- Recommended
McHenry Museum
Local history museum in a restored library building with exhibits on Modesto, agriculture, and community life.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Merced, CA to Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA will cost around $11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 1 buses from Merced, CA to Modesto, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 59 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 50 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 50 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.

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Buses from Merced, CA to Modesto, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 but you can travel from only $11 by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 36 miles (59 km) distance in 45m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Merced, CA to Modesto, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $16 |
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Modesto, CA buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:05 PM Merced, CA | 0h50 | 2:55 PM Modesto, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
![]() | 6:05 AM Merced, CA | 0h50 | 6:55 AM Modesto, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Merced, CA to Modesto, CA with Greyhound and FlixBus. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound and FlixBus. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Modesto, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Modesto, CA trip today.
Local history museum in a restored library building with exhibits on Modesto, agriculture, and community life.
Children's museum with hands-on science and play exhibits designed for families seeking an interactive indoor visit.
College museum featuring natural history displays, fossils, live animals, and planetarium programming for curious visitors.
Lively downtown district known for historic buildings, events, shopping, and walkable blocks that reflect Modesto's civic core.
Central park with mature trees, sports areas, and the Gallo Center nearby, making it a pleasant stop in downtown Modesto.
Popular regional park with a lake, trails, picnic areas, and water activities, ideal for a longer outdoor visit.
Tri-tip barbecue is a Central California staple: beef sirloin grilled over red oak and sliced smoky and juicy, reflecting the region’s ranching and casual cookout culture.
Al pastor tacos are widely loved locally, with spit-roasted pork, chile, and pineapple in a style rooted in California’s Mexican food culture and common across Modesto taquerias.
Wet burritos are a hearty Central Valley favorite: a large stuffed burrito covered in enchilada sauce and cheese, popular in family-run Mexican restaurants.
Warm, polished spot serving classic Italian dishes, pasta, and steaks with an old-school neighborhood restaurant feel.
Long-running local burger stand famous for charbroiled burgers, fries, and a classic Modesto fast-casual atmosphere.
Casual local favorite for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican comfort foods in a lively, family-friendly setting.
Moderate for California inland cities. Hotels often cost less than coastal hubs, while dining and car-based transport are average for U.S. travelers.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Modesto, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Merced, CA to Modesto, CA buses use the Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc) station pair, with some services arriving at Modesto, Dale Road / Braden Avenue (Sizzler). Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and Modesto, 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.
Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM available near the ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc).
Available at Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Modesto, Downtown Transit Center (Southern Pacififc): Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities.
Check bus stations information for Merced, CA and Modesto, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.