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

The cheapest way to get from Palo Alto to San Rafael is to drive which costs $9 - $14 and takes 1h 3m.

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

The fastest way to get from Palo Alto to San Rafael is to drive which takes 1h 3m and costs $9 - $14.

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

No, there is no direct bus from Palo Alto to San Rafael. However, there are services departing from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 and arriving at Larkspur - dropoff via Millbrae BART-Bay 12 West Busway and San Francisco Airport. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3h 18m.

How far is it from Palo Alto to San Rafael?

The distance between Palo Alto and San Rafael is 52 miles. The road distance is 50.8 miles.

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

The best way to get from Palo Alto to San Rafael without a car is to Caltrain and line 101 bus which takes 2h 17m and costs $15 - $21.

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

It takes approximately 2h 17m to get from Palo Alto to San Rafael, including transfers.

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

Palo Alto to San Rafael bus services, operated by SamTrans, depart from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 station.

Where does the Palo Alto to San Rafael bus arrive?

Palo Alto to San Rafael bus services, operated by SamTrans, arrive at El Camino Real & Linden Ave station.

Can I drive from Palo Alto to San Rafael?

Yes, the driving distance between Palo Alto to San Rafael is 51 miles. It takes approximately 1h 3m to drive from Palo Alto to San Rafael.

Where can I stay near San Rafael?

There are 434+ hotels available in San Rafael.

Palo Alto to San Rafael - 5 ways to travel via Caltrain, line 101 bus

There are 5 ways to get from Palo Alto to San Rafael by train, bus, ferry, subway, 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.

Caltrain, line 101 bus
best
1. Take the train from California Avenue Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northboundtrain Local Weekday / ...
2. Take the bus from Mission St & 2nd St to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform Bbus 101 / ...
2h 17m
$16–20
Drive 50.5 mi
cheapest
1. Drive from Palo Alto to San Rafaelcar 50.5 mi
1h 3m
$10–14
Caltrain, ferry
1. Take the train from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northboundtrain Local Weekday / ...
2. Take the ferry from Oracle Park Ferry Terminal to Larkspur Ferry Terminalferry Larkspur
2h 31m
$13–25
Caltrain, BART, line 580 bus
1. Take the train from California Avenue Caltrain Northbound to Millbrae Caltrain Northboundtrain
2. Take the subway from Millbrae to El Cerrito Del Nortesubway
3. Take the bus from El Cerrito del Norte BART Station to Andersen Dr & Francisco Blvd Wbus 580
3h 4m
$22–30
Bus
1. Take the bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to El Camino Real & Linden Avebus Ecr / ...
2. Take the bus from San Francisco Airport to Larkspur - dropoffbus From SFO
3h 18m
$23–36

Palo Alto to San Rafael by train and bus

289Weekly Services

2h 17mAverage Duration

$16Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

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

Launch map view

Distance: 51.9 mi
Duration: 2h 17m

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

You can take a bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to Larkspur - dropoff via El Camino Real & Linden Ave, Millbrae BART-Bay 12 West Busway, SFO Airport Terminal G-Lower Level, and San Francisco Airport in around 3h 18m.

Train operators