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How to get fromSan Rafael to Carmelby train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak), car, shuttle, train, or bus

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There are 6 ways to get from San Rafael to Carmel by train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak), car, shuttle, train, or bus

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 Oakland to Salinastrain train Coast Starlight
    5h 44m
    $114–173

  2. Drive 136.2 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from San Rafael to Carmelcar car 136.2 mi
    2h 26m
    $25–36

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from San Francisco to Salinas Train Stationbus bus FlixBus 2005
    2. Take the bus from Salinas to Carmel Amtrak Bus Stopbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    6h 30m

  4. Shuttle

    1. Take a shuttle bus from SFO Airport International to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus Monterey Airbus from airport
    5h 59m
    $73–95

  5. Caltrain, bus

    1. Take the train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southboundtrain train
    2. Take the bus from San Jose to Salinasbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Salinas to Carmel Amtrak Bus Stopbus bus
    6h 48m
    $46–65

  6. Train, bus (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Oakland to Salinastrain train Coast Starlight
    2. Take the bus from Salinas to Carmel Amtrak Bus Stopbus bus Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
    7h 33m
    $52–101

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Rafael to Carmel.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 152.5 mi
  • Duration: 5h 44m

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

Amtrak operates a train from Oakland to Salinas once daily. Tickets cost $35–75 and the journey takes 2h 57m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Carmel Amtrak Bus Stop via Mission St & 4th St, 4th St & Market St, 5th St & Brannan St, San Francisco, and Salinas in around 6h 30m.

Train operators
Bus operators

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