- Recommended
Merced County Courthouse Museum
Local history museum inside the former courthouse, featuring exhibits on Merced County communities, agriculture, and civic life.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 2 buses from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 465 km distance in an average of 7 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 26 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 7 h 26 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 Riverside, CA to Merced, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 12h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $72 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest bus covers the 288 miles (465 km) distance in 11h 5m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 02:01AM | Duration 7h26 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 03:01AM | Duration 7h26 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
The table below shows live departures for Riverside, CA to Merced, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:35 PM Riverside, CA | 7h26 | 2:01 AM Merced, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA with Greyhound. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound. 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 Merced, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Merced, CA trip today.
Local history museum inside the former courthouse, featuring exhibits on Merced County communities, agriculture, and civic life.
Community arts venue in downtown Merced hosting visual art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events in a historic setting.
University gallery presenting rotating contemporary art exhibitions and public programs on the UC Merced campus.
Large urban park featuring a lake, walking loop, playgrounds, and broad views, especially pleasant in cooler hours.
Popular city park with a lake, walking paths, picnic areas, and open space for relaxed outdoor time near downtown.
Downtown civic and cultural district with shops, murals, events, and historic buildings suited to an easy walking visit.
Tri-tip barbecue is a Central California staple: beef sirloin cut, simply seasoned and grilled over red oak. It is tied to the region’s ranching and roadside barbecue culture.
Chile verde is common across Merced’s Mexican-American food scene: pork simmered in roasted green chile sauce, served with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Birria is a richly spiced stewed meat dish, often goat or beef, served with consommé. It reflects the strong Jalisco-style Mexican food traditions in the Central Valley.
Popular casual spot for classic American breakfast and lunch. Known for hearty plates, pies, and a friendly small-town diner atmosphere.
Established local brewery and pub serving house beers, burgers, and comfort food in a relaxed downtown setting.
Long-running local favorite for Salvadoran and Mexican cooking, especially pupusas and traditional comfort dishes in a casual setting.
Moderate for California. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major coastal cities, while car travel is common and public transit use is limited.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if there is table service.
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 Merced, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riverside, CA to Merced, 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 Merced, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Riverside, CA to Merced, CA buses use the Riverside, Parking Lot 30 to Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Riverside, CA and Merced, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Riverside, Parking Lot 30 is 6 km from Riverside city centre. Public transport options include:
Riverside, Parking Lot 30 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30. ATMs are available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30.
Ticket office support is available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30.
Available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30: Accessible pathways for wheelchairs.
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.
Check bus stations information for Riverside, CA and Merced, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.