The cheapest and fastest buses from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$116
Fastest journey
8 h 48 m
Average duration
12 h 11 m
Buses per day
5
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 $116 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
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FlixBus · FlixBusTravel Information
Compare bus and train for Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio 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 $62. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 25m. 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 $62, and a train costs an average of $93.
Distance: 368 miles (593 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$82 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price |
9h 45m Average total duration 9h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 55m Average total duration Fastest 8h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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.
Merced, CA to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:47PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 8h48 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Live departures
Merced, CA to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Thursday, February 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:45 AM Merced, CA | 8h40 | 1:25 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Merced, CA | 10h45 | 7:45 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Merced, CA to San Diego, 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.
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
Why should you book Merced, CA to San Diego, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus to find the best option for your trip from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Busbud or Checkmybus?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
Buses from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 9h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $62 (€49) 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 8h 40m.
Distance 368 miles (593 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€49) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 8h 40m |
First bus 01:00 |
Last bus 22:10 |
Bus providers: Greyhound, Infobus from Merced, CA to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between Merced, CA to San Diego, CA with Greyhound, Infobus for as low as $62 (€49). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Infobus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
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.

- Infobus
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
- La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
- Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
- Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
- Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
- enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
- hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
- experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
- Infobus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- Infobus
- One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Infobus
- 10€ per additional bag.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- Infobus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets may require a separate ticket.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
Most popular bus connections from Merced, CA
More options for your journey from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
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