Your commute will shape your day, your budget, and often the neighborhood you pick. If you are moving along the Peninsula, choosing between Caltrain and BART is one of the smartest ways to narrow your home search. You want a home that fits your life, not just your commute. This guide shows you how each system serves the Millbrae–San Mateo–Redwood City corridor, what travel times look like, and which station areas match different lifestyles so you can buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Caltrain vs BART basics
Caltrain runs north to south across the Peninsula, linking San Francisco to San Mateo County and on to key Silicon Valley hubs. Stations tend to sit near downtowns and job nodes, and express trains can make a big difference in travel time. Recent modernization aimed to boost frequency and reliability.
BART is a regional rapid transit network with a strong core through downtown San Francisco and the East Bay. On the Peninsula, BART’s footprint is limited to the SFO and Millbrae branch. From Millbrae, you get direct access to downtown SF BART stations and a short ride to SFO.
Both systems use Clipper. Caltrain historically used zones and proof-of-payment, while BART fares vary by distance. If you transfer to local buses, you may pay separate fares. Some employers offer passes or pre-tax benefits that can cut monthly costs.
Who each line serves
- Caltrain strength: Direct, frequent north–south travel between Peninsula towns and Silicon Valley job centers like Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and San Jose. Express service is a time saver.
- BART strength: Fast, frequent service through downtown SF and across the Bay to Oakland and beyond, plus direct SFO access on the Peninsula branch. From Millbrae, BART offers a one-seat ride into Embarcadero, Montgomery, and Powell.
If your work is in Silicon Valley, Caltrain is usually the most direct option. If your day revolves around downtown SF BART stations or the East Bay, BART wins. If you need easy airport access, BART from Millbrae is hard to beat.
Commute times to expect
Times below are typical schedule ranges and do not include waiting, transfers, or first and last mile. Always check current agency schedules before you plan.
- Millbrae to downtown SF on Caltrain: about 20 to 30 minutes on express, longer on locals. You arrive near the 4th & King or Salesforce area and may transfer to Muni for Embarcadero or Powell.
- Millbrae to downtown SF on BART: usually about 30 to 40 minutes to Embarcadero or Powell, depending on the service pattern.
- Redwood City to SF on Caltrain: roughly 25 to 35 minutes on express, 35 to 55 minutes on local service.
- San Mateo to SF on Caltrain: commonly 35 to 50 minutes on locals, depending on stops.
- Millbrae to Silicon Valley on Caltrain: about 25 to 35 minutes to Palo Alto and 35 to 50 minutes to Mountain View, depending on express vs local.
BART does not serve Palo Alto, Mountain View, or Sunnyvale. If you plan to commute there, Caltrain will be your core rail option. Transfers add time and complexity, so a one-seat ride is often worth prioritizing.
Neighborhoods near key stations
Use this snapshot to align your lifestyle and commute goals with station areas in San Mateo County.
Millbrae
- Transit role: The Peninsula’s intermodal hub, connecting BART, Caltrain, SamTrans, and SFO access.
- Neighborhood feel: A mix of mid-rise condos and apartments near the station, with more traditional single-family neighborhoods inland.
- Best fit: You want regional flexibility, direct airport access, and a suburban home base with strong transit nearby.
Burlingame
- Transit role: Caltrain stop with a quick link to Millbrae BART by short ride or drive.
- Neighborhood feel: Walkable downtowns along Burlingame Avenue and Broadway, with historic homes and a blend of condos and single-family options.
- Best fit: You value a lively, walkable core and quick Caltrain access north and south.
San Mateo (Downtown and Hillsdale)
- Transit role: Two Caltrain stations offer strong coverage. Hillsdale sits by major mixed-use redevelopment and retail.
- Neighborhood feel: A larger city with downtown apartments and condos, single-family neighborhoods inland, and expanding station-area development.
- Best fit: You want full-service suburban life, diverse housing types, and solid Caltrain access.
Redwood City
- Transit role: A major Caltrain stop with a revitalized downtown steps from the station.
- Neighborhood feel: Restaurants, theaters, and new mixed-use housing close to transit, plus reasonable access to Silicon Valley offices.
- Best fit: You want a downtown lifestyle and fast Caltrain trips to Palo Alto and Mountain View, with workable access to SF via express trains.
South San Francisco
- Transit role: Caltrain stop near significant biotech employment, with shuttle networks and potential BART connections via Millbrae or Daly City.
- Neighborhood feel: Urban and industrial corridors with hilltop residential neighborhoods, offering more single-family choices in some areas.
- Best fit: You work in nearby biotech or industrial job centers and prefer shorter commutes with Caltrain access to SF.
San Bruno
- Transit role: Caltrain plus a nearby BART station, close to The Shops at Tanforan and good bus service.
- Neighborhood feel: A mix of single-family homes and apartments, with improving transit links and relative affordability in the corridor.
- Best fit: You want access to both Caltrain and BART, convenient SFO connections, and a broader range of price points.
Daily logistics to weigh
- First and last mile: Downtown station areas tend to be more walkable. Suburban blocks may call for a bike or short ride to the station. Many employers offer shuttles to Caltrain or BART, which can simplify your routine.
- Bikes and micromobility: Caltrain generally accommodates bikes well, though peak trains can be crowded. BART allows bikes with some car and peak-hour limitations.
- Parking: Station parking varies. Larger hubs like Millbrae and some San Mateo or Redwood City facilities offer more capacity, but weekday mornings can fill early. Some lots require permits or charge hourly rates.
- Reliability and crowding: Express Caltrain runs are popular and can fill up. BART trunk lines also see peak crowding. If punctuality is critical, living near multiple transit options helps you pivot during disruptions.
Decision guide for buyers
Ask yourself these questions to quickly narrow your search:
- Where is your primary workplace?
- Silicon Valley hubs like Palo Alto or Mountain View: Favor Caltrain-focused towns such as Redwood City, San Mateo, Burlingame, or Millbrae if you are comfortable with transfers.
- Downtown San Francisco around Embarcadero, Montgomery, or Powell: Millbrae with BART access works well. Caltrain to the 4th & King or Salesforce area also works if your office is nearby or you are fine with a short Muni hop.
- East Bay or frequent trips across the Bay: Prioritize BART access from Millbrae or an easy connection to the BART trunk.
- Do you need a one-seat ride?
- Yes: Choose a home near the line that directly serves your workplace. Caltrain for Silicon Valley, BART for downtown SF BART stations and the East Bay.
- No: If you are comfortable with one transfer, you can unlock more neighborhoods while keeping a reasonable door-to-door time.
- What is your lifestyle preference?
- Walkable, transit-adjacent living: Look at Redwood City, downtown Burlingame, or downtown San Mateo.
- Single-family homes with yards and a short station drive: Consider inland Millbrae neighborhoods, parts of San Mateo, and areas near San Bruno.
- How flexible are your hours?
- Peak-hour regularity: Focus on stations with express Caltrain service and reliable BART headways.
- Off-peak or hybrid: Parking availability and off-peak headways matter more. You may be able to cast a wider net.
Scenario quick picks
- Daily Silicon Valley commute: Redwood City or Hillsdale in San Mateo for short Caltrain rides and strong local amenities.
- Downtown SF BART office: Millbrae for a one-seat BART ride to Embarcadero or Powell.
- East Bay collaboration or frequent SFO travel: Millbrae or San Bruno for direct BART and airport access.
- Balancing SF and Silicon Valley: Millbrae or Burlingame to stay near Caltrain and a quick link to Millbrae BART.
Budgeting and value considerations
- Transit costs: Plan for Clipper fares and any transfers. Employer transit benefits can lower your monthly spend.
- Housing tradeoffs: Condos and townhomes near stations often provide the easiest transit access. Single-family neighborhoods may require a short drive or bike trip to reach Caltrain or BART.
- Future development: Many cities support station-area growth, which can add new homes and amenities over time. Expect some ongoing construction near major hubs.
How we help you decide
You deserve a home that fits your commute and your everyday life. With deep local experience across Millbrae, Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco, and San Bruno, we help you compare door-to-door travel, station access, walkability, and neighborhood character side by side. We also guide you through tradeoffs like express train availability, parking realities, and school boundary research so you can choose with clarity.
From buyer representation to staging and renovation coordination for sellers, and even property management for residential-income clients, our family-led team brings hands-on support and modern marketing to every step. When transit is central to your move, you can count on advice that is practical, local, and aligned to your goals.
Ready to find your fit on the Peninsula? Schedule a Consultation with the team at Sayage Realty Group.
FAQs
What is better for a Palo Alto or Mountain View commute from the Peninsula?
- Caltrain is the direct rail option to Palo Alto and Mountain View, with express trains offering the fastest trips.
How long is Millbrae to downtown San Francisco on BART or Caltrain?
- BART typically runs about 30 to 40 minutes to Embarcadero or Powell, while Caltrain can be about 20 to 30 minutes to the 4th & King or Salesforce area, plus time if you transfer to Muni.
Which Peninsula towns are most walkable to Caltrain stations?
- Downtown Burlingame, downtown San Mateo, and downtown Redwood City offer strong walkability near their Caltrain stations.
Does BART serve Silicon Valley cities like Palo Alto or Mountain View?
- No, BART does not serve those cities; you would use Caltrain or connect via shuttles or other modes.
Is parking generally available at Millbrae and other Peninsula stations?
- Larger stations like Millbrae often have more parking, but lots can fill early on weekdays and may require permits or hourly fees.
Can I bring a bike on Caltrain or BART for my last mile?
- Both allow bikes, with Caltrain generally accommodating bikes well and BART allowing bikes with some car and peak-hour limitations.
