San Mateo, CA, USA to Los Angeles, CA, USA from $24: 12 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from San Mateo to Los Angeles: 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.
$24 by trainBest price
597 kmDistance
4h 8m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Mateo to Los Angeles 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.
San Mateo - Los Angeles operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Mateo and Los Angeles, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
samtrans.com
Bus from El Camino Real & E 5th Ave to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
10h 41mEstimated price
$649-2440Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
7hEstimated price
$2449-241Bus from Redwood City Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
7h 35mEstimated price
$2444-1696Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
Train from San Mateo Caltrain Southbound to Los Angeles
Average Duration
12h 52mEstimated price
$24-169Website
southwest.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 22mEstimated price
$2446-242Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Other from Redwood City Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
7h 35mEstimated price
$2444-1696San Mateo to Los Angeles: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Mateo and Los Angeles 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.
Traveling by train from San Mateo to Los Angeles involves a journey of approximately 12 hours and 51 minutes with transfers in San Jose. The train services are operated by Caltrain and Amtrak, providing convenient and reliable transportation. The trains depart from San Mateo Caltrain station and arrive at Los Angeles station, offering comfortable and scenic travel. The prices for this trip range from $24 to $169, providing options for different budgets. While there is no direct train route, the journey provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
Departure Point
San Mateo Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
The quickest and most convenient way to travel from San Mateo to Los Angeles is by taking a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to Los Angeles Airport, which takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Travelers have several airlines to choose from, including JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Delta, among others. The total travel time, including getting to the airport, security checks, and potential layovers, is approximately 4 hours and 58 minutes. Prices for flights between Los Angeles and San Mateo can range from $88 to $360, providing a variety of options to fit different budgets. Overall, flying offers a quick and efficient way to make the trip between these two California cities.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
The bus journey from San Mateo to Los Angeles involves several transfers and takes approximately 10 hours and 47 minutes. The first leg of the trip departs from El Camino Real & 4th Ave and travels through Palo Alto Transit Center, Santa Clara & 1st, and finally arriving at San Jose Diridon Station. From there, passengers board a Greyhound USA bus to Los Angeles Union Station, where the journey concludes. The prices for a bus ticket between the two cities range from $38 to $61, and the total travel time is around 8 hours and 24 minutes.
Departure Point
San Jose Diridon Station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Mateo to Los Angeles.
Or choose the category:
The cheapest way to travel from San Mateo to Los Angeles is by taking a night bus. These buses typically cost between $30 and $120, depending on the provider and time of booking. The journey takes about 9 hours and 5 minutes, allowing you to save money on accommodation for the night.
The distance between San Mateo and Los Angeles is approximately 539 kilometers. This refers to the straight line distance, also known as the crow fly distance. However, if you were to travel by road, the distance increases to about 597 kilometers.
The best way to travel from San Mateo to Los Angeles without a car is to first take the Caltrain from San Mateo station to San Jose Diridon station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes. From San Jose Diridon, you can then transfer to a bus that will take you to Los Angeles. The bus journey takes around 6 hours but can vary depending on traffic conditions. The total cost for this journey ranges from $35 to $65.
There are numerous options for accommodation in Los Angeles. There are over 1604 hotels available, with prices starting at $87. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from luxury hotels, budget-friendly motels, or even Airbnb rentals.
Yes, you can drive from San Mateo to Los Angeles. The driving distance is approximately 597 km, and it takes approximately 6 hours and 11 minutes to drive from San Mateo to Los Angeles.
Yes, there is no direct bus from San Mateo to Los Angeles. However, you can take a bus from San Mateo to Los Angeles with transfers. The journey involves departing from El Camino Real & 4th Ave, transferring at Palo Alto Transit Center, Santa Clara & 1st, and San Jose Diridon Station, before arriving at Los Angeles Union Station. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 10 hours and 47 minutes.
To catch the bus from San Mateo to Los Angeles you will need to go to the San Jose Diridon Station. This is where Greyhound USA operates its bus services from. The station is located in downtown San Jose and has various amenities for travelers.
The bus from San Mateo to Los Angeles arrives at Los Angeles Union Station. This is a major transportation hub in downtown Los Angeles, and is conveniently located near other modes of transportation such as the Metro rail and bus lines. Los Angeles Union Station is also a short distance away from popular attractions and neighborhoods in Los Angeles, making it a convenient destination for travelers.
There are several airlines that offer flights between San Mateo and Los Angeles. JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Delta are among the airlines that operate flights from San Francisco Airport to Los Angeles Airport.
The fastest way to travel from San Mateo to Los Angeles is by plane. There are several airlines, including JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Delta, that offer direct flights from San Francisco Airport to Los Angeles Airport. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The prices of a flight between the two cities can range from $88 to $360, depending on the airline and booking time.
The flight from San Mateo to Los Angeles typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Trains from San Mateo to Los Angeles arrive at the Los Angeles station.
Yes, there is no direct train between San Mateo and Los Angeles. However, you can take a train from San Mateo Caltrain station to San Jose, and then transfer to a train that goes to Los Angeles. The total travel time is approximately 12 hours and 51 minutes including transfers.
To catch the train from San Mateo to Los Angeles head to the San Mateo Caltrain station. Caltrain operates this train service, which connects various locations within California. Make sure to check the train schedules and purchase your tickets in advance to ensure availability on your preferred travel date. The San Mateo Caltrain station is conveniently located and provides easy access to the train platform for a smooth journey to Los Angeles.
The cost of a flight from San Mateo to Los Angeles can range anywhere from $88 to $360, depending on various factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and the class of service.
The cost of a train ticket from San Mateo to Los Angeles can range from $24 to $169, depending on the type of train and the class of service you choose. The prices may vary based on factors such as the time of travel, availability, and whether you book in advance or on the day of travel. It is recommended to check the current fares and availability on the official websites of Amtrak or other train operators to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The cost of a bus from San Mateo to Los Angeles can range from $38 to $61. The price may vary depending on the bus company, the time of travel, and how far in advance you book your ticket. It is recommended to check with different bus companies, such as Greyhound or Megabus, to compare prices and find the best deal for your journey.
The cost of driving from San Mateo to Los Angeles typically ranges between $65 and $100, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency.