Travel
Stanford MSTP does not provide travel funds for interviews (sorry). There are conveniently located lodgings in Palo Alto (the city closest to Stanford). The Cardinal Hotel is located near a Caltrain station, a Stanford Shuttle stop, and local restaurants. More lodging options are available at Stanford's Where to Stay. Please note, we do not recommend the Stanford Guest House. It is only convenient if you have a car. The shuttle service does not run early enough to get you here on time. Alternatively, you may have the option of being hosted by a current student.
Students generally fly into either San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). Both airports are about 20 miles (roughly 30 minutes by car) from campus. The San Jose airport is smaller, easier to navigate, and more accessible by public transportation. SFO, however, has all the advantages of a major international airport. While you might have longer waits at SFO, you’ll also have more flight options.
From San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Door-to-Door Shuttles
Shuttles are located on the lower level of the Terminal A parking garage and at the Ground Transportation Center across the street from the Terminal B baggage claim area. The estimated fare is $29 to Stanford. Be sure to ask the rate before you board.
Taxis
Taxis are stationed at the Airport for on-demand service. They are accessible from Terminal A and Terminal B. In addition to the on demand service available at each terminal, taxis are available on a prearranged basis. Please contact the company of your choice, to schedule reservations.
Uber/Lyft
Riders must download the Lyft or Uber mobile app to their iOS or Android-based phone, sign up, enter a valid phone number, and enter a valid form of payment (either a credit card, or link to an Apple Pay, Google Wallet or PayPal account). Passengers can then request a ride from a nearby driver. Once confirmed, the app shows the driver's name, ratings by passengers, and photos of the driver and car.
Public Transportation
From the airport, take the VTA route 10, free Airport Flyer bus to the Santa Clara Caltrain station. The Airport Flyer leaves every 15 - 30 minutes and operates seven days a week from 5:00 am to 11:15 pm. This is a free ride and takes approximately 12 minutes.
From the Santa Clara Caltrain station, take Caltrain north to the Palo Alto station, (also referred to as the University Ave. station). The ride is approximately 30 minutes. One way from Santa Clara to Palo Alto is $6.00 ( fares are subject to change).
To find the cost of a particular Caltrain trip, use the Caltrain Fare Chart. Caltrain are based on the number of zones that are partially or wholly traveled through by the passenger.
Caltrain passengers must have a valid ticket before boarding the train or be subject to citation. Tickets can only be purchased at the station ticket vending machine on the day of travel due to validity period. The ticket vending machines accept coins, bills and credit or debit cards. Provide the ticket to the conductor or fare inspector upon request. For info check www.caltrain.com.
Marguerite Bus
From the Palo Alto station, take the Marguerite, Stanford’s free public shuttle, to campus. To the Stanford Medical Center, you may take the X, or MC bus. Please check the Marguerite maps and schedules webpage.
LIVE Marguerite Map --Download the ETA SPOT app for Apple or Android devices. Select "Stanford Marguerite" when the app asks you to "Select an Agency"
Transportation from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Door-to-Door Vans
Many door-to-door shared-ride van services can take you directly from the airport to campus. Reservations are optional. The vans serve on a walk up basis and pick up passengers on the departing/ticketing level from the roadway center island at all terminals. Vans typically cost around $25-35 for the first person and $6-10 for each additional rider. Be sure to ask the rate before you board.
SFO’s list of shared-ride vans
Pre-arranged Limousines
Service may be pre-arranged with the limousine company.
SFO’s list of pre-arranged limos
Taxis
Taxis leave from designated zones outside of the baggage claim areas. Expect to pay around $120 for a trip to campus.
Uber/Lyft
Riders must download the Lyft or Uber mobile app to their iOS or Android-based phone, sign up, enter a valid phone number, and enter a valid form of payment (either a credit card, or link to an Apple Pay, Google Wallet or PayPal account). Passengers can then request a ride from a nearby driver. Once confirmed, the app shows the driver's name, ratings by passengers, and photos of the driver and car.
Public Transportation
Traveling from SFO to Stanford you will use both the BART train and Caltrain. The BART station is located on the Departures Level of the International Terminal (Terminal 3). From all other terminals, take the free AirTrain shuttle to the Garage G/BART station stop. For additional information regarding transportation to and from SFO to Stanford and around Bay Area, please visit SFO public transit or Stanford's Bay Area Transit site.
Then take BART to the Millbrae train station. After 8 pm you may ride directly to Millbrae. Before 8 pm you must take a train north to San Bruno and transfer to a south bound Millbrae train. One way from SFO to Millbrae is about a 12 minute ride and cost around $5.05 (fares are subject to change).
To find the cost of a particular BART trip, use the Bart Fare Calculator.
BART tickets are like debit cards with stored value. BART stations have automatic ticket vending machines that accept coins, bills and credit or debit cards. When you enter BART, insert your ticket into the fare gate and it will be returned to you. Use the same ticket when you exit. The correct fare will be automatically deducted and tickets with remaining value will be returned. For info check www.bart.gov.
Caltrain System Map
From the Millbrae station, transfer to Caltrain, to go south to the Palo Alto train station (also referred to as the University Ave station). One way from Millbrae to Palo Alto is about a 30 minute ride and the cost is around $6.00 (fares are subject to change).
To find the cost of a particular Caltrain trip, use the Caltrain Fare Chart. Caltrain fares are based on the number of zones that are partially or wholly traveled through by the passenger.
Caltrain passengers must have a valid ticket before boarding the train. Tickets can only be purchased at the station ticket vending machine on the day of travel due to validity period. The ticket vending machines accept coins, bills and credit or debit cards. Provide the ticket to the conductor or fare inspector upon request. For info check www.caltrain.com.
From the Palo Alto station, take the Marguerite, Stanford’s free public shuttle, to campus. To the Stanford Medical Center, you may take the X or MC bus. Please check the Marguerite maps, routes, and schedules webpage.
Please confirm ALL information with the relative agencies, as schedules and routes can change. For additional information regarding transportation to and from Stanford please see Stanford's Bay Area Transit site.
Public Transportation Links
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MAPS
LIVE Marguerite Map --Download the ETA SPOT app for Apple or Android devices. Select "Stanford Marguerite" when the app asks you to "Select an Agency"
Stanford Transportation Links
Stanford maps
Download the Stanford Mobile App for iOS and Android-based phone OR find Stanford Mobile at m.stanford.edu using a web browser on your phone or tablet.