- Recommended
Merced County Courthouse Museum
Local history museum inside the former courthouse, featuring exhibits on Merced County communities, agriculture, and civic life.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 2 buses from Bakersfield, CA to Merced, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 251 km distance in an average of 3 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 3 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Buses from Bakersfield, CA to Merced, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 20:45. The fastest bus covers the 155 miles (251 km) distance in 3h 20m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bakersfield, CA to Merced, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $66 |
The table below shows live departures for Bakersfield, CA to Merced, CA buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:30 PM Bakersfield, CA | 3h35 | 10:05 PM Merced, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 3:20 AM Bakersfield, CA | 3h05 | 6:25 AM Merced, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 AM Bakersfield, CA | 3h40 | 1:00 PM Merced, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Bakersfield, CA to Merced, CA with FlixBus and Greyhound. Overnight buses available on this route with FlixBus and Greyhound. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Merced, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Merced, CA trip today.
Local history museum inside the former courthouse, featuring exhibits on Merced County communities, agriculture, and civic life.
Community arts venue in downtown Merced hosting visual art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events in a historic setting.
University gallery presenting rotating contemporary art exhibitions and public programs on the UC Merced campus.
Large urban park featuring a lake, walking loop, playgrounds, and broad views, especially pleasant in cooler hours.
Popular city park with a lake, walking paths, picnic areas, and open space for relaxed outdoor time near downtown.
Downtown civic and cultural district with shops, murals, events, and historic buildings suited to an easy walking visit.
Tri-tip barbecue is a Central California staple: beef sirloin cut, simply seasoned and grilled over red oak. It is tied to the region’s ranching and roadside barbecue culture.
Chile verde is common across Merced’s Mexican-American food scene: pork simmered in roasted green chile sauce, served with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Birria is a richly spiced stewed meat dish, often goat or beef, served with consommé. It reflects the strong Jalisco-style Mexican food traditions in the Central Valley.
Popular casual spot for classic American breakfast and lunch. Known for hearty plates, pies, and a friendly small-town diner atmosphere.
Established local brewery and pub serving house beers, burgers, and comfort food in a relaxed downtown setting.
Long-running local favorite for Salvadoran and Mexican cooking, especially pupusas and traditional comfort dishes in a casual setting.
Moderate for California. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major coastal cities, while car travel is common and public transit use is limited.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if there is table service.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Merced, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bakersfield, CA to Merced, CA by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Merced, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bakersfield, CA to Merced, CA buses use the Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal to Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Merced. Use this guide to compare Bakersfield, CA and Merced, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal. ATMs are available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal.
Available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park) is 11 km from Bakersfield city centre. Public transport options include:
Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park). ATMs are available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park).
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park).
Available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park): Limited accessibility for disabled passengers.
Bakersfield has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available for all passengers. ATMs are available at Bakersfield.
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield.
Available at Bakersfield: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Available for passengers. ATMs are available at Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Check bus stations information for Bakersfield, CA and Merced, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.