- 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 on Sep 20
$24
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$24
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 33 m
Buses on Sep 20
3
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 $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 3 buses from Merced, CA to Sacramento, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 168 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 2 h 39 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 bus, with an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, while a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 104 miles (168 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 12m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m 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 bus is $17 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Merced, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $48.
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 8m.
Tickets start at around $31 compared to roughly $24 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.29. The journey takes 2h 42m versus 1h 50m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility 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, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:11AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 2h39 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Sacramento, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:50 AM Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 2h55 | 8:45 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:50 PM Merced, CA | 2h20 | 4:10 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
![]() | 2:11 AM Merced, CA | 2h39 | 4:50 AM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:11 AM Merced, CA | 2h39 | 5:50 AM Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 if you book in advance.
There are 1 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 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 20m |
First bus 6:00 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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