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Commuting from Foster City, CA

View from inside a car driving on a highway, showing the steering wheel, side mirror, and windshield with guardrails and distant hills visible under a clear sky.

Waterfront Living, City Connections

Foster City sits in a central spot on the Peninsula, which makes it a practical home base for residents who work in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, or even the East Bay. Here’s what you’ll want to know about commuting from here:

Drive Times to Job Hubs
  • Silicon Valley— About 25 minutes to Palo Alto, 30–35 minutes to Mountain View, and 45 minutes to Cupertino in typical traffic.
  • San Francisco — Around 30–40 minutes by car depending on rush hour conditions.
  • East Bay — The San Mateo–Hayward Bridge (Highway 92) connects directly across to Hayward and I-880; expect 25–40 minutes depending on time of day.
Highway Access

Foster City has quick connections to major Peninsula arteries:
* Highway 92 runs east–west through the city, connecting directly to Highway 101 for north–south access.
* Interstate 280 is about 15 minutes west via Highway 92, offering a scenic alternative to 101 for Silicon Valley commutes.

Public Transit Access

Foster City itself doesn’t have a Caltrain stop, but nearby stations make commuting without a car possible:
* Hillsdale Station (San Mateo) — about a 10-minute drive.
* San Mateo Station — about 12 minutes by car.
* Burlingame Station — about 15 minutes by car.

SamTrans buses connect Foster City with Caltrain and BART, though most commuters drive or use employer-provided shuttles.

Corporate Shuttles

Many major Bay Area employers operate private shuttles that pick up along the Peninsula. Living in Foster City often means you can drive or bike to a nearby Caltrain station or designated pickup point for direct service to Silicon Valley campuses.

Airport Access
Bridge Traffic & Tolls

If you’re commuting east, the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge is your lifeline. Morning westbound and evening eastbound traffic can slow, but travel times are usually shorter than using the Bay Bridge. Current tolls are $7 standard for two-axle vehicles (FasTrak accepted).

Alternative Commutes

For those looking to mix up the routine:
* Bike commuting is popular thanks to the Bay Trail/Levee Pedway, which loops the shoreline and connects to regional paths.
* Carpooling and ride-shares help reduce traffic stress, especially during peak hours.
* Ferry options aren’t in Foster City itself, but nearby South San Francisco has a ferry terminal with service to Oakland and Alameda.

Your Peninsula Launch Point

Foster City offers scenic waterfront living with flexible commutes, whether you’re driving to work, catching a quick flight at SFO, or biking along the Bay Trail. And at The Triton, our unique modern apartments offer generous amenities (including parking and EV charging) and attentive service for a lifestyle beyond the ordinary. Contact us today to explore move-in specials, available rentals, and more.