Palo Alto, CA, USA to Pasadena, CA, USA from $24: 12 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Palo Alto to Pasadena: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$24 by trainBest price

517 kmDistance

4h 58m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Palo Alto to Pasadena 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 Palo Alto to Pasadena

The journey from Palo Alto to Pasadena reveals a blend of Silicon Valley's innovation and Pasadena's rich cultural heritage.

Best Neighbourhoods in Pasadena

Pasadena offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Old Town Pasadena

• Historic architecture with vibrant shopping and dining.

• Home to the famous Rose Parade and Rose Bowl.

South Pasadena

• Quaint feel with beautiful tree-lined streets.

• Great local eateries and shops to explore.

Pasadena Playhouse District

• Cultural hub with numerous theaters and arts venues.

• Close to Pasadena's renowned museums and galleries.

Best Times To Visit Pasadena's Attractions

Timing your visit can significantly enhance your experience in Pasadena.

The Huntington Library

Visit on weekdays during early mornings for fewer crowds and tranquility.

Norton Simon Museum

Late afternoons on weekdays offer a calmer atmosphere and relaxed exploration.

Old Town Pasadena

Thursday evenings are ideal for shopping and dining without weekend crowds.

Pasadena Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Pasadena enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it attractive for year-round travel. For the best experience, consider visiting in the spring or fall when temperatures are comfortable and outdoor activities are enjoyable.

Dining Recommendation in Pasadena

Try the famous carne asada fries at La Estrella, where the vibrant flavors and relaxed atmosphere distinctly contrast with Palo Alto's more polished dining scene. This local gem celebrates authentic Southern California ingredients, offering a casual yet fulfilling culinary experience that captures the spirit of the area.

Palo Alto - Pasadena operators

Explore transport companies operating between Palo Alto and Pasadena, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

Train from California Avenue Caltrain Southbound to Santa Clara Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration

28m

Estimated price

$1-3

Train from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to Millbrae Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration

35m

Estimated price

$1-3

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration

10h 45m

Estimated price

$240-241

Train from Santa Clara Amtrak to Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak

Average Duration

50m

Estimated price

$1-3

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 714-839-3500

Website

https://xedohoang.com/en

Bus from San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich to Chinatown Station

Average Duration

5h 30m

Estimated price

$21-22

Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Los Angeles

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

$11325-11365

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Los Angeles

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

$11325-11365

Tram

Contact phone

+1-323-466-3876

Website

https://www.metro.net/

Tram from Union Station - Metro A-Line to Memorial Park Station

Average Duration

24m

Estimated price

$1-1

Tram from Del Amo Station to Memorial Park Station

Average Duration

1h 15m

Estimated price

$1-1

Plane Show flights

Website

southwest.com

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

Average Duration

1h 19m

Estimated price

$2217-2219

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

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$243-244

Website

delta.com

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

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$1680-2219

Website

alaskaair.com

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

Average Duration

1h 24m

Estimated price

$1681-249

Website

aa.com

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

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$244-1685

Website

united.com

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

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$246-1683

Palo Alto to Pasadena: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Palo Alto and Pasadena 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 Palo Alto to Pasadena, covering a distance of 359 miles. The journey promises stunning views as you cruise through the diverse landscapes of California. 💰 Explore the budget-friendly options with prices ranging from $65 to $95 for the journey by car from Palo Alto to Pasadena. Enjoy the flexibility of having control over your travel expenses while experiencing the beauty of the Golden State. 🌴 Arrive in vibrant Pasadena after approximately 5 hours and 58 minutes of driving. Discover the city's rich cultural heritage, beautiful gardens, and iconic landmarks, making your road trip a memorable experience from start to finish.

Average price

$65 - $95

🚆 The trip from Palo Alto to Pasadena by train involves a journey of approximately 12 hours and 52 minutes, with transfers required along the way. There is no direct train connecting these two cities, so passengers will need to change trains during the trip. 🚆 The prices for a train ticket between Palo Alto and Pasadena can range from $24 to $168, depending on factors such as class of service, availability, and time of booking. Despite the lack of a direct route, taking the train offers a scenic and relaxed way to travel between these two cities in California.

Departure Point

San Jose station

Arrival Point

Los Angeles station

🛫 Flying from Palo Alto to Pasadena is a convenient and quick option with a direct flight from San Jose Airport to Los Angeles Airport taking only 1 hour and 15 minutes. Several airlines, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines, offer this route.

Departure Point

San Jose Airport

Arrival Point

Los Angeles Airport

🚌 The bus journey from Palo Alto to Pasadena involves multiple transfers and takes approximately 9 hours and 47 minutes. 🚌 The cost of a bus ticket between Palo Alto and Pasadena typically ranges from $58 to $61, offering an affordable and convenient travel option for those making the trip.

Departure Point

San Jose Diridon Station

Arrival Point

Los Angeles station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Palo Alto to Pasadena.

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The distance between Palo Alto and Pasadena is 321 miles by air. By train, it takes approximately 12 hours and 52 minutes to travel between the two cities. For a quicker journey, you can take Caltrain to San Jose, fly to Los Angeles, and then take a tram, which takes about 4 hours and 58 minutes. Driving between Palo Alto and Pasadena takes around 5 hours and 58 minutes, while taking the bus can take approximately 8 hours and 22 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Palo Alto to Pasadena is to take the line 22 bus and bus, which costs $45-$70 and takes 8 hours and 48 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the fastest way is to take Caltrain, fly to Los Angeles, and then take the tram, which takes 4 hours and 58 minutes and costs between $80-$230. Considering both cost and time, the Caltrain, flight, and tram combination provides a good balance of efficiency and affordability for the journey between Palo Alto and Pasadena.

The prices for traveling by train from Palo Alto to Pasadena range from $24 to $168. On the other hand, the bus prices for the journey from Pasadena to Palo Alto fluctuate between $58 and $61. It's advisable to check for promotional deals, discounts, and different ticket classes to find the best price for your preferred mode of transportation between these two destinations. Comparing prices across different modes of transport can help you choose the most cost-effective option for your trip.

To travel from Palo Alto to Pasadena without using public transportation, you can opt to drive, which typically takes around 5 hours and 58 minutes covering a distance of 359 miles. The cost of driving can vary between $65 to $95, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency. By driving, you have the flexibility to plan your own schedule and make stops along the way to explore different places.

To travel from Palo Alto to Pasadena without a car, the best option is to take a bus which typically takes around 8 hours and 22 minutes. The bus journey is not only time-efficient but also cost-effective, with ticket prices ranging from $57 to $61. Alternatively, you can consider other modes of transport such as train or flying to Los Angeles and then taking a tram, but the bus remains the most direct and convenient option for this route.

There is no direct train or bus link between Palo Alto and Pasadena. Train services require transfers, with a journey time of approximately 12 hours and 52 minutes, including transfers at stations such as San Jose and Union Station. Alternatively, bus services also involve transfers and take around 9 hours and 47 minutes, with stops at locations such as Santa Clara, San Jose Diridon Station, and Los Angeles. Both options offer connections to reach Pasadena from Palo Alto, but direct links are not available.

The quickest flight from San Jose Airport to Los Angeles Airport, which serves as the major airport for Pasadena, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cost of a one-way flight ticket between San Jose and Los Angeles can typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability of seats. It is advisable to check with different airlines and booking platforms to compare prices and find the best deal for your travel dates.

There are over 2002 hotels available in Pasadena, ranging in price starting at $90 per night. Some popular hotel options in the area include The Langham Huntington, Pasadena and the Hilton Pasadena. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels in Pasadena to suit their preferences and budget.