Rome2Rio

How to get fromPalo Alto to San Rafaelby train, bus, or car

Find Transport to San Rafael

See all options

There are 4 ways to get from Palo Alto to San Rafael by train, bus, 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.

  1. Caltrain, line 101 bus

    best
    1. Take the train from California Avenue Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northboundtrain train Local Weekday / ...
    2. Take the bus from Mission St & 2nd St to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform Bbus bus 101
    2h 26m
    $16–20

  2. Bus, line 101 bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St to Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37bus bus Epx
    2. Take the bus from Salesforce Transit Center-Bus Plaza Bay A to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform Bbus bus 101 / ...
    2h 44m
    $8–11

  3. Drive  50.5 mi

    1. Drive from Palo Alto to San Rafaelcar car 50.5 mi
    1h 3m
    $10–14

  4. Bus, line 101 bus via Daly City

    1. Take the bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to San Bruno BART-Bay 5bus bus Ecr
    2. Take the bus from Mission St & 2nd St to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform Bbus bus 101
    3h 16m
    $11–16

Palo Alto to San Rafael by train, tram, and bus

Calendar291Weekly Services
Duration2h 26mAverage Duration
Ticket$16Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Palo Alto to San Rafael.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 52.9 mi
  • Duration: 2h 26m

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

You can take a bus from E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform B via Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37 and Salesforce Transit Center-Bus Plaza Bay A in around 2h 44m.

Train operators
Bus 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 Travelling to and around Russia for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, How to get from Florence to Rome, and How to get from Luton Airport into central London - to help you get the most out of your next trip.