Getting around Menlo Park is fairly easy thanks to easy access to local roadways and main highways such as Highway 101. The city offers a free shuttle service that makes transportation even more convenient for commuters, seniors, and families. There's really no reason to miss out on enjoying the many benefits of living in this thriving community.
Menlo Park, California Transportation
Menlo Park Free Shuttles
Business Shuttle Service
Willow Road and Marsh Road Caltrain shuttle service is available free of charge thanks to efforts by the city, the Peninsula Joint Powers Board, and grant funding. Many commuters use the shuttle service to get to their trains in the morning and evening. The shuttle service also takes commuters through the area's business parks and areas around Highway 101. Aside from the green benefits of cutting down on traffic, the shuttle service helps link Menlo Park neighborhoods. View the schedules here.
Shopping Shuttle Service
Seniors who either don't have access to a car or don't feel comfortable driving can still run errands and get around town thanks to the Shopper's Shuttle. The free service is available to senior citizens who live in communities that may not have convenient access to public transportation. This allows seniors to do a little grocery shopping, go to the pharmacy, make it to doctor's appointments, or visit other Menlo Park destinations. The Shopper's Shuttle runs through Downtown Menlo Park and area communities with stops including Safeway and the Stanford Shopping Center. The 20-passenger shuttle includes accommodations for wheelchairs and offers plenty of comfort for seniors as they are taken around town. Even the driver helps passengers with packages. Talk about small town friendliness in the heart of the city. The Shopper's Shuttle runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Trips start at 9:30am with pickups starting at noon.
BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
Transit service is provided throughout the Peninsula by BART. Stations are located throughout the Bay Area, including several stops in Menlo Park. BART has the oldest fleet of train cars in the United States, yet each train car is carefully inspected and well-maintained. BART recently announced plans to replace its cars with what has been termed Fleet of the Future, a reference to the updated cars. About 50 trains operate at any given time. Station parking is available throughout the area. Airport service is also available. Rider passes can be purchased online or directly at a BART station. For additional information, please call (415) 989-2278. Automated schedules, fares and real-time information are available 24/7.
Caltrain
Commuter rail service from Gilroy to San Francisco is provided by Caltrain. During the academic school year, service is provided to Stanford University. This is especially beneficial to Stanford students living in areas such as Menlo Park. Each rail car can hold up to 80 bikes, depending on size. The on-board bike racks are free for use by any commuter. Bike lockers are available at most stations. Some riders may be eligible for a Go Pass, which allows commuters to ride free. College students are eligible for discounts. Express trains are available during peak travel times. For additional information on specific stops or stations with bike lockers, please call (800) 660-4287. Parking is free at some stations. All stations offer all-day parking. The typical fee is $4 per day at most stations, unless designated as free. Parking permits can be purchased online.
Additional transportation options in the Bay Area include:
• Capitol Corridor Amtrak
• Dumbarton Express
• Line U East Bay Express
• Muni (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority)
• SamTrans (San Mateo County Transit District)
• VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Agency)
