Is Caltrain faster than driving?

During peak rush hour, Caltrain is often faster and more predictable than driving on US-101.

How much is a train ticket?

A one-way ticket between these zones typically costs between 5 and 8 dollars.

Are there buses available?

Yes, SamTrans operates bus routes connecting Redwood City and San Mateo.

Is parking free at the station?

No, parking at the Redwood City Caltrain station requires a daily fee.

How often do trains run?

Trains generally run every 30 minutes during the day and hourly at night.

Redwood City

San Mateo

Train Driving

Redwood City to San Mateo

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Redwood City to San Mateo covers approximately 15 kilometers along the San Francisco Peninsula. Caltrain provides the most reliable transit, connecting the downtown stations in under 20 minutes. Alternatively, driving via US-101 North takes roughly 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic congestion. This route is a core segment of the Silicon Valley corridor. You will pass through the cities of Belmont and San Carlos during your transit.

Total Distance: 15 km driving, 13 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is fastest at 15 minutes during off-peak hours.

Cheapest Way

Caltrain is the cheapest option at 5 dollars for a one-way ticket.

Compare Redwood City to San Mateo Routes

	Train Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	18 minutes	20 minutes
Avg Price	5 to 8 dollars	10 dollars in fuel
Operator	Caltrain	Personal Vehicle
Route	Caltrain Peninsula Corridor from Redwood City Station to San Mateo Station.	US-101 North to the Hillsdale Boulevard exit.
Tip	Use a Clipper card for seamless fare payment across all Bay Area transit systems.	Avoid the US-101 during peak morning and evening rush hours to save time.

Travel Tips

Clipper Card
Always carry a Clipper card to pay for Caltrain and local SamTrans buses.
Traffic Alerts
Check real-time traffic apps before driving on US-101 to avoid accidents.
Station Parking
Redwood City Caltrain station has limited parking; arrive early if driving.
Bike Access
Caltrain allows bicycles on board, making it easy to commute to your final destination.
Schedule Check
Download the Caltrain mobile app to track train arrivals in real-time.

Safety Tips

Platform Safety
Stand behind the yellow line while waiting for the train at the station.
Vehicle Security
Do not leave valuables in your car if parking at public transit lots.
Night Travel
Stick to well-lit areas when walking from the station at night.
Emergency Contacts
Save the local transit police number in your phone for quick access.