- Recommended
The Fresno Art Museum
Contemporary and modern art museum with rotating exhibitions and a strong regional focus, making it one of Fresno's main cultural stops.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
88 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Merced, CA to Fresno, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Merced, CA to Fresno, CA will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 2 buses that leave Merced, CA for Fresno, CA on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 88 km distance in an average of 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 1 h 5 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Merced, CA to Fresno, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $16, and a bus costs an average of $14.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$20 Average price | $17 Average price Cheapest |
1h 35m Average total duration 1h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Merced, CA to Fresno, CA:
A train is $3 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Merced, CA to Fresno, CA costing on average $20 (€17).
Other travel options to Fresno, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 5m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Fresno, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:00 AM Merced, CA | 1h05 | 9:05 AM Fresno, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Merced, CA | 1h05 | 10:05 AM Fresno, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Merced, CA to Fresno, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 54 miles (88 km) distance in 1h 5m.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 5m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Fresno — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fresno trip today.
Contemporary and modern art museum with rotating exhibitions and a strong regional focus, making it one of Fresno's main cultural stops.
Restored 1890 Victorian house museum offering a look at Fresno's early residential history and architecture.
Historic mansion museum in Kearney Park presenting the life of M. Theo Kearney and Fresno County's agricultural past.
Fresno's most popular urban park, known for walking paths, gardens, river views, and broad appeal for locals and visitors.
Fresno's best-known cultural neighborhood, valued for its historic character, murals, nightlife streetscape, and local identity.
Unique subterranean attraction with courtyards and passages hand-built below ground, one of the Fresno area's most distinctive visits.
Central California barbecue staple featuring beef tri-tip seasoned and grilled over oak. It is closely associated with the San Joaquin Valley and neighboring Central Coast ranching culture.
Fresno has a long Armenian heritage, and skewered grilled meats are a classic local favorite, often served with pilaf, salad, and lavash.
A thin Armenian flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat, tomatoes, and herbs. It reflects Fresno's historic Armenian community and is a beloved regional comfort food.
Popular upscale Italian restaurant known for house-made pasta, wood-fired dishes, and a stylish modern atmosphere.
Well-known casual Fresno favorite for hearty barbecue, tri-tip sandwiches, and a lively local crowd.
Established seafood restaurant with a polished but relaxed setting, known for fresh fish, chowder, and generous portions.
Generally cheaper than major California cities. Hotels and meals are mid-priced, though car costs add up.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Merced, CA to Fresno, CA buses use the Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Fresno, Tulare St (Greyhound Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Fresno, North West Avenue / West Dakota Avenue. Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and Fresno, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need