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

The cheapest way to get from Palo Alto to San Francisco is to bus which costs $3 - $4 and takes 1h 36m.

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

The fastest way to get from Palo Alto to San Francisco is to drive which takes 38 min and costs $6 - $9.

Is there a direct bus between Palo Alto and San Francisco?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St and arriving at Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37. Services depart four times a day, and operate Monday to Friday. The journey takes approximately 1h 36m.

Is there a direct train between Palo Alto and San Francisco?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound and arriving at San Francisco Caltrain Northbound. Services depart every 30 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 51 min.

How far is it from Palo Alto to San Francisco?

The distance between Palo Alto and San Francisco is 30 miles. The road distance is 32.8 miles.

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

The best way to get from Palo Alto to San Francisco without a car is to Caltrain which takes 51 min and costs $7 - $9.

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

The Caltrain from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northbound takes 51 min including transfers and departs every 30 minutes.

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

Palo Alto to San Francisco bus services, operated by SamTrans, depart from E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St station.

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

Palo Alto to San Francisco train services, operated by Caltrain, depart from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound station.

Train or bus from Palo Alto to San Francisco?

The best way to get from Palo Alto to San Francisco is to Caltrain which takes 51 min and costs $7 - $9. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $3 - $4 and takes 1h 36m.

Where does the Palo Alto to San Francisco bus arrive?

Palo Alto to San Francisco bus services, operated by SamTrans, arrive at Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37 station.

Where does the Palo Alto to San Francisco train arrive?

Palo Alto to San Francisco train services, operated by Caltrain, arrive at San Francisco Caltrain Northbound station.

Can I drive from Palo Alto to San Francisco?

Yes, the driving distance between Palo Alto to San Francisco is 33 miles. It takes approximately 38 min to drive from Palo Alto to San Francisco.

Where can I stay near San Francisco?

There are 828+ hotels available in San Francisco.

Palo Alto to San Francisco - 5 ways to travel via Caltrain, bus, car, and taxi

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There are 5 ways to get from Palo Alto to San Francisco 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
best
1. Take the train from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northboundtrain Local Weekday / ...
51 min
$7–9
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St to Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37bus Epx
1h 36m
$3–4
Drive 32.6 mi
1. Drive from Palo Alto to San Franciscocar 32.6 mi
38 min
$6–9
Taxi
1. Take the taxi from Palo Alto to San Franciscotaxi 32.6 mi
38 min
$120–150
Bus, line 292 bus
1. Take the bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to Millbrae Transit Center- Bay G1bus Ecr / ...
2. Take the bus from Millbrae Transit Center-Bay C1 to 9th St & Folsom Stbus 292 / ...
2h 47m
$4–7

Palo Alto to San Francisco by train

326Weekly Trains

51 minAverage Duration

$7Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Palo Alto to San Francisco.

Launch map view

Distance: 30 mi
Duration: 51 min

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

Caltrain operates a train from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northbound every 30 minutes. Tickets cost $7–9 and the journey takes 51 min. Alternatively, SamTrans operates a bus from E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St to Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37 4 times a day. Tickets cost $2–4 and the journey takes 1h 36m.

Train operators