The cheapest and fastest buses from Chico, CA to Merced, CA
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
9 h 20 m
Average duration
9 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chico, 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 Chico, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
It's difficult to get from Chico, CA to Merced, CA without transferring at least once.
3:35 PM9h20Chico, CA12:55 AMMerced, CA$831One-way1 transfer
3:35 PM9h20Chico, CA12:55 AMMerced, CA$831One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Chico, CA to Merced, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chico, CA to Merced, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $43, and a train costs an average of $45.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration Fastest 4h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chico, CA to Merced, CA:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chico, CA to Merced, CA costing on average $45 (€37).
Other travel options to Merced, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 48m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Chico, CA to Merced, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 08:13PM | Duration 4h48 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Live departures
Chico, CA to Merced, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chico, CA to Merced, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:35 PM Chico, CA | 9h20 | 12:55 AM Merced, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chico, 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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chico, CA to Merced, CA
Buses from Chico, CA to Merced, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:12, the last at 19:23. The fastest bus covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 4h 48m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 4h 48m |
First bus 4:12 AM |
Last bus 7:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
FAQs: Bus from Chico, CA to Merced, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chico, 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.

popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chico, CA to Merced, CA
Most Chico, CA to Merced, CA buses use the Chico, Orange St (Bus Station) to Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chico, CA and Merced, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) from Merced city centre
Most popular bus connections from Chico, CA
More options for your journey from Chico, CA to Merced, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
