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San Francisco, CA, USA to San Mateo, CA, USA from $1: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
San Francisco, United States of America
to
San Mateo, United States of America

How to Get from San Francisco to San Mateo: 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.

$1 by busBest price
31 kmDistance
21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to San Mateo 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
Caltrain
Train
Average Duration
34m
Estimated price
$5-7
Recommended
Company
SamTrans
Bus
Average Duration
1h  35m
Estimated price
$1-5
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 31 km
Duration: 21m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$3-5
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$100-130
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Traveling From San Francisco to San Mateo

This journey takes you from the vibrant, bustling streets of San Francisco to the quieter, suburban charm of San Mateo, offering a refreshing contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Mateo

San Mateo features diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.

Downtown San Mateo
• Vibrant dining and shopping scene.
• Frequent community events and art festivals.
Bay Meadows
• Scenic parks and trails for outdoor activities.
• Family-friendly atmosphere with new developments.
Highlands
• Stunning views of the Bay Area.
• Peaceful residential vibe with spacious homes.

Best Times To Visit San Mateo's Attractions

Timing your visits can elevate your experiences at San Mateo's top attractions.

Central Park
Early mornings during weekdays offer tranquility and fewer visitors.
San Mateo County History Museum
Visit on Thursdays for less crowded tours and special programming.
Coyote Point Recreation Area
Late afternoons on weekdays provide a peaceful atmosphere for exploration.

San Mateo Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Mateo enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it an inviting destination year-round. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities, while winter rains can occasionally affect travel plans.

Dining Recommendation

For a taste of San Mateo, try the hearty and flavorful wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Delfina, which offer a rustic charm that sets it apart from San Francisco's more eclectic culinary scene. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere creates a welcoming dining experience that showcases the region's culinary roots.

San Francisco - San Mateo operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and San Mateo, 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 San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Mateo Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration
34m
Estimated price
$5-7
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://samtrans.com

Bus from 10th St & Howard St to S Delaware St & Cypress Ave

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$1-5
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 415-333-3333
Website
http://www.yellowcabsf.com

Taxi from San Francisco to San Mateo

Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$100-130
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 408-541-1515
Website
http://www.taxibayarea.com

Other from San Francisco to San Mateo

Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$100-130
Contact phone
+1 415-626-4733
Website
http://www.greencabsf.com

Other from San Francisco to San Mateo

Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$100-130

San Francisco to San Mateo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Francisco and San Mateo 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 drive from bustling San Francisco to the charming town of San Mateo, covering a distance of 19 miles in just around 21 minutes. 💰 Enjoy budget-friendly options to reach San Mateo from San Francisco by car, with prices typically ranging from $3 to $5, making it an affordable and convenient journey.
Average price
$3 - $5
🚆 Enjoy a quick and convenient journey from San Francisco to San Mateo by train with a travel time of approximately 34 minutes. Services operate daily, providing easy access between the two cities. 🌉 The train route covers a distance of 17.7 miles, offering travelers a scenic ride towards San Mateo. Multiple train options are available, departing from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound station and arriving at San Mateo Caltrain Southbound station. 🎫 For a hassle-free travel experience, passengers can contact Caltrain at 1 660-4287 or visit http://www.caltrain.com/ to check schedules and ticket information. Explore the Bay Area with a relaxing train ride from San Francisco to San Mateo.
Departure Point
San Francisco Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
San Mateo Caltrain Southbound station
🚌 Embark on a convenient bus journey from San Francisco to San Mateo with departures every 30 minutes, operated by SamTrans. The scenic route takes approximately 1h 35m to reach your destination. 🛣️ Sit back and relax as you travel 29.3 miles through various picturesque locations on your way to San Mateo. With affordable ticket prices ranging from $1 to $5, this bus service offers an economical travel option for commuters.
Departure Point
10th St & Howard St station
Arrival Point
S Delaware St & Cypress Ave station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to San Mateo.

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The distance between San Francisco and San Mateo is 16 miles, with a road distance of 19.1 miles. By car, it typically takes around 20-30 minutes to travel between the two cities, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, taking a bus can take approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Francisco to San Mateo is to take the line 292 bus, which costs $1-$5. This bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes. However, if you prefer a quicker option and don't mind spending a bit more, taking a taxi is the most time-efficient option, taking only 21 minutes. Please note that these travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The prices of a bus ticket between San Mateo and San Francisco range from $1 to $5. These prices typically depend on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and the specific bus service. It's recommended to check with the bus operator or their website for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information before planning your trip.
To travel from San Francisco to San Mateo without using public transportation, you can drive your own car or take a taxi or rideshare service. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 19 miles, and it usually takes around 21 minutes to drive from San Francisco to San Mateo. The cost of the journey by car can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls, ranging from $3 to $5.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to San Mateo without a car is by taking the Caltrain. The journey takes approximately 34 minutes and typically costs between $5 and $7. The Caltrain is a reliable and affordable option for transportation between the two cities, allowing you to avoid the hassle of driving and finding parking.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and San Mateo. You can take a train operated by Caltrain, which departs from San Francisco Caltrain station and arrives at San Mateo Caltrain station. The journey takes approximately 34 minutes and the trains run hourly, operating every day. Alternatively, you can take a bus operated by SamTrans, which departs from 10th St & Howard St in San Francisco and arrives at S Delaware St & Cypress Ave in San Mateo. The bus runs every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Mateo. With over 510 hotels to choose from, guests can find a range of options to suit their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in San Mateo start at $58 per night and could vary depending on the location, amenities, and availability. Visitors can explore various online platforms or consult with a travel agent to find the best options that meet their needs in terms of location, budget, and desired amenities.
Yes, you can definitely get from San Francisco to San Mateo by bicycle. The distance of the route is approximately 16 miles, which can be covered in around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your speed and level of fitness. There are designated bike lanes and paths available, making it a convenient and scenic ride between the two cities.

Trips from San Francisco