- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, architecture, and city views; one of Los Angeles’s signature cultural sites.
Cheapest price
$106
Average price
$106
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
6 h 35 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
414 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Merced, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA will cost around $106 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $106.
Of the 1 buses that leave Merced, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 414 km distance in an average of 6 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 35 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 6 h 35 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 Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $56. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $56, and a bus costs an average of $40.
Distance: 257 miles (414 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$75 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 53m Average total duration 6h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration Fastest 5h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Los Angeles, CA:
A train is $16 (€13) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Merced, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $75 (€61).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 23m.
You'll arrive about -3h -14m sooner (6h 23m by bus vs 4h 9m by car) and save roughly $-19.44 (€-15.91) compared to fuel and tolls ($75 (€61) vs $55 (€45)). 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 Greyhound.
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 07:45AM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $59 |
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:10 AM Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 6h35 | 7:45 AM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), 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 Los Angeles, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 6h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 257 miles (414 km) distance in 6h 10m.
Distance 257 miles (414 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles trip today.
Major hilltop art museum with European paintings, decorative arts, architecture, and city views; one of Los Angeles’s signature cultural sites.
The largest art museum in the western United States, known for broad global collections and the iconic Urban Light installation.
Popular contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles with works by Kusama, Warhol, and other major postwar artists.
Vast urban park with trails, scenic overlooks, and access to major attractions; a classic Los Angeles outdoor destination.
Iconic oceanfront boardwalk area with classic California views and broad appeal for first-time visitors.
Famous beachfront promenade known for street culture, skate scenes, murals, and constant people-watching.
A Los Angeles classic of thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, served with rich jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s most iconic old-school sandwiches.
Street tacos are central to Los Angeles food culture, especially carne asada, al pastor, and grilled fish tacos served on corn tortillas with salsa, onion, and cilantro.
A signature Los Angeles meal shaped by Koreatown, featuring grilled marinated meats, banchan, and shared dining. The city is especially known for its strong Korean barbecue scene.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant known for refined seafood tasting menus and elegant service. One of Los Angeles’s top special-occasion destinations.
Historic downtown institution famous for the French dip sandwich. Casual, old-school atmosphere and one of Los Angeles’s most iconic food stops.
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for complex moles, tlayudas, and mezcal. Lively atmosphere and a landmark for regional Mexican cuisine in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is expensive for visitors. Hotels, parking, and dining add up quickly, though casual food and some neighborhoods offer better value.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Not expected at fast-food spots.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Merced, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, North Hollywood (W Magnolia Blvd / Klump Ave). Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and Los Angeles, 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