Getting around San Carlos without a car is practical for trips by Caltrain and SamTrans, with the town centre and station within walking distance. Caltrain connects San Carlos with Peninsula towns, while SamTrans buses serve San Mateo County and beyond.
- Station: San Carlos Caltrain, at 599 El Camino Real.
- From San Carlos Inn rooms near the station, the station is an 11-minute walk.
- Transit options: Caltrain and SamTrans connections at the station.
- Station facilities include bike racks, e-lockers and ticket vending machines.
Using San Carlos station
San Carlos station is the main place to start a car-free trip to other Peninsula towns. It is a Caltrain station in Zone 2, and Caltrain provides northbound and southbound schedules organized by service type.
Caltrain fares depend on the number of zones traveled. Adult one-way fares range from $4.00 for 1 zone to $15.25 for 6 zones; adult day passes range from $8.00 for 1 zone to $30.50 for 6 zones.
A one-way ticket is valid for travel in one direction within four hours of its sale. Check the official site before you go for schedules, fares and parking details.
The station has three ticket vending machines and is wheelchair accessible. If you bring a bike, there are 24 bike racks and on-demand BikeLink e-lockers. Station connections include SamTrans ECR, 260, 295 and 397.
Walking around central San Carlos
Walking is useful for reaching central San Carlos: the city centre is about an 11-minute walk from San Carlos station. You can combine time in the centre with a walk to the station.
For a broader sense of the town’s areas and local destinations, the guide to San Carlos neighborhoods can help you plan what to pair with a central walk.
Some attractions take longer to reach on foot. Hiller Aviation Museum, San Mateo County History Museum, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and Filoli Estate are all outside central San Carlos.
Taking local trips to nearby towns
Caltrain and SamTrans give you options for trips beyond central San Carlos. Caltrain serves the Peninsula, while SamTrans runs throughout San Mateo County, including the Coastside and parts of San Francisco and Palo Alto.
Redwood City and Belmont each have a Caltrain station. SamTrans Route 61 runs between San Carlos Caltrain and Alameda/Ralston, and Route 260 runs between the station and Carlmont Village.
At San Carlos station, the Oracle shuttle stop is east of the station toward Old County Road, near the northbound platform ramp. Redwood Shores Twin Dolphin Area and Clipper shuttles use the west-side shuttle stop. If you are planning an airport transfer, the SFO to San Carlos transfer guide covers the options.
When a car or rideshare is useful
A car or rideshare can save time for destinations beyond central San Carlos, including Hiller Aviation Museum, Filoli Estate and the College of Notre Dame.
For museum planning, the Hiller Aviation Museum visit guide covers that destination.
FAQs
Does Caltrain stop in San Carlos?
Yes. San Carlos station is a Caltrain station in Zone 2, with northbound and southbound service schedules.
Can you take a bus from San Carlos station?
Yes. SamTrans connections include ECR, 260, 295 and 397. Routes 61 and 260 serve destinations including Alameda/Ralston and Carlmont Village.
Is San Carlos station accessible?
Yes. The station is wheelchair accessible and has ticket vending machines, bike racks and on-demand BikeLink e-lockers.