Best way to get from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA
Find the best ways to travel from Palo Alto CA to San Carlos CA. You can also request a ride directly in the app at the tap of a button.
Transportation options
Uber: Request an Uber ride from Palo Alto to San Carlos. The journey covers approximately 10 miles and typically takes around 20 minutes. The average price is $28.
Caltrain: Take the Caltrain service from Palo Alto Station to San Carlos Station. The trip usually takes about 14 minutes and costs between $4 and $6. The distance covered is approximately 10 miles.
SamTrans bus service: Use the SamTrans bus service, which operates routes connecting Palo Alto and San Carlos. The journey can take around 45 minutes with a price range of $1 to $5.
Private bus: A private bus service offers routes between Palo Alto and San Carlos. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes, with prices starting at $10.
Note: The travel times and costs are approximate and subject to change depending on traffic conditions and other factors. Updated June, 2025.
Reserve a ride in advance to San Carlos, CA
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber to get from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA. Request a ride up to 90 days before your trip, at any time and on any day of the year.
Reserve may not be available for your pickup location.
Getting from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA
When you ride with Uber on your next trip from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA, you’ve got choices. Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, find a ride option that fits your needs and budget. If you like to plan ahead, consider scheduling a ride to San Carlos, CA in advance. Or you can request a ride on demand from Palo Alto, CA in the Uber app.
The route your driver takes might depend on the time of day and other factors, like traffic and how many other riders are making requests. You can have a stress-free ride knowing that the Uber app will suggest the most efficient route to your driver.
Average Travel Time
21 minutes
Average Route Price
$28
Average Route Distance
10 miles
How to get from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA
Compare ride options getting from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA. Check the Uber app for current prices and travel options available.
UberX
Affordable rides, all to yourself
$28
Uber Black
Premium rides in luxury cars
$78
Sustainable rides in electric vehicles
$28
UberXL
Affordable rides for groups up to 6
$43
Sample rider prices are estimates 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.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Uber available at Palo Alto, CA?
The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride from Palo Alto, CA anytime, 24/7.
- How much does it cost to get from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA?
The average price for this trip is $28. Open the Uber app and input San Carlos, CA in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear; scroll to see what’s available. Prices will vary based on time of day and how many riders are making requests.
- What is the most affordable ride option on the Uber app from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA?
The most affordable ride choice from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA is RIDESHARE.
- How long does it take to get from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA?
The average duration for this ride is 21 minutes. Before a trip starts, your app gives an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for when your driver is likely to arrive at Palo Alto, CA. After your trip starts, your app provides an ETA for when you are likely to arrive at San Carlos, CA. Please note: ETAs are not guaranteed; various factors like heavy traffic or road construction could affect travel time.
- Can I schedule trips in advance on the Uber app from Palo Alto, CA?
If Uber Reserve is an option in the Uber app at Palo Alto, CA, you can request a ride from Palo Alto, CA anywhere from 2 hours to 90 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. Uber’s ride-scheduling technology and Uber Reserve can help you be on time.
- Can I rent a car with Uber to drive from Palo Alto, CA to San Carlos, CA?
Check in the Uber app to see if car rentals are available at Palo Alto, CA. If you see the Rent icon, you can complete your reservation using the Uber app. Then you can rent a car and drive yourself to San Carlos, CA. To get more details, go to uber.com/u/uber-rent.
The data presented on this page represents historical average prices, durations, and distances for routes. Actual prices, durations, and distances may vary based on factors such as location, traffic conditions, and other variables. Information provided here is for reference purposes only and should not be considered as binding.
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