Los Angeles, CA, USA to San Rafael, CA, USA from $24: 12 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Los Angeles to San Rafael: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$24 by trainBest price

586 kmDistance

4h 29m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles to San Rafael 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 San Rafael

The journey from Los Angeles to San Rafael offers a shift from the bustling energy of a sprawling metropolis to the tranquil charm of a small-town atmosphere surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Rafael

San Rafael features diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinctive experiences for visitors.

Downtown San Rafael

• Vibrant dining and shopping scene.

• Hosts popular art galleries and performances.

San Rafael Hill

• Offers stunning panoramic views of the Bay Area.

• Lush parks for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Tamalpais Valley

• Quaint community with a rural feel.

• Close to hiking trails and natural landscapes.

Best Times To Visit San Rafael's Attractions

Timing your visits to San Rafael's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Marin Civic Center

Visit early on weekdays for a peaceful exploration of this architectural gem.

China Camp State Park

Mornings or weekdays are ideal for quieter hiking and scenic views.

San Rafael's Farmers Market

Arrive early on Thursday mornings to enjoy local produce and fewer crowds.

San Rafael Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Rafael enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a welcoming destination year-round. Knowing the weather helps you pack appropriately and plan outdoor activities, ensuring you make the most of your time in this picturesque city.

Dining Recommendation in San Rafael

Check out the iconic Pausa, where seasonal California cuisine meets rustic Italian flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s a refreshing change from Los Angeles' fast-paced dining scene. The use of locally sourced ingredients, like fresh herbs and vegetables from nearby farms, enhances the flavors, offering a culinary experience that reflects the essence of the Bay Area.

Los Angeles - San Rafael operators

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

Plane Show flights

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$75-240

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

3h 40m

Estimated price

$241-290

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration

1h 21m

Estimated price

$242-243

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration

1h 21m

Estimated price

$244-245

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 14m

Estimated price

$246-247

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$2505-248

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$246-245

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 35m

Estimated price

$1770-25020

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 21m

Estimated price

$1771-249

Website

united.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$75-1772

Plane from Burbank (BUR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$2501-753

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Los Angeles to Oakland

Average Duration

11h 15m

Estimated price

$10109-101070

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Oakland

Average Duration

7h 30m

Estimated price

$2508-2509

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Oakland

Average Duration

9h 30m

Estimated price

$2504-2503

Bus from Los Angeles Downtown to El Cerrito del Norte BART

Average Duration

8h 55m

Estimated price

$758-2501

Los Angeles to San Rafael: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Los Angeles and San Rafael 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 charming town of San Rafael, covering a distance of 394 miles in approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. 💰 Depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency, the cost of driving from Los Angeles to San Rafael typically ranges between $70 to $110, making it an affordable and convenient travel option.

Average price

$70 - $110

🚆 Embark on a picturesque train journey from Los Angeles to San Rafael, spanning approximately 13 hours and 3 minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the majestic views as you traverse the scenic landscapes of California. 💰 Ticket prices for trains between Los Angeles and San Rafael range from $24 to $177, offering budget-friendly options for travelers. Choose a fare that suits your preferences and enjoy a comfortable ride to your destination.

🛫 Flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco Airport is quick and convenient, with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 20 minutes. Multiple airlines such as Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines provide options for this route. 🚗 Upon landing in San Francisco Airport, it will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach San Rafael by car. The total travel time for this journey by plane and ground transportation is approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes. 💸 Prices for flights between San Rafael and Los Angeles can range from $75 to $250, offering travelers flexibility in choosing the most suitable option for their budget and schedule. Booking in advance can often result in lower fares for this popular route between the two cities.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

While there's no direct route, you can take a service from Los Angeles Union Station to Oakland before reaching San Rafael, with a total journey time of approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Union Station

Arrival Point

Oakland station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to San Rafael.

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The distance between Los Angeles and San Rafael is 364 miles by air, 393.8 miles by road, and 13 hours and 2 minutes by train. For those looking to travel more quickly, flying is the fastest option, taking approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. Driving by car takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes, while taking a bus is the longest mode of transportation, with a travel time of 9 hours and 26 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Los Angeles to San Rafael is by bus and BART, which costs between $40 and $70 and takes approximately 8 hours and 37 minutes. This option allows you to save money while still reaching your destination in a reasonable amount of time. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 24 minutes and costs between $100 and $310. This option allows you to reach your destination faster but at a higher cost.

The prices for a train from Los Angeles to San Rafael range from $24 to $177, depending on the class and type of ticket. On the other hand, the prices for a bus from San Rafael to Los Angeles vary from $45 to $126, depending on the bus company and type of service. It is recommended to check with specific train and bus operators for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.

To travel from Los Angeles to San Rafael without using public transportation, you can drive directly. The distance between the two cities is approximately 394 miles, and it takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes to drive from Los Angeles to San Rafael. The cost of travel by car can vary between $70 to $110, depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.

To travel from Los Angeles to San Rafael without a car, you have a few options. The most convenient way is to take a bus and BART, which takes about 8 hours and 37 minutes at a cost of $40 to $70. Another option is to fly, which is faster at 4 hours and 25 minutes but costs between $75 and $260. If you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a train, although it takes longer at 13 hours and 2 minutes and costs between $23 and $180.

Yes, there is a direct link between Los Angeles and San Rafael, but it requires a transfer along the way. You can take a Greyhound bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Francisco Bus Station, and then transfer to another bus that will take you to the San Rafael Transit Center. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 9 hours and 26 minutes. It's important to note that there is no direct bus service from Los Angeles to San Rafael without a transfer.

The flight between Los Angeles and San Rafael typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $75 and $260. It's important to note that these prices are subject to change depending on factors such as date, time, and airline. It is advisable to check with different airlines and compare prices to find the best deal for your specific travel dates.

There are plenty of accommodation options near San Rafael. With over 421 hotels available, visitors can easily find a place to stay that suits their needs and preferences. Prices start at $74 per night, offering a range of affordable and luxurious options. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly stay or a more upscale experience, there are numerous hotels to choose from in the area.