Pasadena, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $24: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$24 by trainBest price

578 kmDistance

4h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Traveling from Pasadena to Palo Alto offers a fascinating contrast between Pasadena’s charming historic district and vibrant art scene, and Palo Alto’s innovative tech atmosphere and serene outdoor spaces.

Best Neighbourhoods in Palo Alto

Palo Alto features diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct character and charm.

Downtown Palo Alto

• Vibrant dining and shopping options abound.

• Hosts frequent community events and festivals.

Professorville

• Historic homes with beautiful architecture charm visitors.

• Tree-lined streets create a peaceful atmosphere.

Stanford Research Park

• Hub for innovation and technology companies.

• Scenic walking trails offer a refreshing escape.

Best Times To Visit Palo Alto's Attractions

Discover optimal visiting times for Palo Alto's popular spots to enhance your experience.

Stanford University

Visit early mornings or late afternoons to enjoy a quieter campus atmosphere.

Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve

Early mornings are ideal for birdwatching and fewer crowds.

Downtown Palo Alto

Weekdays during lunch hours offer a relaxing shopping and dining experience.

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 year-round. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall when temperatures are comfortable, enhancing your outdoor exploration and overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

For a taste of Palo Alto’s innovative culinary scene, try the seasonal Chef’s Tasting Menu at Zola, where locally sourced ingredients meet bold flavors in a contemporary setting. This dining experience stands in contrast to Pasadena's classic eateries by emphasizing a farm-to-table approach that highlights the region’s agricultural bounty.

Pasadena - Palo Alto operators

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

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 714-839-3500

Website

https://xedohoang.com/en

Bus from Chinatown Station to San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich

Average Duration

5h 30m

Estimated price

$3488-3489

Bus from Chinatown Metro Station - Los Angeles, CA to San José, CA

Average Duration

5h 35m

Estimated price

$8265-8270

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Los Angeles to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

6h 30m

Estimated price

$8255-8285

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

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

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

9h 55m

Estimated price

$3489-240

Train from Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak to Santa Clara Amtrak

Average Duration

52m

Estimated price

$822-3481

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to Palo Alto Caltrain

Average Duration

36m

Estimated price

$823-824

Train from Santa Clara Caltrain to California Avenue Caltrain

Average Duration

27m

Estimated price

$826-827

Plane Show flights

Website

southwest.com

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

Average Duration

1h 26m

Estimated price

$241-242

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

Average Duration

1h 14m

Estimated price

$243-244

Website

aa.com

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

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$1695-1696

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

Average Duration

1h 18m

Estimated price

$1697-34830

Website

delta.com

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

Average Duration

1h 27m

Estimated price

$3489-1692

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

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$1693-244

Website

united.com

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

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$246-2410

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

Average Duration

1h 37m

Estimated price

$243-9490

Website

spirit.com

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

Average Duration

1h 24m

Estimated price

$1698-1691

Website

jetblue.com

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

Average Duration

1h 28m

Estimated price

$820-16950

all-pages.other Show other routes

Contact phone

+1-323-466-3876

Website

https://www.metro.net/

Other from Del Mar Station to Union Station - Metro A-Line

Average Duration

22m

Estimated price

$821-821

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

Average Duration

23m

Estimated price

$821-821

Other from Memorial Park Station to Del Amo Station

Average Duration

1h 9m

Estimated price

$821-821

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

Traveling between Pasadena 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 journey from Pasadena to Palo Alto, spanning a distance of 359 miles through diverse landscapes and charming towns in California. Enjoy the feeling of freedom and adventure as you hit the open road. 💰 The cost of traveling from Pasadena to Palo Alto by car ranges between $65 to $95, offering budget-friendly options for every traveler. Explore different routes and plan your stops along the way to make the most of your road trip experience. 🌉 Arrive in Palo Alto after approximately 5 hours and 59 minutes of driving, where you can unwind and explore the vibrant city known for its innovation and lively atmosphere. Embrace the spirit of exploration and discovery in this dynamic destination.

Average price

$65 - $95

🚉 The journey, which includes transfers, typically takes approximately 12 hours and 19 minutes, offering passengers a scenic trip through parts of Southern and Northern California. 💰 Ticket prices for the train between Pasadena and Palo Alto range from $24 to $169, providing a convenient and cost-effective travel option for those looking to explore the beautiful cities of California by rail.

Departure Point

Los Angeles station

Arrival Point

San Jose station

🛫 Your journey from Pasadena to Palo Alto will begin with a quick flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport, lasting only 1 hour and 20 minutes on a direct route. There are several airline options available, including Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🚌 There is no direct bus from Pasadena to Palo Alto. The journey involves transfers at Los Angeles, San Jose Diridon Station, and Santa Clara before reaching Palo Alto. The total travel time is approximately 9 hours and 53 minutes. 🚌 The Pasadena to Palo Alto bus services, provided by Greyhound USA, depart from Los Angeles station and arrive at San Jose Diridon Station. The cost of a bus ticket between these two cities ranges from $57 to $63. 🚌 In total, it takes around 8 hours and 46 minutes to travel by bus from Pasadena to Palo Alto. The route offers a scenic journey through various cities in California before reaching the final destination.

Departure Point

Los Angeles station

Arrival Point

San Jose Diridon Station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Pasadena and Palo Alto is 321 miles by air, but the road distance is slightly longer at 359 miles. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. For example, it takes approximately 12 hours 19 minutes by train, 4 hours 21 minutes by taking a tram to Los Angeles and then flying to San Francisco, 5 hours 59 minutes by car, and 8 hours 46 minutes by bus to travel between the two cities.

The most cost-effective way to travel from Pasadena to Palo Alto is by taking the bus, which costs $55-$65 and takes 8 hours and 46 minutes. However, for a quicker option, the most time-efficient method is to take a combination of tram, flight, and Caltrain, which takes 4 hours and 21 minutes and costs $90-$350. This option allows you to reach your destination faster but at a higher cost when compared to the bus.

The prices for traveling from Pasadena to Palo Alto vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. The train ticket prices range from $24 to $169, offering a wide range of options for travelers. On the other hand, bus tickets between Palo Alto and Pasadena range from $57 to $63, providing a cost-effective option for those looking for budget-friendly travel. Consider your preferences, budget, and travel time when choosing the most suitable transportation option for your journey.

To travel from Pasadena to Palo Alto without using public transportation, you can drive the 359-mile distance, which typically takes around 5 hours and 59 minutes. The cost of driving from Pasadena to Palo Alto can vary between $65 to $95 for fuel and any tolls along the way. Driving allows for flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy the scenic route through California.

To travel from Pasadena to Palo Alto without a car, you can take a bus, which is the most convenient option. The bus journey takes approximately 8 hours and 46 minutes and costs between $55 to $65. Be sure to check the bus schedules and book your ticket in advance to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey between these two cities.

There is no direct train or bus link between Pasadena and Palo Alto. For train travel, there are services that involve transfers, with the journey taking approximately 12h 19m with Amtrak. Similarly, bus services also require transfers, with the journey taking around 9h 53m with Greyhound USA. Travelers should plan accordingly for the additional time needed for transfers when considering these transportation options between Pasadena and Palo Alto.

The quickest direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Francisco Airport takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The typical cost of a flight between Pasadena and Palo Alto can vary depending on factors like booking time, airline, and seat class. On average, prices range from $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket. It is recommended to check for deals and discounts to find the best fare for your travel dates.

There are over 693 hotels available in Palo Alto with prices starting at $52 per night. Some popular accommodation options in the area include luxury hotels, budget-friendly motels, and cozy bed and breakfasts. Visitors can choose from a variety of lodging options based on their preferences, budget, and desired amenities when staying near Palo Alto. It is recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.