What's the best gas station (price/proximity to freeway) along the 101 between SF and Palo Alto?

If you’re trying to optimize for cost, you might have some luck with http://gasbuddy.com/.

Arcos are often the cheapest, though they often don’t accept credit cards.

I sometimes fill up at the gas station right by the Milbrae exit on 101, across from the Chevron. It’s pretty cheap, and quite close.

It’s very easy to get drawn into optimizing price on gas, though it rarely adds up to a dollar or more, so your time is probably better spent elsewhere, such as finding a higher interest rate on your savings account.

Ben put the most important part of his answer in tiny text.

Seriously, saving 10 cents per gallon is about two dollars. Driving a bunch of miles to save two bucks will probably cost you more. My sister does this and it drives me insane.

Why are you driving on the 101? 280 is much faster, and you can just take Sand Hill Road east to Palo Alto.

If you have an iPhone you might try the gass bag AP

280 probably consumes more gas because it is hilly and turny and you drive faster… stick to the 101.