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How to get fromPalo Alto to Carmelby train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak), car, bus, shuttle, or train

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There are 5 ways to get from Palo Alto to Carmel by train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak), car, bus, shuttle, or train

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

  1. Train (Amtrak)

    best
    1. Take the train from San Jose to Salinastrain train Coast Starlight
    3h 35m
    $95–136

  2. Drive 85.9 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Palo Alto to Carmelcar car 85.9 mi
    1h 37m
    $16–23

  3. Bus (Amtrak)

    1. Take the bus from San Jose to Salinasbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    2. Take the bus from Salinas to Carmel Amtrak Bus Stopbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    4h 35m
    $32–47

  4. Line 21 bus, shuttle

    1. Take the bus from Middlefield & Embarcadero to Santa Clara Transit Centerbus bus 21
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SJC Airport Terminal B to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus Monterey Airbus from airport
    5h 11m
    $52–71

  5. Train, bus (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from San Jose to Salinastrain train Coast Starlight
    2. Take the bus from Salinas to Carmel Amtrak Bus Stopbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    5h 20m
    $33–64

Palo Alto to Carmel by train and bus (Amtrak)

Calendar14Weekly Services
Duration4h 35mAverage Duration
Ticket$32Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Palo Alto to Carmel.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 104.6 mi
  • Duration: 3h 35m

What companies run services between Palo Alto, CA, USA and Carmel, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from San Jose to Salinas once daily. Tickets cost $20–45 and the journey takes 1h 40m. Alternatively, you can take a train from California Avenue Caltrain Southbound to Carmel Amtrak Bus Stop via San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound, San Jose, and Salinas in around 4h 35m.

Train operators
Bus operators

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