What is the cheapest way to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto?

The cheapest way to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto is to drive which costs $3 - $5 and takes 21 min.

What is the fastest way to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto?

The fastest way to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto is to taxi which takes 21 min and costs $60 - $75.

Is there a direct bus between Downtown San Jose and Palo Alto?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Santa Clara & Almaden Blvd and arriving at El Camino & California. Services depart every 10 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 1h 20m.

Is there a direct train between Downtown San Jose and Palo Alto?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound and arriving at California Avenue Caltrain Northbound. Services depart every 30 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 24 min.

How far is it from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto?

The distance between Downtown San Jose and Palo Alto is 15 miles. The road distance is 17.7 miles.

How do I travel from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto without a car?

The best way to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto without a car is to Caltrain which takes 24 min and costs $5 - $7.

How long does it take to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto?

The Caltrain from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to California Avenue Caltrain Northbound takes 24 min including transfers and departs every 30 minutes.

Where do I catch the Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto bus from?

Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto bus services, operated by Santa Clara VTA, depart from Santa Clara & Almaden Blvd station.

Where do I catch the Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto train from?

Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto train services, operated by Caltrain, depart from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound station.

Train or bus from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto?

The best way to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto is to Caltrain which takes 24 min and costs $5 - $7. Alternatively, you can line 22 bus, which costs $2 - $5 and takes 1h 20m.

Where does the Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto bus arrive?

Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto bus services, operated by Santa Clara VTA, arrive at El Camino & California station.

Where does the Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto train arrive?

Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto train services, operated by Caltrain, arrive at California Avenue Caltrain Northbound station.

Can I drive from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto?

Yes, the driving distance between Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto is 18 miles. It takes approximately 21 min to drive from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto.

Where can I stay near Palo Alto?

There are 494+ hotels available in Palo Alto.

Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto - 4 ways to travel via Caltrain, and line 22 bus

How to get fromDowntown San Jose to Palo Alto

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 4 ways to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto by train, bus, taxi, or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Caltrain
best
1. Take the train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to California Avenue Caltrain Northboundtrain Local Weekday / ...
24 min
$5–7
Line 22 bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Santa Clara & Almaden Blvd to El Camino & Californiabus Rapid 522 / ...
1h 20m
$2–5
Taxi
1. Take the taxi from Downtown San Jose to Palo Altotaxi 17.6 mi
21 min
$60–75
Drive 17.6 mi
1. Drive from Downtown San Jose to Palo Altocar 17.6 mi
21 min
$4–5

Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto by train

291Weekly Trains

24 minAverage Duration

$5Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Downtown San Jose to Palo Alto.

Launch map view

Distance: 15.3 mi
Duration: 24 min

What companies run services between Downtown San Jose, CA, USA and Palo Alto, CA, USA?

Caltrain operates a train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to California Avenue Caltrain Northbound every 30 minutes. Tickets cost $5–7 and the journey takes 24 min. Alternatively, Santa Clara VTA operates a bus from Santa Clara & Almaden Blvd to El Camino & California every 10 minutes. Tickets cost $2–5 and the journey takes 1h 20m.

Train operators