- 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 La Jolla, 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 La Jolla, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $116 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $110.
It's difficult to get from La Jolla, CA to Merced, CA without transferring at least 2 times.

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Take a bus from La Jolla, CA to Merced, CA and enjoy the approximately 357 miles (575 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 08:41, the last at 18:36.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from La Jolla, CA to Merced, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator San Diego Metro Transit | Departure Time 08:41AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 26h44 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator San Diego Metro Transit | Departure Time 02:47PM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 20h38 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator San Diego Metro Transit | Departure Time 06:23PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h37 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator San Diego Metro Transit | Departure Time 06:36PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h24 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $155 |
The table below shows live departures for La Jolla, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:36 PM La Jolla, CA | 11h24 | 6:00 AM Merced, CA | 3 transfers | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 8:41 AM La Jolla, CA | 26h44 | 11:25 AM Merced, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from La Jolla, CA to Merced, CA with San Diego Metro Transit. 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 La Jolla, 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 La Jolla, CA to Merced, CA buses use the La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station to Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare La Jolla, CA and Merced, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station is 6 km from La Jolla city centre. Public transport options include:
La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station. ATMs are available at La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station.
Ticket office support is available at La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station.
Available at La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station: Accessible for passengers with disabilities.
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 La Jolla, CA and Merced, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.