San Mateo, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $1: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Mateo to Palo Alto: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$1 by busBest price
24 kmDistance
18m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Mateo 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.
San Mateo - Palo Alto operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Mateo and Palo Alto, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
http://www.caltrain.com
Train from San Mateo Caltrain Southbound to Palo Alto Caltrain Southbound
Average Duration
27mEstimated price
$4-6Website
http://samtrans.com
Bus from El Camino Real & 4th Ave to Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 1
Average Duration
1h 2mEstimated price
$1-5Contact phone
+1 415.333.3333Website
http://yellowcabsf.com
Taxi from San Mateo to Palo Alto
Average Duration
18mEstimated price
$85-110Contact phone
+1 408-541-1515Website
http://taxibayarea.com
Taxi from San Mateo to Palo Alto
Average Duration
18mEstimated price
$85-110Contact phone
+1 415-626-4733Taxi from San Mateo to Palo Alto
Average Duration
18mEstimated price
$85-110San Mateo to Palo Alto: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Mateo 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 15-mile journey from San Mateo to Palo Alto, taking approximately 18 minutes by car. Enjoy the easy drive through the bustling Silicon Valley region.
💰 The cost of traveling from San Mateo to Palo Alto by car ranges from $2 to $4, making it an affordable and convenient option. Plan your budget accordingly for this short but delightful trip.
Average price
$2 - $4
🚆 The journey from San Mateo to Palo Alto by train is a convenient and quick option. The direct train service operated by Caltrain departs hourly and takes approximately 27 minutes to reach the destination.
🚆 With a short travel time of 27 minutes covering a distance of 12.4 miles, passengers can enjoy a smooth ride onboard the Caltrain from San Mateo Caltrain Southbound station to Palo Alto Caltrain Southbound station.
🚆 For those looking to explore alternative transportation options, there are bus routes available that take about 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach Palo Alto Transit Center from San Mateo. However, the train remains a popular choice for a swift and efficient journey between these two neighboring cities.
Departure Point
San Mateo Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
Palo Alto Caltrain Southbound station
🚌 Traveling from San Mateo to Palo Alto by bus is a convenient option with services departing from El Camino Real & 4th Ave and arriving at Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 1. The journey typically takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes, operating daily with departures every 20 minutes.
🚌 The bus route covers a distance of approximately 14.8 miles, with varying travel times depending on traffic conditions. SamTrans operates the bus services between San Mateo and Palo Alto, offering an affordable and reliable transportation option for travelers in the area.
Departure Point
El Camino Real & 4th Ave station
Arrival Point
Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 1 station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Mateo to Palo Alto.
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The distance between San Mateo and Palo Alto is approximately 20.9 km or 24.5 km by road. If you choose to travel by car, it will take you around. Alternatively, if you prefer taking the bus, it usually takes around 1 hour and 9 minutes to reach Palo Alto from San Mateo.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Mateo to Palo Alto is by taking the bus, which generally costs between $1 and $5. This option takes approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes. However, if you're looking for a quicker option, taking a taxi is the best choice, despite being significantly more expensive at $85 to $110. This option can get you from San Mateo to Palo Alto in just 18 minutes.
The prices for a bus ticket between Palo Alto and San Mateo can vary between $1 and $5, depending on the specific bus company and any promotional offers available at the time.
To travel from San Mateo to Palo Alto without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 24.1 km, which takes around 18 minutes depending on traffic. The cost of the journey by car typically ranges from $2 to $4, depending on the fuel prices and the type of vehicle.
The best way to travel from San Mateo to Palo Alto without a car is by taking the Caltrain. The journey takes approximately 29 minutes and tickets cost around $4-$6. The Caltrain provides a convenient and efficient mode of transportation between the two cities, allowing you to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Mateo and Palo Alto. You can take a train operated by Caltrain, which departs from the San Mateo Caltrain station and arrives at Palo Alto Caltrain station. The journey takes approximately 29 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus operated by SamTrans, which departs from El Camino Real & 4th Ave and arrives at Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 1. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes.
There are many options for accommodation near Palo Alto. With over 856 hotels to choose from, you will have a wide range of choices to suit your preferences and budget. Prices start at $64, making it possible to find affordable accommodations in the area.
Yes, it is possible to travel from San Mateo to Palo Alto by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is approximately 23 km, and it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the journey by bike.