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

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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.

  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 17m
    $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 46m
    $9–13

  3. Caltrain, ferry

    1. Take the train from Palo Alto Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northboundtrain train Local Weekday / ...
    2. Take the ferry from Oracle Park Ferry Terminal to Larkspur Ferry Terminalferry ferry Larkspur
    2h 31m
    $20–25

  4. Caltrain, BART, line 580 bus

    1. Take the train from California Avenue Caltrain Northbound to Millbrae Caltrain Northboundtrain train
    2. Take the subway from Millbrae to El Cerrito Del Nortesubway subway
    3. Take the bus from El Cerrito del Norte BART Station to Andersen Dr & Francisco Blvd Wbus bus 580
    2h 56m
    $22–30

  5. Drive 50.5 mi

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

Palo Alto to San Rafael by train and bus

Calendar291Weekly Services
Duration2h 17mAverage Duration
Ticket$16Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Palo Alto to San Rafael.ExpandLaunch 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 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 46m.

Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry operators

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