Getting Around Palo Alto: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Palo Alto is a walkable city, particularly in neighborhoods like Downtown North, Evergreen Park, and University South where many daily tasks can be completed on foot. These areas offer a concentration of cafes, restaurants, and shops within easy walking distance. Some residential parts of Palo Alto, however, are more spread out, making walking less convenient for all errands. Downtown is especially walkable, but the availability of parking is limited, often leading to crowded conditions which showcase both the city's walkability and its popularity.

Public transit in Palo Alto is quite developed, with options including Caltrain, VTA buses, SamTrans, and the local Stanford Marguerite Shuttle. These services link key points of interest like Stanford University, the main commercial areas, and the Palo Alto Transit Center. Additionally, the new 'Palo Alto Link' on-demand transit service adds to the city's connectivity. Although these services are reliable for major routes, their reach into every neighborhood with high frequency might be limited, necessitating alternate commuting options in certain areas.

Palo Alto is exceptionally bike-friendly, offering an extensive network of bike lanes and paths throughout the city. This infrastructure supports a significant biking community, including students and commuters. As a city with a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community award, Palo Alto offers a flat terrain, facilitating easy biking for all levels. Even major thoroughfares like El Camino Real are being adapted to include dedicated bike lanes, highlighting the city's commitment to cycling as a primary mode of transportation.