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 E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St and arriving at San Rafael Transit Center-Platform B via Salesforce Transit Center-Bus Plaza Bay A. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 2h 44m.

How far is it from Palo Alto to San Rafael?

The distance between Palo Alto and San Rafael is 53 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 26m and costs $15 - $21.

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

It takes approximately 2h 26m 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 E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St station.

Where does the Palo Alto to San Rafael bus arrive?

Palo Alto to San Rafael bus services, operated by SamTrans, arrive at Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37 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 449+ hotels available in San Rafael.

Palo Alto to San Rafael - 4 ways to travel via Caltrain, line 101 bus, and bus

How to get fromPalo Alto to San Rafael

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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.

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 26m
$16–20
Bus, line 101 bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from E Bayshore Rd & Donohoe St to Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37bus Epx
2. Take the bus from Salesforce Transit Center-Bus Plaza Bay A to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform Bbus 101 / ...
2h 44m
$9–13
Drive 50.5 mi
1. Drive from Palo Alto to San Rafaelcar 50.5 mi
1h 3m
$10–14
Bus, line 101 bus via Daly City
1. Take the bus from Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 9 to San Bruno BART-Bay 5bus Ecr
2. Take the bus from Mission St & 2nd St to San Rafael Transit Center-Platform Bbus 101
3h 16m
$12–17

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

291Weekly Services

2h 26mAverage Duration

$16Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

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

Launch 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

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