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

The cheapest way to get from San Rafael to Palo Alto is to drive which costs $9 - $14 and takes 1h 2m.

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

The fastest way to get from San Rafael to Palo Alto is to drive which takes 1h 2m and costs $9 - $14.

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

No, there is no direct bus from San Rafael to Palo Alto. However, there are services departing from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A and arriving at Clarke Ave & O'Connor St-Ravenswood Shopping Ctr via Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3h 44m.

How far is it from San Rafael to Palo Alto?

The distance between San Rafael and Palo Alto is 52 miles. The road distance is 50.7 miles.

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

The best way to get from San Rafael to Palo Alto without a car is to line 101 bus and Caltrain which takes 2h 7m and costs $15 - $21.

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

It takes approximately 2h 7m to get from San Rafael to Palo Alto, including transfers.

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

San Rafael to Palo Alto bus services, operated by Golden Gate Transit, depart from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A station.

Where does the San Rafael to Palo Alto bus arrive?

San Rafael to Palo Alto bus services, operated by Golden Gate Transit, arrive at Mission St & Fremont St station.

Can I drive from San Rafael to Palo Alto?

Yes, the driving distance between San Rafael to Palo Alto is 51 miles. It takes approximately 1h 2m to drive from San Rafael to Palo Alto.

Where can I stay near Palo Alto?

There are 919+ hotels available in Palo Alto.

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

There are 4 ways to get from San Rafael to Palo Alto by bus, train, 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.

Line 101 bus, Caltrain
best
1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 4th Stbus 101
2. Take the train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to California Avenue Caltrain Southboundtrain Local Weekday / ...
2h 7m
$15–21
Line 101 bus, bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & Fremont Stbus 101 / ...
2. Take the bus from Salesforce Transit Center- Bay 37 to Clarke Ave & O'Connor St-Ravenswood Shopping Ctrbus Epx
3h 44m
$9–14
Drive 50.4 mi
1. Drive from San Rafael to Palo Altocar 50.4 mi
1h 2m
$10–14
Line 101 bus, bus via Daly City
1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 2nd Stbus 101
2. Take the bus from San Bruno BART-Bay 8 Outer Busway to Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 1bus Ecr
3h 12m
$11–18

San Rafael to Palo Alto by bus and train

291Weekly Services

2h 7mAverage Duration

$15Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

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

Launch map view

Distance: 51.6 mi
Duration: 2h 7m

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

You can take a bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Palo Alto Transit Ctr-Bay 1 via Mission St & 2nd St, Montgomery Street, San Bruno, and San Bruno BART-Bay 8 Outer Busway in around 3h 12m.

Train operators

Bus operators

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