Getting around Palo Alto, CA
Planning to travel in Palo Alto? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Palo Alto experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations.
Ways to get around Palo Alto
Walking
Palo Alto is a pedestrian-friendly city with a well-maintained infrastructure that supports walking as a convenient mode of transportation. Many areas, including downtown and residential neighborhoods, are accessible on foot, with sidewalks and crosswalks ensuring safety. The city’s relatively flat topography makes walking comfortable, and the mild weather throughout the year is conducive to outdoor activity. However, some destinations may be spread out, so walking might be less practical for longer trips. Overall, walking is a pleasant way to explore the city, particularly for shorter distances or within central areas.
Biking
Cycling in Palo Alto is supported by a bike-friendly environment with well-developed infrastructure, including bike lanes and paths that make it a convenient way to get around. Many destinations, such as schools, parks, and shopping areas, are accessible by bike, and the relatively flat terrain further supports biking as a practical option. The city’s mild weather generally provides comfortable conditions for cycling. Additionally, bikeshare options are available through the Uber app, making it easier to access bicycles for short trips.
Car
Driving remains a practical way to navigate Palo Alto, as the city has well-maintained roads and a network of streets that make most destinations accessible by car. Parking is generally available, though certain areas may have restrictions or higher demand. Traffic can be a consideration, especially during peak hours, but it is manageable compared to larger metropolitan areas. The mild weather in the region typically provides favorable driving conditions year-round.
Public Transit
For those relying on public transit, Palo Alto offers several options for getting around the city and nearby areas. The city is served by buses and a commuter train system, with the Palo Alto Transit Center acting as a central hub. Local buses connect various neighborhoods and destinations, while the train provides access to nearby cities. The complimentary shuttle service also helps travelers navigate key areas, including Stanford University. The city’s infrastructure supports public transit with well-placed stops, though the spread-out nature of some destinations may make walking or biking necessary for the last leg of a trip.
Train
Train travel in Palo Alto is a convenient option, with regular service connecting key areas. The city is served by a commuter rail system that stops at multiple stations, including a central hub near downtown. Trains generally run on a consistent schedule, making it easier to plan trips. The infrastructure supports accessibility to nearby cities and local destinations, though some areas may require additional transportation to reach. Overall, trains provide a reliable option for navigating Palo Alto and its surroundings, especially for those traveling along established routes.
Popular destinations in Palo Alto
Uber makes Palo Alto travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Palo Alto request rides to Palo Alto Caltrain Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Popular destinations in Palo Alto
Uber makes Palo Alto travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Palo Alto request rides to Palo Alto Caltrain Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Popular destinations in Palo Alto
Uber makes Palo Alto travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Palo Alto request rides to Palo Alto Caltrain Station more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Reserve a ride in Palo Alto with Uber
Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Palo Alto. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to San Francisco International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.
Rideshare and other services in Palo Alto, California
Getting around Palo Alto without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.
Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Palo Alto.
Palo Alto-area airport car service
When your travel in Palo Alto takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.
Choose the best ways to get around Palo Alto
Taxi in Palo Alto
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Palo Alto. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.
Electric scooters in Palo Alto
Renting a scooter is a fun, affordable way to get around the city. With electric power, you'll get to where you need to go with ease.
Palo Alto taxis and other ride options
Frequently asked questions
- Is Uber available in Palo Alto?
Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Palo Alto anytime, 24/7.
- What’s the most affordable way to travel in Palo Alto?
With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Palo Alto. To get an estimated cost, sign in online or open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear. Scroll to explore what’s currently available.
- Can I get around Palo Alto without a car?
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Palo Alto, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other Palo Alto transportation options available in your app, too.)
- Can I rent a car in Palo Alto?
Sign in to your Uber account on Uber.com or open your Uber app to find out if car rentals are available in your city. If so, choose Rent and complete your reservation with a rental provider on Uber.com or using the Uber app. Then travel in Palo Alto or wherever the road takes you.
- How does Uber in Palo Alto help keep riders safe?
Your safety when traveling in Palo Alto is a top priority. In a few taps, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call authorities if you need help.
- Is Uber Eats available in Palo Alto?
Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in Palo Alto from your favorite restaurants. Browse lots of food delivery options, place your order, and track it by the minute.
Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.
Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.
After the driver has ended the trip, please report any feedback when rating your trip in the Uber app, visiting help.uber.com, or calling 800-664-1378.
You may also contact the California Public Utilities Commission at 800-894-9444 or CIU_intake@cpuc.ca.gov.
In California, due to CPUC requirements, you cannot transport an unaccompanied minor on trips arranged through the Uber app. Keep in mind that in California, a rider must be over 18 to sign up for an Uber account, but if you believe a rider might be underage, you can ask them to confirm their age and let them know that you’ll have to cancel the trip if they are indeed under 18. In addition, you can report requests to transport unaccompanied minors by submitting in-app feedback.
All trips to or from SFO are subject to a $5.50 SFO airport surcharge that applies per vehicle, regardless of the number of riders or type of ride as well as any applicable tolls. All trips to or from OAK are subject to a $3.70 OAK airport surcharge that applies per vehicle, regardless of the number of riders or type of ride as well as any applicable tolls. All trips to or from SJC are subject to a $3 airport surcharge and any applicable tolls. All trips to or from MRY are subject to a $3 airport surcharge and any applicable tolls. UberX, Comfort and Assist trips to or from SMF are subject to a $2.5 surcharge and any applicable tolls. UberXL and Uber Black SUV trips to or from SMF are subject to a $3.00 surcharge and any applicable tolls.
*Sample rider prices are average UberX prices only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.
Select your preferred language
About
Explore Palo Alto
Cities near me
SFO airport
Popular routes
Select your preferred language
Select your preferred language
About
Explore Palo Alto
Cities near me
SFO airport
Popular routes