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Palo Alto, CA, USA to Santa Rosa, CA, USA from $9.8: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Palo Alto, United States of America
to
Santa Rosa, United States of America

How to Get from Palo Alto to Santa Rosa: 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.

$9.8 by busBest price
139.8 kmDistance
1h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Palo Alto to Santa Rosa 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
Golden Gate Transit
Bus
Average Duration
4h  16m
Estimated price
$19-33
Recommended
Company
SamTrans
Bus
Average Duration
4h  59m
Estimated price
$9.8-25
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 139.8 km
Duration: 1h 40m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  40m
Estimated price
$16-23
Company
various
Train
Drive
Train
Average Duration
4h  27m
Estimated price
$18-34
Company
Groome Transportation
Bus
Average Duration
4h  28m
Estimated price
$34-107

Traveling From Palo Alto to Santa Rosa

Your journey from the tech-savvy vibe of Palo Alto to the serene landscapes of Santa Rosa presents a delightful contrast between innovation and natural beauty.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa features diverse neighborhoods that offer distinctive local experiences.

Downtown Santa Rosa
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and theaters.
• Numerous cafes and shops along tree-lined streets.
Bennett Valley
• Scenic views of rolling hills and vineyards.
• Family-friendly parks and top-rated schools.
Cottonwood
• Close-knit community with local events year-round.
• Easy access to hiking trails and outdoor activities.

Best Times To Visit Santa Rosa's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Santa Rosa by choosing the right times to visit key attractions.

Charles M. Schulz Museum
Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and to fully appreciate the exhibits.
Vaintage Wine Country
Plan tours during early mornings or weekdays to avoid busy tasting rooms.
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
Spring and early summer offer beautiful blooms, with fewer visitors on weekdays.

Santa Rosa Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Rosa enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an appealing destination throughout the year. Spring and fall are especially pleasant, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities and wine tours.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Rosa

At The Girl & The Fig, indulge in their signature dish, duck confit, which showcases rich flavors and locally sourced ingredients, setting it apart from the more tech-focused, contemporary dining of Palo Alto. The vibrant bistro atmosphere complements the rustic cuisine, making for a memorable culinary experience that reflects the unique charm of Sonoma County.

Palo Alto - Santa Rosa operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+1 415-921-5858
Website
https://www.goldengate.org/

Bus from Mission St & 2nd St to Santa Rosa Transit Mall

Average Duration
2h 17m
Estimated price
$5.4-15
Website
http://samtrans.com

Bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to El Camino Real & Linden Ave

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$3.3-5.4

Bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to San Bruno BART-Bay 5

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$1.1-5.4
Contact phone
+1 707-837-8700
Website
https://groometransportation.com/sonoma-county/?&sd_client_id=96f3523b-d43b-4413-95b5-8039977b529d

Bus from San Francisco Airport to Santa Rosa

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$30-97
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration
49m
Estimated price
$6.5-9.8
Contact phone
+1 707-794-3330
Website
https://sonomamarintrain.org

Train from SMART Larkspur to SMART Santa Rosa Downtown

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$1.1-7.6
Ferry
Contact phone
+1 415-455-2000
Website
https://www.goldengate.org

Ferry from San Francisco Ferry Terminal to Larkspur Ferry Terminal

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$6.5-15

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Palo Alto to Santa Rosa.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Palo Alto and Santa Rosa is 76 miles, with a road distance of 87.4 miles. If you're traveling from Palo Alto to Santa Rosa, it takes approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes to reach your destination by taking Caltrain, then a ferry, and finally a train. On the other hand, it takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes to travel by car from Santa Rosa to Palo Alto. If you prefer to take the bus, it takes about 4 hours and 20 minutes to reach Santa Rosa from Palo Alto.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Palo Alto to Santa Rosa is by bus via San Francisco. This option costs between $9-$25 and takes approximately 5 hours and 3 minutes. However, if you are looking for a quicker option, driving is the most time-efficient choice, taking only 1 hour and 40 minutes and costing between $15-$23. It is important to consider both cost and time when deciding which mode of transportation to take for this journey.
The prices for a bus ticket from Santa Rosa to Palo Alto can range from $15 to $27. The exact price may depend on factors such as the bus company, time of travel, and any promotions or discounts available. It is advisable to check with different bus operators to find the best price option for your specific travel dates and preferences.
To get from Palo Alto to Santa Rosa without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 87 miles. This typically takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving from Palo Alto to Santa Rosa can range from $15 to $23, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
To travel from Palo Alto to Santa Rosa without a car, the best option is to take the Caltrain and bus. This route takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $15 to $27. You can start by taking the Caltrain from Palo Alto to San Francisco and then transfer to the Sonoma County Transit bus which will take you directly to Santa Rosa. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to reach your destination.
Yes, there is a link between Palo Alto and Santa Rosa, but there is no direct bus service. To travel by bus, you would need to transfer at Millbrae BART and SFO - San Francisco Airport Domestic. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes. Buses are operated by SamTrans and Sonoma Airport Express.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Santa Rosa. With over 275 hotels available, travelers have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in Santa Rosa start at $74 per night, providing affordability for all types of travelers. Whether you prefer a luxury resort, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly motel, Santa Rosa has something to offer for everyone.

Trips from Palo Alto

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