- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€26
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€26
Fastest journey on Sep 20
3 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 20
1
Distance
125 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Merced, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA will cost around €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €26.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 buses from Merced, CA to San Jose, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 125 km distance in an average of 3 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 3 h 45 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 San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €45 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 37m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €45, while a train costs an average of €45.
Distance: 77 miles (125 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€45 Average price Cheapest | |
4h 37m Average total duration Fastest 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €26 |
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:05 PM Merced, CA | 3h30 | 12:35 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:05 PM Merced, CA | 3h30 | 1:35 AM San Jose, 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.
Take a bus from Merced, CA to San Jose, CA and enjoy the approximately 77 miles (125 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 05:35, the last at 18:00.
Distance 77 miles (125 km) |
First bus 5:35 AM |
Last bus 6:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of San Jose, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose, CA trip today.
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.
A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
A Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken in a fragrant broth. San Jose's large Vietnamese community makes it a defining local comfort food.
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette, often filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, herbs, and pate. A staple tied to San Jose's Little Saigon.
A South Indian rice and lentil crepe served with chutney and sambar. It is a local favorite thanks to San Jose's strong South Asian community.
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
San Jose is pricier than many US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking add up fast, though public transit and casual food can help control daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need