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San Jose, CA, USA to Palo Alto, CA, USA from $1: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Jose, United States of America
to
Palo Alto, United States of America

How to Get from San Jose 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.

$1 by busBest price
24 kmDistance
21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose 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
Caltrain
Train
Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$5-7
Recommended
Company
Santa Clara VTA
Bus
Average Duration
1h  22m
Estimated price
$1-5
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 24 km
Duration: 21m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$3-5
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$60-75
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Traveling From San Jose to Palo Alto

The journey from San Jose to Palo Alto offers a blend of bustling urban life contrasted with the serene charm of a tech-driven community.

Best Neighbourhoods in Palo Alto

Palo Alto boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.

Downtown Palo Alto
• Vibrant dining and shopping options.
• Hosts cultural events year-round.
Professorville
• Historic homes with beautiful architecture.
• Peaceful streets perfect for strolls.
Stanford Campus
• Expansive gardens and art installations.
• Rich history and academic atmosphere.

Best Times To Visit Palo Alto's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your experience in Palo Alto.

Stanford University
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for serene campus strolls.
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
Explore the wetlands during weekday mornings to enjoy quiet birdwatching.
The Gamble Garden
Optimal visit time is mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Palo Alto Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Palo Alto enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a pleasant destination year-round. The best times to visit are spring and fall, when the temperatures are moderate and outdoor activities are most enjoyable.

Dining Recommendation in Palo Alto

For a unique culinary experience in Palo Alto, try the handmade pasta at Café Bizou, which emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and a refined atmosphere that contrasts with the more casual dining scene in San Jose. The delicate flavors and thoughtfully crafted dishes here provide a charming glimpse into the city's commitment to quality and creativity in every bite.

San Jose - Palo Alto operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Jose and Palo Alto, 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 Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to California Avenue Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$5-7
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 408-321-2300
Website
http://www.vta.org

Bus from Santa Clara & Almaden Boulevard to El Camino & California

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$1-5
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 408-459-8010
Website
http://www.taxisanjose.com

Taxi from San Jose to Palo Alto

Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$60-75
Drive

Drive from San Jose to Palo Alto

Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$3-5

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

Traveling between San Jose 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 San Jose to Palo Alto, spanning a mere 17 miles with an estimated drive time of just 21 minutes. 💸 Explore affordable transportation options ranging from $3 to $5 for the delightful road trip from bustling San Jose to the vibrant city of Palo Alto.
Average price
$3 - $5
🚂 The journey from San Jose to Palo Alto by train is a convenient and efficient option, taking approximately 33 minutes. The direct train service operates hourly, every day. 🚂 The train departs from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound station and arrives at California Avenue Caltrain Northbound station in Palo Alto. The distance covered during the journey is 16.8 miles. 🚂 Travelers can enjoy a comfortable ride on the Caltrain service, with multiple routes available for the San Jose to Palo Alto trip. For further information and assistance, passengers can contact Caltrain at 1 660-4287 or visit their website at http://www.caltrain.com/.
Departure Point
San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound station
Arrival Point
California Avenue Caltrain Northbound station
🚌 Traveling from San Jose to Palo Alto by bus is a convenient and efficient option. The direct bus service runs every 10 minutes, with a total journey time of approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes. 🚌 With affordable ticket prices ranging from $1 to $5, passengers can choose from multiple bus routes to reach Palo Alto from San Jose in under 1.5 hours. Whether you prefer a direct journey or a slightly longer ride with transfers, the bus service provides a reliable and cost-effective travel option.
Departure Point
Santa Clara & Almaden Boulevard station
Arrival Point
El Camino & California station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Jose to Palo Alto.

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The distance between San Jose and Palo Alto is approximately 15 miles, with a road distance of 17 miles. By car, the typical travel time between the two cities is dependent on traffic conditions, but it usually takes around 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus from San Jose to Palo Alto typically takes around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Jose to Palo Alto is to take the line 22 bus, which costs between $1 and $5 and takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes. However, if time is more important, the fastest option is to take a taxi which can cost between $60 and $75 and takes approximately 21 minutes. Both options offer different trade-offs between cost and travel time, allowing travelers to choose based on their priorities.
The prices for traveling by bus between Palo Alto and San Jose vary from $1 to $5. The exact price will depend on the specific bus service chosen and any promotional deals or discounts available. It is recommended to check with the bus service provider for the most up-to-date pricing information. Other modes of transportation, such as driving or taking a taxi, may have different cost considerations and it is advised to compare prices and options before making a decision.
To travel from San Jose to Palo Alto without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 17 miles, which typically takes around 21 minutes. The road route is convenient and relatively quick, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable and direct journey. The estimated cost of this trip by car ranges from $3 to $5, depending on factors such as gas prices and toll fees.
The best way to travel from San Jose to Palo Alto without a car is to take the Caltrain. The journey takes approximately 33 minutes and the ticket prices range from $5 to $7. Caltrain provides an efficient and convenient option for those looking to travel between these two cities without a personal vehicle.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Jose and Palo Alto. You can take a train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain station to California Avenue Caltrain station, which departs hourly and takes approximately 33 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Santa Clara & Almaden Blvd to El Camino & California, which departs every 15 minutes and takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes. Both options provide convenient transportation between the two cities.
There are 856+ hotels available in Palo Alto. Prices start at $64 per night, offering a range of accommodation options to choose from. Some popular hotel options in Palo Alto include The Westin Palo Alto and Garden Court Hotel. Visitors can explore more options based on their preferences and budget in order to find the perfect place to stay near Palo Alto.
Yes, you can definitely travel from San Jose to Palo Alto by bicycle. The distance of the route is unknown given the information provided, so it's difficult to estimate the travel time. However, both cities are quite bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and paths, making it convenient and enjoyable to cycle between the two. It is recommended to use a mapping or navigation app to find the most efficient and safest route for bicycling between San Jose and Palo Alto.

Trips from San Jose