The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Cheapest price
$112
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
9 h 45 m
Average duration
10 h 26 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
593 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $112.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner4:10 AM9h45Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1:55 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1121One-way2 transfers
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner4:10 AM9h45Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1:55 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1121One-way2 transfers
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner4:01 AM9h54Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1:55 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1131One-way2 transfers
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner4:01 AM9h54Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1:55 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1131One-way2 transfers
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner6:01 AM13h00Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA7:01 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1221One-way2 transfers
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner4:10 AM9h45Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1:55 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1121One-way2 transfers
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner4:10 AM9h45Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1:55 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1121One-way2 transfers
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner4:01 AM9h54Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1:55 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1131One-way2 transfers
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner4:01 AM9h54Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1:55 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1131One-way2 transfers
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner6:10 AM12h51Old Town Station, San Diego, CA7:01 PMMerced Station, Merced, CA$1221One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $76. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $76, and a train costs an average of $94.
Distance: 368 miles (593 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$101 Average price | $84 Average price Cheapest |
9h 30m Average total duration Fastest 9h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 4m Average total duration 9h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Merced, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Merced, CA trains for today, Friday, April 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner | 1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h00 | 2:01 AM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2 transfers | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner | 1:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 12h51 | 2:01 AM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, April 4 | |||||
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 11:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 9h54 | 8:55 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 11:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 9h54 | 8:55 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5715 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 11:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 9h45 | 8:55 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 5815 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner | 11:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 9h45 | 8:55 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Merced, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 9h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $94 (€77) but you can travel from only $76 (€62) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 368 miles (593 km) distance in 9h 45m.
Distance 368 miles (593 km) |
Average train duration 9h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $94 (€77) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 9h 45m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Merced, CA from $76 (€62). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Merced, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
- Ramps, restrooms.
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
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