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Novato, CA, USA to San Rafael, CA, USA from $2: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Novato, United States of America
to
San Rafael, United States of America

How to Get from Novato to San Rafael: 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.

$2 by carBest price
18 kmDistance
12m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Novato 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.

Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
19m
Estimated price
$2-8
Recommended
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
12m
Estimated price
$2-3
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 18 km
Duration: 12m

See more options

Company
SMART
Train
Average Duration
20m
Estimated price
$5-5
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
12m
Estimated price
$65-80
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Traveling From Novato to San Rafael

Embarking on a trip from Novato to San Rafael presents a delightful contrast between Novato's quiet suburban charm and the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of San Rafael.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Rafael

San Rafael offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and vibe.

Downtown San Rafael
• Bustling dining and shopping options await you.
• Historic architecture adds character and charm.
Terra Linda
• Family-friendly parks and recreation facilities abound.
• Community events foster a strong local vibe.
San Rafael Hills
• Scenic views of the bay and surrounding hills.
• Peaceful residential streets are perfect for relaxation.

Best Times To Visit San Rafael's Attractions

Plan your visit to San Rafael's attractions with these helpful tips.

Marin History Museum
Weekdays in the morning offer quieter exploration and in-depth tours.
China Camp State Park
Visit during the early morning to enjoy serene hiking trails.
San Rafael Pacifics Baseball Games
Arrive early for pre-game activities and the best seats.

San Rafael Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Rafael enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. The best times to visit are spring and fall when temperatures are pleasant, ensuring comfortable outdoor activities and enjoyable sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation in San Rafael

For an unforgettable culinary experience, try the wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Picco, which showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients and vibrant flavors that stand apart from Novato's more traditional fare. The lively atmosphere and artisanal approach to pizza-making make dining in San Rafael a refreshing change that celebrates the region's rich culinary scene.

Novato - San Rafael operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+1 415-455-2000
Website
https://marintransit.org

Bus from DeLong Ave & Reichert Ave to San Rafael Transit Center

Average Duration
19m
Estimated price
$2-2
Contact phone
+1 415-921-5858
Website
goldengatetransit.org

Bus from DeLong Ave & Reichert Ave to San Rafael Transit Center Platform A

Average Duration
18m
Estimated price
$2-8
Train
Contact phone
+1 707-794-3330
Website
sonomamarintrain.org

Train from Novato Downtown SMART to San Rafael SMART

Average Duration
20m
Estimated price
0-0
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 707-643-3333

Other from Novato to San Rafael

Average Duration
12m
Estimated price
$65-80

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

Traveling between Novato 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.

🚗 Enjoy a quick and scenic drive from Novato to San Rafael, covering a distance of 11 miles in just about 12 minutes. Take in the beautiful California landscape as you cruise towards your destination. 💸 Prices for the journey by car range from $2 to $3, providing an affordable transportation option to reach San Rafael from Novato. Save money on transportation and use those extra funds to explore what San Rafael has to offer.
Average price
$2 - $3
🚂 Enjoy a quick and convenient train journey from Novato to San Rafael. The direct train service operated by SMART runs hourly and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach your destination. 🛤️ Sit back and relax as you travel the 11.6-mile route from Novato to San Rafael on the SMART train. With easy access to Novato Downtown SMART station and a seamless arrival at San Rafael SMART station, your journey will be smooth and efficient.
Departure Point
Novato Downtown SMART station
Arrival Point
San Rafael SMART station
🚌 The journey from Novato to San Rafael by bus is a convenient and short trip, taking approximately 19 minutes. Buses depart every 30 minutes from DeLong Ave & Reichert Ave to the San Rafael Transit Center. 🌉 With a distance of around 11 miles, the bus service operated by Marin Transit offers reliable transportation between the two cities. The fares for this route range from $2 to $8, making it an affordable option for travelers.
Departure Point
DeLong Ave & Reichert Ave station
Arrival Point
San Rafael Transit Center station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Novato to San Rafael.

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The distance between Novato and San Rafael is 10 miles with a road distance of 11.2 miles. The typical travel time by train from Novato to San Rafael is unknown. However, by car, the journey takes around 15 minutes, and by bus, it takes about 30 minutes to reach San Rafael from Novato.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Novato to San Rafael is by driving, which costs around $2 to $3 and takes approximately 12 minutes. This is the cheapest option, as public transportation fares such as train or bus tickets may be higher. However, if time is a priority, taking a taxi is the quickest option, although it can be more expensive, with fares ranging from $65 to $80.
The prices for a bus ticket between San Rafael and Novato can vary depending on the company and the time of travel. On average, the ticket prices range from $2 to $8. It is recommended to check the schedule and prices beforehand to ensure accurate information and to find the best deal.
To get from Novato to San Rafael without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 11 miles, which takes around 12 minutes depending on traffic. The driving route is convenient and offers flexibility. Additionally, the cost of using your own vehicle for this journey would be around $2 to $3 for fuel.
The best way to travel from Novato to San Rafael without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 19 minutes and costs between $2 and $8. Taking the bus is a convenient and affordable option to commute between these two cities. Simply check the bus schedule and purchase your ticket to enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Yes, there is a direct link between Novato and San Rafael. There is a train service operated by SMART that departs from Novato Downtown SMART station and arrives at San Rafael SMART station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Additionally, there is a bus service operated by Marin Transit that departs from DeLong Ave & Reichert Ave and arrives at San Rafael Transit Center. The bus journey takes approximately 19 minutes.
There are plenty of options for accommodations near San Rafael. There are 421+ hotels available in the area with prices starting at $74. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or luxury stays, there is something to suit every traveler's preferences and budget. It is recommended to check online booking platforms or contact local tourism offices to explore the various options available and make a reservation that best fits your needs.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Novato to San Rafael by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is approximately 20 km, and it would take approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes to complete the journey. Cycling can provide a scenic and environmentally-friendly way to travel between the two cities, allowing you to take in the beautiful Californian landscape along the way.