San Mateo, CA, USA to Los Angeles, CA, USA from $24: 12 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Mateo to Los Angeles: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$24 by trainBest price
597 kmDistance
4h 8m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Mateo to Los Angeles 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 San Mateo to Los Angeles
The journey from San Mateo to Los Angeles takes you from the tranquil surroundings of the Bay Area, with its lush greenery and suburban charm, to the lively streets of LA, where vibrant culture and entertainment await.
Best Neighbourhoods in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.
Santa Monica
• Stunning beaches and iconic pier attraction.
• Vibrant shopping and dining along Third Street Promenade.
Hollywood
• Famous for the Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre.
• Great nightlife and entertainment options abound.
Downtown LA
• Cultural hub with museums and art galleries.
• Trendy restaurants and rooftop bars offer stunning views.
Best Times To Visit Los Angeles's Attractions
Maximizing your experiences in Los Angeles involves timing your visits to popular attractions.
Griffith Observatory
Visit early in the morning for stunning views and fewer crowds.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Choose weekdays in low season for shorter lines and more enjoyable visits.
The Getty Center
Visit during weekday afternoons when it’s quieter, enhancing the art experience.
Los Angeles Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a year-round destination. Understanding the weather patterns helps you plan your trips to enjoy outdoor activities and avoid seasonal rain.
Dining in Los Angeles: A Culinary Adventure
Try the famous Korean BBQ at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, where the interactive grilling at your table creates a lively atmosphere that’s a stark contrast to San Mateo's more subdued dining scene. The bold flavors and fresh ingredients in Los Angeles’ diverse culinary landscape provide a uniquely vibrant dining experience.
San Mateo - Los Angeles operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Mateo and Los Angeles, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
samtrans.com
Bus from El Camino Real & E 5th Ave to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
10h 41mEstimated price
$649-2440Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
7hEstimated price
$2449-241Bus from Redwood City Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
7h 35mEstimated price
$2444-1696Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
Train from San Mateo Caltrain Southbound to Los Angeles
Average Duration
12h 52mEstimated price
$24-169Website
southwest.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 22mEstimated price
$2446-242Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Other from Redwood City Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
7h 35mEstimated price
$2444-1696San Mateo to Los Angeles: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Mateo and Los Angeles 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 an exciting road trip from San Mateo to Los Angeles covering 371 miles of scenic California landscape. From urban sprawls to coastal beauty, this drive offers a diverse range of sights along the way.
💰 Plan your budget accordingly as the cost of driving from San Mateo to Los Angeles typically ranges from $65 to $100, taking into account gas, tolls, and any pit stops for food or attractions. Be prepared for a journey that balances adventure with practicality.
🌴 Arrival in Los Angeles after approximately 6 hours and 11 minutes of driving offers a vibrant cityscape filled with entertainment, culture, and endless possibilities. Dive into the bustling heart of Hollywood or relax on the sun-soaked beaches—it's the perfect destination for a memorable road trip experience.
Average price
$65 - $100
🚂 Traveling by train from San Mateo to Los Angeles involves a journey with transfers and takes approximately 12 hours and 52 minutes.
🚂 The route typically includes a transfer at San Jose before boarding the Amtrak Coast Starlight train bound for Los Angeles Union Station. The total distance covered is 452 miles.
🚂 Depending on the specific route and timing, passengers can expect different durations for the trip, with options ranging from 12 to 12.5 hours, offering a scenic and relaxing way to travel between the two cities.
Departure Point
San Mateo Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
🛫 Flying from San Mateo to Los Angeles is a convenient and efficient way to travel between the two California cities. The quickest direct flight from San Francisco Airport to Los Angeles Airport takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes.
🎫 Multiple airlines, including Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines, provide flight options for this route, offering travelers a range of choices for their journey. The total travel time from San Mateo to Los Angeles by plane averages around 5 hours and 19 minutes.
💸 Prices for flights between Los Angeles and San Mateo can vary, with tickets typically costing between $67 and $316. With several airlines to choose from and a relatively short flight duration, flying is a popular and convenient way to make the trip between these two vibrant California destinations.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 If you're traveling from San Mateo to Los Angeles by bus, be prepared for a journey of approximately 10 hours and 41 mins with transfers along the way.
💰 Prices for a bus ticket from Los Angeles to San Mateo range from $58 to $61, offering a budget-friendly travel option for those looking to explore California by road.
Departure Point
San Jose Diridon Station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Mateo to Los Angeles.
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The cheapest way to travel from San Mateo to Los Angeles is by taking a night bus. These buses typically cost between $30 to $120, depending on the operator and type of service chosen. The journey takes about 9 hours and 5 minutes, allowing you to save money on accommodation while traveling overnight.
The fastest way to travel from San Mateo to Los Angeles is by taking a combination of a flight and a tram. This option typically takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes. The cost for this route can range from $65 to $260, depending on the airline and time of booking. Flying directly from San Francisco International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport and then taking the tram or public transportation to your final destination in Los Angeles is the most efficient way to reach your destination quickly.
The distance between San Mateo and Los Angeles is approximately 335 miles. This is the straight-line distance. If you were to drive, the road distance would be about 371 miles. It would take around 5-7 hours to drive, depending on traffic conditions and route chosen. Additionally, there are also options for flying or taking a bus, which could result in shorter travel times.
The most convenient way to travel from San Mateo to Los Angeles without a car is to take the Caltrain from San Mateo to Millbrae station, and then transfer to an Amtrak bus which will take you directly to Los Angeles. The total travel time is approximately 8 hours and 24 minutes, and ticket prices range from $35 to $65 depending on the date and time of travel. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a combination of the Caltrain and Greyhound bus, which may offer slightly cheaper fares but a longer travel time.
The average travel time from San Mateo to Los Angeles is about 4 hours and 3 minutes, which includes any necessary transfers. The exact duration may vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen, traffic conditions, and the time of day. It is advisable to plan your journey accordingly, considering variables such as rush hour traffic or possible delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Los Angeles. With over 1604 hotels to choose from, you'll find a range of choices to suit your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels start at $87 per night. Whether you're looking for luxury resorts, boutique hotels, or budget-friendly options, there are numerous options available to ensure a comfortable stay during your visit to Los Angeles.
Yes, you can drive from San Mateo to Los Angeles. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 371 miles. It usually takes around 6 hours and 11 minutes to complete the drive, depending on traffic and route chosen. Be sure to plan for rest stops and consider the costs of gas and tolls during your journey.
Yes, there is no direct bus between San Mateo and Los Angeles. However, you can take a bus from San Mateo to Los Angeles with transfers. You would need to first take a bus from El Camino Real & 4th Ave in San Mateo to Palo Alto Transit Center. From there, you can transfer to another bus that will take you to Santa Clara & 1st. Finally, you would transfer again at San Jose Diridon Station to reach Los Angeles Union Station. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 10 hours and 47 minutes.
You can catch the bus from San Mateo to Los Angeles at the San Jose Diridon Station. This is the departure point for Greyhound USA bus services. From San Mateo, you can travel to San Jose Diridon Station to begin your journey to Los Angeles.
The bus from San Mateo to Los Angeles arrives at Los Angeles Union Station. This is a major transportation hub in downtown Los Angeles, conveniently located near many popular attractions and hotels. From here, you can easily access other parts of the city using public transportation or taxis. Make sure to check the bus schedule and plan your trip accordingly.
Several airlines offer flights between San Mateo and Los Angeles. JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Delta, and three other airlines operate flights from San Francisco Airport to Los Angeles Airport. These airlines provide multiple options for travelers to choose from when booking their flights. Whether you prefer a budget airline or one with more amenities, there are several options available for your journey.
The fastest way to travel from San Mateo to Los Angeles is by taking a direct flight. The flight from San Francisco Airport to Los Angeles Airport lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Several airlines, including JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and Delta, offer flights on this route. The airfare for a flight between Los Angeles and San Mateo can range from $88 to $360.
The flight from San Mateo to Los Angeles typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes on a direct flight. However, travel times can vary depending on factors such as flight delays or route changes. It is always recommended to check with the airline for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding flight duration.
Trains from San Mateo to Los Angeles arrive at the Los Angeles station. This station is a major transportation hub located in downtown Los Angeles. It is conveniently situated near popular attractions such as Union Station and Olvera Street. Upon arrival, travelers can easily access various transportation options to continue their journey within the city.
Yes, there is no direct train between San Mateo and Los Angeles. However, there are train services available. You can take the Caltrain from San Mateo to San Jose, and then transfer to an Amtrak train to Los Angeles. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 12 hours and 51 minutes. It is recommended to check the train schedules in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
To catch the train from San Mateo to Los Angeles you will need to go to the San Mateo Caltrain station. This is where the train services, operated by Caltrain, depart from. The station is conveniently located in downtown San Mateo and has parking available for commuters. Make sure to check the train schedule and arrive at the station on time to catch your train to Los Angeles.
The cost of a flight from San Mateo to Los Angeles can range anywhere from $88 to $360, depending on various factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and the class of ticket. It is advisable to compare prices on different travel websites or directly with the airlines to find the best deal. Additionally, it's worth considering that prices may fluctuate depending on the time of year and demand, so booking in advance or during off-peak seasons may help secure a cheaper fare.
The cost of a train ticket from San Mateo to Los Angeles can range from $24 to $169, depending on factors such as the class of service, time of travel, and availability of promotions or discounts. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best fares. The prices may also be influenced by factors such as peak travel periods and special events. It is advisable to check with the train operator for the most up-to-date pricing information.
The cost of a bus ticket from San Mateo to Los Angeles can range from $38 to $61 depending on factors such as the time of travel and the specific bus company chosen. Prices may also vary based on whether the ticket is purchased in advance or on the day of travel. It is recommended to check with different bus companies and compare prices to find the most affordable option for your journey.
The cost to drive from San Mateo to Los Angeles varies depending on factors such as fuel prices, vehicle efficiency, and toll fees. Generally, the prices range from $65 to $100 for a one-way trip. It is important to factor in additional expenses such as parking fees and potential traffic congestion. Ultimately, it is recommended to calculate the cost based on your specific vehicle and travel conditions.
Trips from San Mateo
Trips to Los Angeles
- Anaheim to Los Angeles
- Temecula to Los Angeles
- Rancho Cucamonga to Los Angeles
- Salt Lake City to Los Angeles
- San Francisco to Los Angeles
- Santa Clara to Los Angeles
- San Diego to Los Angeles
- San Jose to Los Angeles
- Portland to Los Angeles
- Sacramento to Los Angeles
- Oakland to Los Angeles
- Houston to Los Angeles
- Santa Cruz to Los Angeles
- Bakersfield to Los Angeles
- Atlanta to Los Angeles
- Chicago to Los Angeles
- New York City to Los Angeles
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- San Antonio to Los Angeles
- Memphis to Los Angeles
- Fresno to Los Angeles
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- Pittsburgh to Los Angeles
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- Long Beach to Los Angeles
- Las Vegas to Los Angeles
- Santa Monica to Los Angeles
- Riverside to Los Angeles
- Palm Springs to Los Angeles
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