- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Cheapest price
zł78
Average price
zł80
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
2 h 40 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
168 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Merced, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA will cost around zł80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł78.
Of the 2 buses that leave Merced, CA for Sacramento, CA on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 168 km distance in an average of 2 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 2 h 55 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 Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from zł89. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of zł89, and a bus costs an average of zł82.
Distance: 104 miles (168 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
zł102 Average price | zł93 Average price Cheapest | zł87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Sacramento, CA:
A train is zł8 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Merced, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average zł102.
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 55m.
You'll arrive about -2h -5m sooner (2h 55m by bus vs 1h 50m by car) and save roughly zł-14.21 compared to fuel and tolls (zł102 vs zł87). 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 Amtrak | Departure Time 02:11AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 2h39 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price zł91 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:11AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 2h39 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price zł89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price zł82 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price zł106 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price zł130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price zł111 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price zł106 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price zł78 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:11PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 2h44 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price zł106 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:11PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 2h49 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price zł93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price zł89 |
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
713 Gold Runner · 3713 AMTRAK | 12:05 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2h40 | 2:45 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
713 Gold Runner · 3813 AMTRAK | 12:05 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2h45 | 2:50 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
715 Gold Runner · 3815 AMTRAK | 2:05 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2h45 | 4:50 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
715 Gold Runner · 3715 AMTRAK | 2:05 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2h40 | 4:45 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
717 Gold Runner · 3817 AMTRAK | 5:11 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2h44 | 7:55 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
717 Gold Runner · 3717 AMTRAK | 5:11 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2h39 | 7:50 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK | 7:11 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2h49 | 10:00 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
719 Gold Runner · 3819 AMTRAK | 7:11 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 2h39 | 9:50 PM Sacramento, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
![]() | 5:50 AM Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 2h55 | 8:45 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 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 Sacramento, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at zł82 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:00, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 104 miles (168 km) distance in 2h 20m.
Distance 104 miles (168 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price zł82 |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 20m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Sacramento, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento, CA trip today.
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Excellent art museum known for California art, ceramics, photography, and engaging modern exhibitions in Midtown Sacramento.
State history museum inside the capitol, featuring restored offices, political artifacts, and architecture that defines California government.
Tree-lined central district known for restaurants, shops, murals, nightlife, and easy walking between major Sacramento attractions.
Large riverside park with trails, gardens, ponds, and open lawns, ideal for strolling, picnics, and seeing local wildlife.
Long riverfront path popular for walking and cycling, linking parks and neighborhoods with broad Sacramento River views.
Farm-to-fork seasonal plates built from Sacramento Valley produce. They reflect the city's agricultural identity and restaurant culture more than a single fixed recipe.
A local spin on California cuisine using grilled salmon, asparagus, citrus, and herbs. It highlights nearby river fish and regional produce.
Fresh Delta asparagus, often grilled, roasted, or served in salads. It is a celebrated spring ingredient from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Contemporary fine dining destination focused on seasonal Sacramento ingredients, tasting menus, and polished service.
Beloved local bakery and cafe for breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee with a lively neighborhood feel.
Historic upscale restaurant in Old Sacramento known for steaks, seafood, and classic dining room service in a refined setting.
Moderate for California. Hotels are often pricier than smaller US cities, while casual dining and local transit stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-22% for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Merced, CA to Sacramento, CA buses use the Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Sacramento, Bus Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and Sacramento, 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.
Sacramento, Bus Terminal is 1 km from Sacramento city centre. Public transport options include:
Sacramento, Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shop available
Free with registration. ATMs are multiple ATMs near ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal.
Available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need