Los Angeles, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $23: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Los Angeles to Palo Alto: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$23 by trainBest price
518 kmDistance
3h 57m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles 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.
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Traveling From Los Angeles to Palo Alto
The journey from Los Angeles to Palo Alto offers a striking contrast between the vibrant, bustling city life of LA and the innovation-driven, serene atmosphere of Silicon Valley.
Best Neighbourhoods in Palo Alto
Palo Alto's neighborhoods blend charming residential areas with vibrant local culture.
Downtown Palo Alto
• Bustling shops and eateries all within walking distance.
• Cultural events and art galleries enrich the atmosphere.
Professorville
• Historic homes reflect the area's architectural heritage.
• Quiet streets ideal for leisurely strolls or biking.
Stanford University Area
• Home to stunning campus landscapes and museums.
• Offers a variety of outdoor activities and events.
Best Times To Visit Palo Alto's Attractions
Timing your visit can enhance your experience at Palo Alto's highlights.
Stanford University
Visit early mornings or late afternoons for a peaceful stroll and fewer visitors.
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
Weekdays are ideal to enjoy the trails and birdwatching away from the crowds.
Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market
Saturdays before 10 AM offer the freshest produce and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Palo Alto Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Palo Alto enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your travel experience.
Dining Recommendation in Palo Alto
Try the wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Delfina, where the focus on high-quality local ingredients and simplicity creates a flavorful experience. This cozy eatery offers a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with the high-energy dining scene in Los Angeles, allowing you to savor each bite in a more relaxed setting.
Los Angeles - Palo Alto operators
Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and Palo Alto, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Diridon Station
Average Duration
6h 20mEstimated price
$2465-2467Bus from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose
Average Duration
7h 20mEstimated price
$2460-2467Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Los Angeles to San Jose
Average Duration
9h 55mEstimated price
$2468-2469Train from Oakland Coliseum/Airport to Santa Clara
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
$709-2460Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
http://www.caltrain.com
Train from Millbrae Caltrain to Palo Alto Caltrain
Average Duration
36mEstimated price
$703-704Train from Santa Clara Caltrain to California Avenue Caltrain
Average Duration
27mEstimated price
$707-708Website
https://southwest.com/
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)
Average Duration
1h 26mEstimated price
$230-231Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
1h 14mEstimated price
$232-233Website
https://alaskaair.com/
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 29mEstimated price
$232-1621Website
https://aa.com/
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$1624-1623Website
https://jetblue.com/
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$232-1628Website
https://spirit.com/
Plane from Los Angeles to Oakland
Average Duration
1h 24mEstimated price
$232-1621Website
https://united.com/
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$1624-1625Website
https://flyfrontier.com/
Plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Average Duration
1h 23mEstimated price
$702-235Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876Website
https://www.metro.net/
Tram from Historic Broadway Station to Del Amo Station
Average Duration
41mEstimated price
$705-705Los Angeles to Palo Alto: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Los Angeles 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 road trip from the bustling city of Los Angeles to the tech hub of Palo Alto, covering a driving distance of 358 miles. Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes and vibrant cities along the way.
💸 Experience flexibility in pricing as the cost of driving from Los Angeles to Palo Alto ranges between $65 to $95, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Take advantage of the affordability and convenience of a car journey for this exciting adventure.
🌉 Arrive in Palo Alto after approximately 6 hours of driving, ready to explore the innovative Silicon Valley region. Discover the blend of technology and nature in this dynamic city, making your road trip a memorable and rewarding experience.
Average price
$65 - $95
🚂 Traveling by train from Los Angeles to Palo Alto involves a journey with transfers, taking approximately 10 hours and 56 minutes. There's no direct route, so passengers will need to change trains during the trip.
💰 Prices for a train ticket between Los Angeles and Palo Alto range from $23 to $162, offering travelers a cost-effective and scenic way to explore the beautiful landscapes of California.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: Amtrak operates the service from Los Angeles to Palo Alto, and aboard their trains, you can expect a café car offering light snacks, sandwiches, and a selection of beverages. Additionally, if you’re traveling in First Class, complimentary meals are typically provided, including breakfast and dinner options, with menus featuring local ingredients.
Seating Options: For this route, Amtrak offers three primary seating classes: Economy, Business Class, and First Class. Economy seats are comfortable and can recline, Business Class provides extra legroom and wider seats, and First Class offers a more exclusive experience with enhanced services and amenities. Be sure to check seat availability and select the class that best suits your needs when booking your ticket on Amtrak's website: amtrak.com
Arrival Station Tip: Upon your arrival at Palo Alto station, expect clean facilities and easy navigation. There are restrooms available, and while there are no lockers for luggage storage, you can leave your bags at the nearby Pack 'n' Ship for a nominal fee. Plan your next steps knowing that Palo Alto's downtown area is just a short 15-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, you can catch the VTA Bus Line 22, which connects directly to the city center.
🛫 Flying from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport is a quick and convenient way to travel to Palo Alto. The direct flight takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes, making it a popular choice for travelers.
🛄 Upon arrival at San Francisco Airport, travelers can easily catch a shuttle or taxi to Palo Alto, located approximately 30 miles south. Alternatively, rental cars are available for those who prefer to have their own transportation.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The journey from Los Angeles to Palo Alto by bus takes approximately 7 hours and 57 minutes with transfers required along the way.
💵 Ticket prices for the bus service between Los Angeles and Palo Alto range from $40 to $99, offering a cost-effective travel option for those looking to explore California.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
San Jose Diridon Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to Palo Alto.
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The distance between Los Angeles and Palo Alto is approximately 322 miles by air or train, while the road distance is slightly longer at 358 miles. If traveling by train, it typically takes around 10 hours and 56 minutes to reach Palo Alto from Los Angeles. Alternatively, by flying to San Francisco and then taking the Caltrain, the travel time is typically 3 hours and 54 minutes. If driving by car, it takes about 6 hours to reach Los Angeles from Palo Alto, while the bus journey typically lasts 7 hours and 53 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Los Angeles to Palo Alto is by train, which can cost anywhere from $22 to $170 and takes approximately 10 hours and 56 minutes. However, if time is a priority, the fastest option is to fly from Los Angeles to San Francisco and then take the Caltrain to Palo Alto, which takes around 3 hours and 53 minutes and can cost between $90 and $310. It's important to consider both cost and time when deciding on the best transportation option.
The price range for a train ticket from Los Angeles to Palo Alto varies from $23 to $162. On the other hand, the cost of a bus ticket from Palo Alto to Los Angeles ranges from $40 to $99. It is important to note that these prices are subject to change and may depend on factors such as travel dates and availability. It is recommended to check with the respective transportation providers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Los Angeles to Palo Alto without using public transportation, you can drive the approximately 358 miles between the two cities. The drive usually takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions. However, it's important to note that the prices to rent a car for this journey can vary from $65 to $95, depending on the rental company and the type of vehicle chosen.
The best way to travel from Los Angeles to Palo Alto without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 7 hours and 53 minutes and the bus route goes via Santa Clara & 2nd. The fare for the bus ride ranges from $35 to $100. This option offers a convenient and affordable alternative for those who prefer not to drive.
No, there is no direct link between Los Angeles and Palo Alto by train. However, you can take a train from Los Angeles to San Jose and then transfer to a Caltrain to reach Palo Alto. The journey with transfers takes approximately 10 hours and 56 minutes. Additionally, there is no direct bus from Los Angeles to Palo Alto, but you can take a bus from Los Angeles to San Jose and then transfer to another bus to Palo Alto. The bus journey with transfers takes approximately 7 hours and 53 minutes.
The flight duration from Los Angeles to Palo Alto typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is for a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport, with no layovers. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but typically ranges from around $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Palo Alto. There are over 856 hotels available in the area with prices starting at $64. Some popular hotel options in Palo Alto include The Westin Palo Alto and Garden Court Hotel. These hotels offer a range of amenities and comfort for travelers looking to stay near Palo Alto.
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