major hub for BART services, offering connections to various destinations across the Bay Area. It provides easy access to the University of California, Berkeley campus and other popular attractions in the area.
No, there is no direct train between San Mateo and Berkeley. The train services that operate between these two locations require a transfer in Millbrae. Passengers will need to board the train at San Mateo Caltrain Northbound, disembark in Millbrae, and then catch another train to Downtown Berkeley. The total journey time, including transfers, usually takes around 1 hour and 26 minutes.
To catch the train from San Mateo to Berkeley you will need to go to the Millbrae station. This station is where the BART train services run along this route. Ensure you are at the station in time for the scheduled departure to Berkeley. The BART train offers a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two cities.
The cost of a flight from San Mateo to Berkeley typically ranges from $14 to $17. Prices can fluctuate based on factors like the time of booking, season of travel, and availability of seats. It's advisable to check multiple airlines and booking platforms to find the best deal for your preferred travel dates. Keep in mind that flight prices can vary, so booking in advance or being flexible with your travel dates can help you secure a lower fare.
A bus ride from San Mateo to Berkeley typically costs between $3 and $10, depending on the specific bus service chosen and any available discounts. Prices may vary based on factors such as time of day, day of the week, and booking in advance. It's advisable to check the current fares with the bus company or online ticketing platforms before making travel arrangements to get the most up-to-date pricing information.
Driving from San Mateo to Berkeley typically costs between $5 and $9 in fuel expenses, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. Additionally, drivers should consider any potential toll fees along the route that may add to the total cost. It is recommended to check real-time gas prices and road conditions before embarking on the journey to get a more accurate estimate of the total cost.