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Sacramento, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $10: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Sacramento, United States of America
to
Palo Alto, United States of America

How to Get from Sacramento to Palo Alto: 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.

$10 by trainBest price
186 kmDistance
2h 4m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
3h  33m
Estimated price
$17-54
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
3h  54m
Estimated price
$10-91
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 186 km
Duration: 2h 4m

See more options

Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
2h  4m
Estimated price
$20-35
Company
various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
4h  57m
Estimated price
$54-58
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
3h  26m
Estimated price
$114-399

Traveling From Sacramento to Palo Alto

Traveling from Sacramento to Palo Alto offers a fascinating contrast between Sacramento's vibrant city life and cultural heritage and Palo Alto's innovative tech scene and scenic landscapes.

Best Neighbourhoods in Palo Alto

Palo Alto features diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm for visitors.

Downtown Palo Alto
• Bustling shops and restaurants along University Avenue.
• Vibrant art scene with galleries and theaters.
Professorville
• Historic district with beautiful Victorian homes.
• Close to Stanford University and cultural attractions.
Palo Alto Hills
• Scenic views and hiking trails for outdoor lovers.
• Exclusive neighborhoods with luxurious estates.

Best Times To Visit Palo Alto's Attractions

Maximize your Palo Alto experience by timing your visits wisely.

Stanford University
Visit early morning or late afternoon to enjoy fewer crowds and picturesque lighting.
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
Weekdays provide a quieter experience for birdwatching and peaceful walks.
The Cantor Arts Center
Afternoons on weekdays offer a calm environment to explore the collections.

Palo Alto Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Palo Alto enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it pleasant for outdoor activities year-round. Late spring and early fall are particularly ideal for visits, as temperatures are moderate and the chances of rain are low.

Dining in Palo Alto: A Culinary Experience

Try the seasonal tasting menu at The Plumed Horse, where the focus on locally sourced ingredients and innovative flavors sets it apart from the more traditional fare you might find in Sacramento. The intimate atmosphere and artful presentation create a dining experience that feels both sophisticated and uniquely Californian.

Sacramento - Palo Alto operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Sacramento to San Francisco

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$10-1795
Contact phone
+1 714-839-3500
Website
gotobus.com

Bus from Sacramento to San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich

Average Duration
4h 57m
Estimated price
$54-58
Contact phone
+1 408-321-2300
Website
vta.org

Bus from King & Tully to El Camino & Churchill

Average Duration
1h 52m
Estimated price
$545-173
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Sacramento to Santa Clara Amtrak

Average Duration
2h 52m
Estimated price
$173-174
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287

Train from San Francisco to Palo Alto

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$177-171
Plane
Website
united.com

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$175-176

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

Traveling between Sacramento 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.

🚗 The scenic road trip from Sacramento to Palo Alto covers 115 miles and takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes, offering a smooth drive through California's diverse landscapes. 💰 Travelers can expect to spend anywhere between $20 to $35 on gas and tolls for the journey from Sacramento to Palo Alto by car, making it an affordable option for a weekend getaway or business trip.
Average price
$20 - $35
🚆 Traveling from Sacramento to Palo Alto by train involves a journey of approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes, with transfers along the way. 🚆 Prices for the train ride between Sacramento and Palo Alto can range from $10 to $91, offering an efficient and scenic way to travel between these two California cities.
Departure Point
Sacramento station
Arrival Point
Santa Clara Amtrak station
🛫 Fly from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport with a quick 1 hour and 7 minute direct flight option offered by United Airlines.
Departure Point
Sacramento Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 Starting from Sacramento the bus journey to Palo Alto involves transfers and will take approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes with services operated by Hoang Express and Santa Clara VTA. 🌉 The route options vary in duration, distance, and number of transfers, with some routes taking around 5 to 6 hours to reach Palo Alto from Sacramento by bus.
Departure Point
Sacramento station
Arrival Point
El Camino & Churchill station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to travel from Sacramento to Palo Alto is by driving. The estimated cost of gas for the trip is between $20 to $35, depending on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can also consider carpooling or sharing a ride with someone to further reduce costs.
The fastest way to travel from Sacramento to Palo Alto is by driving. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The estimated cost of driving is between $20 and $35, considering factors such as fuel consumption and tolls. It is recommended to check real-time traffic updates and plan your departure time accordingly to ensure a smooth and prompt journey.
It is approximately 87 miles from Sacramento to Palo Alto. The road distance between the two cities is 115.4 miles. The actual travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions and the route you take.
To travel from Sacramento to Palo Alto without a car, you can take a combination of the bus and Caltrain. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes. Start by taking the bus from Sacramento to the Sacramento Valley Station, then transfer to the Caltrain at the San Jose Diridon Station, and finally take the Caltrain to the Palo Alto Station. The cost of this trip is usually between $17 and $55, depending on the time and type of ticket.
The journey from Sacramento to Palo Alto takes approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes, including transfers. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by car, which usually takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes. However, if you prefer not to drive, you can also consider taking public transportation options such as buses or trains, which may have longer travel times but can offer scenic views and the opportunity to relax during the journey.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Palo Alto. Palo Alto itself has a wide range of hotels, ranging from budget to luxury, with prices starting at $64 per night. Additionally, neighboring cities such as Mountain View and Menlo Park also offer a variety of hotels, making it convenient for travelers to find a suitable place to stay near Palo Alto. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates and availability.
Yes, you can drive from Sacramento to Palo Alto. The driving distance is approximately 115 miles, and it usually takes about 2 hours and 4 minutes to complete the journey. The route mainly involves taking Interstate 80 and then transitioning onto State Route 237. Please note that the travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Sacramento and Palo Alto. However, there are bus services available that can get you from Sacramento to Palo Alto with transfers. The journey typically involves changing buses at locations such as Stockton, San Jose Diridon, and Santa Clara & 1st. With transfers included, the total travel time can take approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes.
To catch the bus from Sacramento to Palo Alto you will need to go to the Sacramento station. The bus service is operated by Amtrak, so make sure to check their schedule and book your ticket in advance. The Sacramento station is easily accessible and you can find information on transportation options to the station online or by contacting the station directly.
The Sacramento to Palo Alto bus services, operated by Santa Clara VTA, arrive at El Camino & California station in Palo Alto. This station is conveniently located close to downtown Palo Alto and Stanford University. From there, you can easily access various attractions and destinations in Palo Alto using local transportation options such as taxis, rideshares, or walking.
The most convenient way to get to Palo Alto from the airport is by taking a taxi or an Uber, which takes around 25-30 minutes and costs approximately $50-$70. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle service which is a more affordable option, costing around $20-$30 and taking approximately 35-40 minutes. Public transportation is also an option, with the Caltrain service running from the airport to Palo Alto, with a travel time of around 1 hour and costing approximately $8-$10.
United Airlines offers flights from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport, which is the closest major airport to Palo Alto. From there, travelers can take a shuttle service or hire a taxi/Uber to reach Palo Alto. Other airlines, such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, also offer flights between Sacramento and San Francisco. It is recommended to compare prices and schedules from different airlines to find the best flight option.
The fastest way to travel from Sacramento to Palo Alto is by plane. The quickest flight is a direct flight from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes. United Airlines offers flights between these two airports. It is recommended to check the flight schedules and book in advance to secure the best fares and availability.
The flight from Sacramento to Palo Alto is relatively short, taking approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes. This is the quickest option for travel between the two cities. The flight route is typically direct, flying from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport. From there, you can easily reach Palo Alto by car, shuttle, or public transportation.
Trains from Sacramento to Palo Alto arrive at the Santa Clara Amtrak station. This is the final destination for the train route. From Santa Clara Amtrak station, you can take a short transfer to reach Palo Alto, which is approximately 11 miles away. Public transportation options such as buses or taxis are readily available to take you from Santa Clara to Palo Alto.
Yes, there is a train service available from Sacramento to Palo Alto, but it is not a direct route. You would need to take a train from Sacramento to Santa Clara Caltrain and then transfer to another train that will take you to California Avenue Caltrain in Palo Alto. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes. Please note that train schedules may vary, so it is recommended to check the current timetables before planning your trip.
To catch the train from Sacramento to Palo Alto you need to go to the Sacramento station. The train services are operated by Amtrak, and they depart from this station. Be sure to check the train schedule and arrive at the station with sufficient time before the departure time.
The cost of a train from Sacramento to Palo Alto ranges from $10 to $91. The price variation depends on factors such as the type of train service, ticket class, and availability of discounts or promotions. It is recommended to check with the train operator or online ticketing platforms for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
The cost of driving from Sacramento to Palo Alto can range from $20 to $35. This estimate includes expenses such as fuel and tolls. The actual cost may vary depending on the specific vehicle and current gas prices. However, opting to drive remains the cheapest mode of transportation for this journey.

Trips from Sacramento