- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$114
Fastest journey
8 h 48 m
Average duration
11 h 29 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
593 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Merced, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
It's difficult to get from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least once.
718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus
718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
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FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 10h 33m. 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 $65, and a bus costs an average of $65.
Distance: 368 miles (593 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$113 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
11h 3m Average total duration Fastest 10h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
You'll arrive about -5h -29m sooner (10h 33m by bus vs 6h 4m by car) and save roughly $-30.76 (€-24.76) compared to fuel and tolls ($113 (€91) vs $82 (€66)). 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 Infobus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:47AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 8h48 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:47AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 8h48 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:47PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 8h48 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $79 |
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to San Diego, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus | 1:10 AM Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 15h15 | 4:25 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 1:10 AM Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 11h10 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
· | 1:10 AM Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 10h35 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:05 AM Merced, CA | 13h40 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:05 AM Merced, CA | 13h10 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 9:05 AM Merced, CA | 14h45 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
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 San Diego, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 10h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $65 (€52) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 22:10. The fastest bus covers the 368 miles (593 km) distance in 9h 40m.
Distance 368 miles (593 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€52) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 9h 40m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Merced, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s) is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s). ATMs are available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s).
Available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s): Accessible paths available.
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