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Santa Clara, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $7: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Santa Clara, United States of America
to
San Francisco, United States of America

How to Get from Santa Clara 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.

$7 by busBest price
73 kmDistance
49m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Clara 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
1h  33m
Estimated price
$9-12
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
BART
Average Duration
2h  13m
Estimated price
$7-15
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 73 km
Duration: 49m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
49m
Estimated price
$8-12
Company
Taxi San Jose
Taxi
Average Duration
49m
Estimated price
$250-300
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Traveling From Santa Clara to San Francisco

Traveling from Santa Clara to San Francisco presents you with a striking contrast: Santa Clara's suburban charm and tech vibe juxtaposed with San Francisco's iconic landmarks and vibrant culture.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Mission District
• Known for its vibrant street art scene.
• Home to some of the city’s best taco spots.
North Beach
• Renowned for its Italian heritage and dining.
• Offers stunning views from Coit Tower.
Golden Gate Park
• Features beautiful gardens and museums.
• Perfect for outdoor activities and picnics.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Timing your visits to key attractions in San Francisco can elevate your experience and reduce wait times.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early morning is best for fewer tourists and stunning sunrises.
Alcatraz Island
Visit during weekdays to dodge the weekend crowds.
Fisherman’s Wharf
Late afternoon offers a lively atmosphere with fewer tourists.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a mild maritime climate, characterized by cool summers and chilly winters, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are typically from September to November when the weather is warm and clear, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

A must-try dish in San Francisco is the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl, found at the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf. This culinary experience contrasts with Santa Clara's tech-influenced eateries, offering you a vibrant atmosphere and rich, local ingredients that celebrate the city’s coastal heritage.

Santa Clara - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between Santa Clara 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 Santa Clara Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration
1h 33m
Estimated price
$9-12
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 408-321-2300
Website
http://www.vta.org

Bus from Benton & Main to Milpitas BART

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$91-92
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Other from Milpitas to Civic Center / UN Plaza

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$6-90
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 408-459-8010
Website
http://www.taxisanjose.com

Taxi from Santa Clara to San Francisco

Average Duration
49m
Estimated price
$250-300

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

Traveling between Santa Clara 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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Santa Clara to San Francisco, covering a distance of 45 miles. The picturesque drive offers stunning views of the Bay Area landscape along the way. 💸 Prices for the car ride from Santa Clara to San Francisco typically range from $8 to $12, providing a budget-friendly transportation option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city by the bay. 🌉 As you arrive in San Francisco after approximately 49 minutes on the road, you'll be greeted by iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and a myriad of attractions waiting to be discovered in this bustling West Coast metropolis.
Average price
$8 - $12
🚆 Traveling by train from Santa Clara to San Francisco is a convenient and scenic journey that takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes. The direct train service operated by Caltrain departs hourly and operates every day, offering a relaxing way to reach the city by the bay. 🛤️ The route covers a distance of 44.3 miles, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of the Bay Area as you glide towards San Francisco. Whether you choose the quicker 1 hour 8 minutes option or the slightly longer 1 hour 33 minutes service, the train ride provides a stress-free and comfortable travel experience.
Departure Point
Santa Clara Caltrain Northbound station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Caltrain Northbound station
Useful tips for train travellers
• The main train operators for the route from Santa Clara to San Francisco are Caltrain and Amtrak. Caltrain offers extensive service with frequent stops and a reliable schedule. You can check out Caltrain's website at caltrain.com and Amtrak's website at amtrak.com for ticket options. Onboard catering services are generally not provided on Caltrain services; however, passengers can bring their own snacks and drinks.
• Caltrain offers different seating options: the standard Economy Class seats on all trains are comfortable and spacious, while the weekday Baby Bullet service provides quicker commute times with some reserved seating. If you’re looking for a more premium experience, sit in the Quiet Car for a noiseless journey or the Family Car if you're traveling with children. Make sure to arrive early to secure your preferred seating area since these cars can fill up quickly.
• Once you arrive at San Francisco's 4th and King Station, you can utilize the luggage storage services available for a nominal fee at the station. This way, you can explore the city without your bags. The restrooms are available at the station, but showers are not. For the quickest route to the city center, hop on the Muni Metro N-Judah or T-Third lines directly from the 4th and King Station. Both lines can take you to various popular areas in downtown San Francisco within 15-25 minutes.
🚌 Hop on the Train Ltd 5 departing from Santa Clara towards San Francisco Station, operated by Caltrain. The journey covers a distance of 44.3 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes. 🎟️ For more information on schedules and ticketing, you can contact Caltrain at 1 660-4287 or visit their website at http://www.caltrain.com/. Plan your trip ahead for a smooth and enjoyable journey between these two iconic California cities.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check the Caltrain schedule ahead of your trip at caltrain.com trains run frequently, but it's good to plan your departure time, especially during peak hours.
• If you're planning to enjoy a meal before or after your trip, consider visiting the Santa Clara Caltrain Station; there are options nearby, including the popular 99 Ranch Market for tasty snacks or prepared meals.
• Upon arrival at San Francisco Station, head to the 'Main Hall' where you’ll find easy access to Muni bus and tram lines; downloading the MuniMobile app can help you navigate public transport quickly to your final destination.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Clara to San Francisco.

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The distance between Santa Clara and San Francisco is approximately 39 miles by road. The typical travel time by car is around 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, taking Line 60 bus and then BART can take around 2 hours and 13 minutes to reach San Francisco from Santa Clara.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Clara to San Francisco is to take a combination of the Line 60 bus and BART. This option takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes and costs between $7 and $15. If time is a priority, taking a taxi is the quickest option, taking only 49 minutes, but it can be quite expensive, costing between $250 and $300.
To travel from Santa Clara to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive the 45-mile distance. The trip usually takes around 49 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the journey by car can range from $8 to $12, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
To travel from Santa Clara to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take the Caltrain. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes and tickets cost around $9 to $12. The Caltrain provides a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two cities, offering comfortable seating and regular schedules.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Santa Clara and San Francisco. The train service is operated by Caltrain and departs from Santa Clara Caltrain station and arrives at San Francisco Caltrain station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes, and trains run hourly, every day. This provides a convenient and efficient mode of transportation between the two cities.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels available, you will have a wide range of choices to suit your budget and preferences. Prices start at $74, making it accessible for various travelers. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, you can find accommodation that fits your needs and provides a comfortable stay during your visit to San Francisco.

Trips to San Francisco