Getting around Stanford, CA
Planning to travel in Stanford? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Stanford experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations.
Ways to get around Stanford
Walking
Walking is a convenient way to navigate Stanford, particularly within the Stanford University campus and its immediate surroundings. The area features well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and a relatively flat terrain, making it accessible for most walkers. The mild California weather further supports walking as a comfortable option year-round. However, some destinations outside the central campus may require longer distances, which could be less practical for walking alone. Overall, walking is a practical choice for shorter trips and exploring the campus or nearby areas.
Biking
Biking is a practical way to get around, especially on the Stanford University campus. The area features extensive bike-friendly infrastructure, including numerous bike lanes and over 13,000 bike parking spaces. The relatively flat terrain makes biking accessible for most riders, and the mild weather generally provides comfortable conditions for cycling. Distances between key locations, such as campus buildings and nearby amenities, are manageable by bike. Additionally, bike-sharing options are available through the Uber app, offering convenient access to Lime bikes for short trips.
Car
Driving a car around Stanford can be convenient due to the availability of roads and parking infrastructure. Many destinations within and around the area are accessible by car, and parking options are generally provided in designated areas. However, traffic congestion may occur during peak times, which could impact travel efficiency. The region’s infrastructure supports vehicle use, but some areas may have restrictions or controls to prioritize pedestrian and landscaped zones. Overall, a car can be a practical option for getting around, especially for covering longer distances or when public transportation is less accessible.
Public Transit
Public transit offers several options for navigating Stanford and its surroundings. The area is served by buses and shuttles, including a free shuttle service that connects key locations on and near campus. Public transit infrastructure is well-suited for short to moderate distances, making it easy to reach nearby destinations. The relatively mild weather in the region generally supports comfortable transit conditions year-round. However, for more remote areas, additional planning may be required to connect with available transit routes.
Train
Trains provide a convenient way to access Stanford through the nearby Palo Alto station. Regular train services connect the area to other parts of the region, with schedules typically running at consistent intervals. While there are no train stations directly on campus, the infrastructure is supported by free shuttle services that connect the campus to nearby transit hubs. This makes it easier to navigate the area without a car. However, train routes may primarily serve regional travel rather than local destinations, so combining trains with other transportation options may be necessary.
Popular destinations in Stanford
Uber makes Stanford 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 Stanford 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 Stanford
Uber makes Stanford 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 Stanford 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 Stanford
Uber makes Stanford 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 Stanford 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 Stanford with Uber
Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Stanford. 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 Stanford, California
Getting around Stanford 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 Stanford.
Stanford-area airport car service
When your travel in Stanford 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 Stanford
Taxi in Stanford
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Stanford. 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 Stanford
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.
Stanford taxis and other ride options
Frequently asked questions
- Is Uber available in Stanford?
Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Stanford anytime, 24/7.
- What’s the most affordable way to travel in Stanford?
With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Stanford. 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 Stanford without a car?
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Stanford, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other Stanford transportation options available in your app, too.)
- Can I rent a car in Stanford?
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 Stanford or wherever the road takes you.
- How does Uber in Stanford help keep riders safe?
Your safety when traveling in Stanford 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 Stanford?
Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in Stanford 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.
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About
Explore Stanford
Cities near me
SFO airport
Popular routes
Select your preferred language
Select your preferred language
About
Explore Stanford
Cities near me
SFO airport
Popular routes