How to get fromPalo Alto to Pier 39by train, bus, car, or taxi

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There are 4 ways to get from Palo Alto to Pier 39 by train, bus, car, or taxi

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

Caltrain, line 30 bus
best
1. Take the train from California Avenue Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northboundtrain Local Weekday / ...
2. Take the bus from Townsend St & Lusk St to Columbus Ave & Francisco Stbus 30 / ...
1h 41m
$10–11
Bus, line 28 bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to Daly City BART-Bay 3bus Ecr
2. Take the bus from Daly City BART Station to Powell St & Beach Stbus 28
3h 21m
$5–6
Drive 35 mi
1. Drive from Palo Alto to Pier 39car 35 mi
42 min
$7–10
Taxi
1. Take the taxi from Palo Alto to Pier 39taxi 35 mi
42 min
$120–160

Palo Alto to Pier 39 by train, bus, and foot

291Weekly Services

1h 41mAverage Duration

$10Cheapest Price

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Palo Alto to Pier 39.

Launch map view

Distance: 34.9 mi
Duration: 1h 41m

What companies run services between Palo Alto, CA, USA and Pier 39, CA, USA?

You can take a bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to Pier 39 via Daly City BART Station and Powell St & Beach St in around 3h 21m.

Train operators

Bus operators

Other operators

Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including South Korea: Travelling from Seoul to Busan , How to get from Stansted Airport into central London, and French strikes 2018: What are my alternative transport options? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

San Francisco(opens in a new window), United States(opens in a new window)

San Francisco is Northern California’s cultural hub. Exuding a laid-back vibe, the city is home to the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, the freshest seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf and the best art galleries and cafes in the famed Union Square neighbourhood. Alcatraz Island, the former prison, is a must-visit, as is the biggest Chinatown outside Asia. Hitch a ride on one of the iconic red cable cars, catch the San Francisco Giants playing baseball, feel movie magic at the Walt Disney Family Museum and take in spectacular views of the Bay Area from Twin Peaks.

Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco cable car system(Opens in a new window)

The San Francisco cable car system is the world's last manually operated cable car system and an icon of the city of San Francisco. The system forms part of the intermodal urban transport network operated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway, which also includes the separate E Embarcadero and F Market & Wharves heritage streetcar lines, and the Muni Metro modern light rail system. Of the 23 cable car lines established between 1873 and 1890, only three remain (one of which combines parts of two earlier lines): two routes from downtown near Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf, and a third route along California Street.

SkyStar Wheel(Opens in a new window)

SkyStar Wheel is a 150 ft 137 ft diameter traveling observation wheel located in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf since November 13, 2023. It has previously operated in San Francisco's Music Concourse (2020–2023), Cincinnati's The Banks (2018–2020), Louisville's Waterfront Park (2018), and Norfolk (2018).

Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze(Opens in a new window)

Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze is a tourist attraction on Pier 39 in San Francisco, California. It is a mirror maze in which people must find their way out, attempting to avoid confusion.

Children's Fairyland(Opens in a new window)

Children's Fairyland, U.S.A. is an amusement park, located in Oakland, California, on the shores of Lake Merritt. It was one of the earliest "themed" amusement parks in the United States. Fairyland includes 10 acre of play sets, small rides, and animals. The park is also home to the Open Storybook Puppet Theater, the oldest continuously operating puppet theater in the United States.

Places to stay in San Francisco

Beresford Arms(Opens in a new window)

8.0Good

Club Donatello(Opens in a new window)

9.0Fabulous

Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square(Opens in a new window)

8.4Very Good

The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco(Opens in a new window)

8.5Very Good

Rome2Rio makes travelling from Palo Alto to Pier 39 easy.

Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Palo Alto to Pier 39 right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward.