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How to get fromSan Rafael to Big Surby train, bus, taxi, car, plane, subway, or shuttle

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There are 7 ways to get from San Rafael to Big Sur by train, bus, taxi, car, plane, subway, or shuttle

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, bus, taxi

    best
    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 taxi from Salinas to Big Surtaxi taxi
    5h 38m
    $177–223

  2. Drive 160 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from San Rafael to Big Surcar car 160 mi
    3h 1m
    $30–43

  3. Train, taxi via El Cerrito Del Norte

    1. Take the train from Oakland to Salinastrain train Coast Starlight
    2. Take the taxi from Salinas to Big Surtaxi taxi
    6h 18m
    $184–252

  4. Bus, fly, taxi

    1. Take the bus from Larkspur - pickup to San Francisco Airportbus bus
    2. Fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)plane plane SFO - MRY
    3. Take the taxi from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) to Big Surtaxi taxi
    3h 52m
    $317–702

  5. Line 101 bus, bus, taxi

    1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 4th Stbus bus 101
    2. Take the bus from San Francisco to San Jose Diridon Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from San Jose to Salinasbus bus
    4. Take the taxi from Salinas to Big Surtaxi taxi
    5h 55m
    $175–223

  6. Train, taxi

    1. Take the train from Oakland to Salinastrain train Coast Starlight
    2. Take the taxi from Salinas to Big Surtaxi taxi
    6h 24m
    $183–253

  7. Line 101 bus, BART, shuttle, line 5 bus, taxi

    1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 2nd Stbus bus 101
    2. Take the subway from Montgomery Street to San Francisco International Airportsubway subway
    3. Take a shuttle bus from SFO Airport International to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    4. Take the bus from Monterey Transit Plaza / Gate 3 Pearl to Carmel Rancho Blvd / Carmel Rancho Centerbus bus 5
    5. Take the taxi from Carmel Rancho Blvd / Carmel Rancho Center to Big Surtaxi taxi
    6h 35m
    $147–189

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) flights

Calendar19Weekly Planes
Duration1h 5mAverage Duration
Ticket$19Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Rafael to Big Sur.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 173.7 mi
  • Duration: 5h 38m

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

There is no direct connection from San Rafael to Big Sur. However, you can take the line 101 bus to Mission St & 7th St, walk to Metro Civic Center Station/Downtn, take the vehicle to King St & 4th St, walk to San Francisco Caltrain Southbound, take the train to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound, walk to San Jose, take the bus to Salinas, then take the taxi to Big Sur. Alternatively, you can take the line 580 bus to El Cerrito del Norte BART Station, walk to El Cerrito Del Norte, take the subway to Lake Merritt, walk to Oakland, take the train to Salinas, then take the taxi to Big Sur.

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