- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
Major rail museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on how rail shaped California and the American West.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
2 h 20 m
Average duration
2 h 33 m
Buses per day
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.
Of the 3 buses that leave Merced, CA for Sacramento, CA on Sun, Jun 21, 3 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 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, Jun 21 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 train with prices starting from $24. 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 $24, and a bus costs an average of $22.
Distance: 104 miles (168 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $23 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 $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Merced, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $27 (€22).
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 $-3.79 (€-3.10) compared to fuel and tolls ($27 (€22) vs $23 (€19)). 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, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:11AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 2h39 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
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 tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 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 10 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) 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 $22 (€18) |
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 — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento trip today.
Major rail museum in Old Sacramento with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on how rail shaped California and the American West.
The oldest art museum west of the Mississippi, known for California art, European works, ceramics, and a strong rotating exhibition program.
Museum inside the historic State Capitol featuring restored rooms, political history exhibits, and insights into California government.
The city’s most visited historic district, popular for boardwalk-style streets, river views, museums, and Gold Rush atmosphere.
Lively central district known for murals, boutiques, nightlife, and walkable blocks that are especially popular with younger visitors.
Long scenic parkway with trails, river access, and cycling and walking routes that showcase Sacramento’s outdoors side.
Sacramento is known as the Farm-To-Fork Capital, and seasonal plates built around Central Valley produce are a signature local dining experience.
Asparagus from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a regional specialty, often grilled, roasted, or served simply during spring harvest season.
This tomato-based seafood stew is a Northern California classic commonly found in Sacramento restaurants, reflecting the region’s strong connection to California coastal cooking.
A celebrated fine-dining destination known for an interactive tasting menu, polished service, and one of Sacramento’s most famous special-occasion experiences.
A long-established Farm-To-Fork favorite serving seasonal California cuisine in a warm, upscale setting inside a historic firehouse.
A popular local favorite for casual California fare, sandwiches, salads, and prepared foods with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Dining and coffee are manageable, but hotels and upscale meals can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants before tax. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Counter-service tips are optional.
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.

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