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

The cheapest way to get from San Francisco to Palo Alto is to bus which costs $3 - $5 and takes 2h 17m.

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

The fastest way to get from San Francisco to Palo Alto is to drive which takes 37 min and costs $5 - $9.

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

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from 11th St & Market St. and arriving at University Ave & Lincoln Ave. Services depart every four hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 2h 17m.

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

Yes, there is a direct train departing from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound and arriving at California Avenue Caltrain Southbound. Services depart every 30 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 52 min.

How far is it from San Francisco to Palo Alto?

The distance between San Francisco and Palo Alto is 32 miles. The road distance is 32.4 miles.

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

The best way to get from San Francisco to Palo Alto without a car is to Caltrain which takes 52 min and costs $7 - $10.

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

The Caltrain from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to California Avenue Caltrain Southbound takes 52 min including transfers and departs every 30 minutes.

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

San Francisco to Palo Alto bus services, operated by SamTrans, depart from 11th St & Market St. station.

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

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

Train or bus from San Francisco to Palo Alto?

The best way to get from San Francisco to Palo Alto is to Caltrain which takes 52 min and costs $7 - $10. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs $3 - $5 and takes 2h 17m.

Where does the San Francisco to Palo Alto bus arrive?

San Francisco to Palo Alto bus services, operated by SamTrans, arrive at University Ave & Lincoln Ave station.

Where does the San Francisco to Palo Alto train arrive?

San Francisco to Palo Alto train services, operated by Caltrain, arrive at California Avenue Caltrain Southbound station.

Can I drive from San Francisco to Palo Alto?

Yes, the driving distance between San Francisco to Palo Alto is 32 miles. It takes approximately 37 min to drive from San Francisco to Palo Alto.

Where can I stay near Palo Alto?

There are 498+ hotels available in Palo Alto.

San Francisco to Palo Alto - 4 ways to travel via Caltrain, bus, car, and taxi

How to get fromSan Francisco to Palo Alto

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There are 4 ways to get from San Francisco to Palo Alto 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 San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to California Avenue Caltrain Southboundtrain Local Weekday / ...
52 min
$7–10
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from 11th St & Market St. to University Ave & Lincoln Avebus 397
2h 17m
$3–5
Drive 32.2 mi
1. Drive from San Francisco to Palo Altocar 32.2 mi
37 min
$6–9
Taxi
1. Take the taxi from San Francisco to Palo Altotaxi 32.2 mi
37 min
$120–150

San Francisco to Palo Alto by train

291Weekly Trains

52 minAverage Duration

$7Cheapest Price

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Questions & Answers

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

Launch map view

Distance: 31.9 mi
Duration: 52 min

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

Caltrain operates a train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to California Avenue Caltrain Southbound every 30 minutes. Tickets cost $7–10 and the journey takes 52 min. Alternatively, SamTrans operates a bus from 11th St & Market St. to University Ave & Lincoln Ave every 4 hours. Tickets cost $2–5 and the journey takes 2h 17m.

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