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

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Mateo to San Francisco: 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
32 kmDistance
22m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Mateo to San Francisco 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
35m
Estimated price
$5-7
Recommended
Company
SamTrans
Bus
Average Duration
1h  48m
Estimated price
$1-5
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 32 km
Duration: 22m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
22m
Estimated price
$3-6
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
22m
Estimated price
$110-140
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Traveling From San Mateo to San Francisco

The journey from San Mateo to San Francisco offers a striking contrast between the suburban charm of San Mateo and the vibrant urban energy of San Francisco.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco’s neighborhoods each offer distinct vibes and experiences for visitors.

Mission District
• Vibrant street art and murals.
• Renowned for delicious local eateries.
Chinatown
• One of the largest Chinatowns outside Asia.
• Offers an array of authentic dining options.
North Beach
• Known as the city's Little Italy.
• Famous for coffee shops and lively nightlife.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Planning your visits to San Francisco’s attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings or late afternoons provide stunning views with fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Book morning tours to enjoy cooler weather and avoid the crowds.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Weekdays before noon are quieter, allowing for a leisurely stroll.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a mild, coastal climate characterized by cool summers and foggy winters, making layers essential for comfort. The best times to visit are typically during September and October when the weather tends to be warmer and drier, enhancing outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation

Experience the vibrant flavors of San Francisco at the Ferry Building Marketplace, where you can indulge in a bowl of clam chowder served in a freshly baked sourdough bread bowl from one of the local vendors. This bustling food hub showcases the city’s emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and artisanal preparations, creating a lively atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the more relaxed dining scene in San Mateo.

San Mateo - San Francisco operators

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

Average Duration
35m
Estimated price
$5-7
Bus Show bus routes
Website
samtrans.com

Bus from S Delaware St & 2nd Ave to Mission St & 9th St

Average Duration
1h 48m
Estimated price
$1-5
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 415.333.3333
Website
yellowcabsf.com

Taxi from San Mateo to San Francisco

Average Duration
22m
Estimated price
$110-140
Drive

Drive from San Mateo to San Francisco

Average Duration
22m
Estimated price
$3-6

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

Traveling between San Mateo and San Francisco 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.

🚗 Head out on a scenic drive from San Mateo to San Francisco, covering a distance of 20 miles. Enjoy the picturesque views along the way as you make your way to the vibrant city. 💰 The cost of the trip by car can range from $3 to $6, providing an affordable and convenient means of transportation between these two Bay Area destinations. Explore the options available and choose the best route that suits your budget. 🌉 Arrive in San Francisco in just around 22 minutes, ready to soak in the city's iconic landmarks and diverse culture. Whether it's exploring Fisherman's Wharf, riding a cable car, or admiring the Golden Gate Bridge, your road trip adventure is bound to be memorable.
Average price
$3 - $6
🌉 Arrive at San Francisco Caltrain Northbound station in approximately 35 minutes, making it a convenient choice for both locals and tourists looking to explore the iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods of the city by the bay. Let Caltrain take you on a seamless journey from San Mateo to San Francisco for a memorable travel experience.
Departure Point
San Mateo Caltrain Northbound station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Caltrain Northbound station
🚌 The bus journey from San Mateo to San Francisco is a convenient and affordable way to travel between these two cities. The direct bus route departs from S Delaware St & 2nd Ave and arrives at Mission St & 9th St, with services operating every 30 minutes. 🚌 The bus service is operated by SamTrans and runs daily, providing regular and reliable transportation for commuters and travelers alike. The total travel time from San Mateo to San Francisco by bus is approximately 1 hour and 48 minutes, offering a leisurely ride to enjoy the scenic views along the way. 🚌 Ticket prices for the bus between San Mateo and San Francisco range from $1 to $5, making it an affordable option for those looking to explore both cities without the hassle of driving or parking. Sit back, relax, and let the bus take you on a smooth journey from San Mateo to vibrant San Francisco.
Departure Point
S Delaware St & 2nd Ave station
Arrival Point
Mission St & 9th St station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Mateo and San Francisco is 16 miles. The road distance is slightly longer at 20 miles. By car, it takes approximately 30 minutes to travel between the two cities. On the other hand, taking a bus from San Mateo to San Francisco typically takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Mateo to San Francisco is by bus, which typically costs between $1 and $5 and takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. This is a budget-friendly choice for those looking to save money. However, if time is of the essence, the quickest option is to take a taxi, which typically costs between $110 and $140 and takes just 22 minutes. This option is more expensive but can be ideal for those looking to minimize travel time.
When traveling from San Mateo to San Francisco the prices for a bus ticket can range from $1 to $5. These prices may vary depending on factors such as the time of day, day of the week, and the specific bus company. It is recommended to check with different bus companies or online ticket platforms to find the best price for your intended travel date.
To get from San Mateo to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 20 miles, which takes approximately 22 minutes. The road distance is relatively short, making driving a convenient option. The cost of driving can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees, but generally, it can range from $3 to $6.
To travel from San Mateo to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take the Caltrain. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes and the ticket price ranges from $5 to $7. The Caltrain is a convenient and reliable mode of transportation that allows you to avoid the traffic and parking difficulties associated with driving in San Francisco.
Yes, there are direct links between San Mateo and San Francisco. You can take a train from San Mateo Caltrain station to San Francisco Caltrain station, with services departing hourly and the journey taking approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from S Delaware St & 2nd Ave in San Mateo to Mission St & 9th St in San Francisco. Bus services operate every 30 minutes and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, visitors have a wide range of choices. Prices for hotels start at $74, so there are options available for a variety of budgets. Whether you prefer a luxury hotel, a mid-range option, or a budget-friendly stay, there is a hotel to suit every traveler's needs in the San Francisco area.
Yes, you can definitely travel from San Mateo to San Francisco by bicycle. The distance of the route is not provided, but it is approximately 16 miles by road. The average cycling speed is around 12-15 miles per hour, so it would take roughly 1-1.5 hours to reach San Francisco from San Mateo by bike. Please note that the actual travel time may vary depending on factors such as traffic and road conditions.

Trips to San Francisco