How far is San Martin, CA from Palo Alto, CA?
The driving distance from San Martin, CA to Palo Alto, CA is about 42.3 miles (68.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 25m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 42m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in South San Jose
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between San Martin and Palo Alto.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Martin and Palo Alto.
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1
Start on East San Martin Avenue
1.2 km · 2 min · East San Martin Avenue
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2
Take the ramp left
1327 ft · 34 sec
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3
Merge slight left onto South Valley Freeway
13.7 mi · 16 min · South Valley Freeway
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4
Keep slight left
21.9 mi · 25 min
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5
Keep slight left
3.7 mi · 4 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Embarcadero Road, Oregon Expressway, Stanford University
1343 ft · 38 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Stanford University, Embarcadero Road
994 ft · 24 sec
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8
Keep slight left to continue on US 101 North: Stanford University, Embarcadero Road West, San Francisco
877 ft · 21 sec
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9
Keep slight right to continue on Stanford University, Embarcadero Road West
832 ft · 21 sec
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10
Continue on Embarcadero Road
1.2 mi · 4 min · Embarcadero Road
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11
Turn sharp left onto Middlefield Road
30 m · 3 sec · Middlefield Road
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Middlefield Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between San Martin and Palo Alto.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
South Valley Freeway
Keep slight left
21.9 mi · 00h 25m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Sunny leaving San Martin and Sunny near Palo Alto.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from San Martin to Palo Alto?
The road trip is about 42.3 miles (68.1 km) and usually takes 00h 42m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Seven Trees is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.1 miles from San Martin and 21.2 miles from Palo Alto.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38.3 miles (61.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 4 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:04 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $9.39 one way or $18.78 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around San Martin and Sunny near Palo Alto.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between San Martin and Palo Alto. Straight-line distance: 38.3 mi (61.63 km).
#1 San Martin
Situated in the southern Santa Clara Valley between Morgan Hill and Gilroy, this unincorporated community lies at an elevation of 289 feet.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 37.0849500, -121.6102200 |
| Altitude | 88 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Palo Alto
The most populous city in Santa Clara County, California.
| Population | 67,008 |
| Coordinates | 37.4418800, -122.1430200 |
| Altitude | 9 |
| Country | United States |
End: Middlefield Road (-122.14292, 37.441976)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $6.26 | $9.39 | $18.78 |
| Mid-grade | $6.50 | $9.75 | $19.50 |
| Premium | $6.69 | $10.03 | $20.07 |
| Diesel | $8.41 | $12.62 | $25.24 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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