San Diego, CA to Merced, CA bus with Greyhound

Thu, May 28
+ Add return
Greyhound
Infobus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
Greyhound
Infobus
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA

Showing times and prices for May 29

Cheapest price

$79

Average price

$122

Fastest journey

9 h 45 m

Average duration

9 h 58 m

Buses per day

3

Distance

593 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.

Fast buses

Of the 3 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Merced, CA on Fri, May 29, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 593 km distance in an average of 9 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .

On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 10 h 25 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.

  • Amtrak
    6:10 AM9h45
    San Diego, CA
    3:55 PMMerced, CA
    $791One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    5:10 AM9h45
    San Diego, CA
    2:55 PMMerced, CA
    $821One-way
    0 transfers
  • Greyhound
    2:35 AM10h25
    San Diego, CA
    1:00 PMMerced, CA
    $2051One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for San Diego, CA to Merced, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $77. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, and a train costs an average of $95.

Distance: 368 miles (593 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$93

Average price

Cheapest

$100

Average price

$88

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

10h 4m

Average total duration

9h 34m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

9h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 20m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.6 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Amtrak

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.

The cheapest way to travel from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is a bus with an average price of $93 (€75).

This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA:

A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA costing on average $100 (€81).

The fastest way to travel from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is by train with an average journey time of 9h 0m.

Other travel options to Merced, CA take longer:

Bus takes on average 9h 34m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Merced, CA including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about -4h -14m sooner (9h 34m by bus vs 6h 20m by car) and save roughly $-4.08 (€-3.29) compared to fuel and tolls ($93 (€75) vs $88 (€71)). 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 Infobus.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

San Diego, CA to Merced, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
02:00AM
Arrival Time
01:05PM
Duration
11h05
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$189
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
02:35AM
Arrival Time
01:00PM
Duration
10h25
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$205
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
03:35AM
Arrival Time
02:00PM
Duration
10h25
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$107
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
05:10AM
Arrival Time
02:55PM
Duration
9h45
Departure days
Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
06:10AM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
9h45
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
08:10PM
Arrival Time
01:05PM
Duration
16h55
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
09:10PM
Arrival Time
02:00PM
Duration
16h50
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$94

Live departures

San Diego, CA to Merced, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Merced, CA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greyhound2:35 AM San Diego, CA
10h25
1:00 PM Merced, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak5:10 AM San Diego, CA
9h45
2:55 PM Merced, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak6:10 AM San Diego, CA
9h45
3:55 PM Merced, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Merced, CA by bus or train

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.

Thu
May 28
Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03

Why should you book San Diego, CA to Merced, CA buses with Omio?

Greyhound as well as Infobus offer buses services from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.

Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of Infobus to find the best option for your trip from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Busbud or Checkmybus?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 9h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $77 (€62) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 22:40. The fastest bus covers the 368 miles (593 km) distance in 8h 45m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
368 miles (593 km)
Average bus duration
9h 34m
Cheapest ticket price
$77 (€62)
Buses per day
13
Fastest bus
8h 45m
First bus
1:00 AM
Last bus
10:40 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Greyhound, Infobus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CAYou can travel by bus between San Diego, CA to Merced, CA with Greyhound, Infobus for as low as $77 (€62). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Infobus

About
Infobus is an international IT company that operates as an online service for finding and purchasing bus, train, and plane tickets, rather than being a bus company itself. Established in 2002, Infobus acts as an intermediary between passengers and various transport carriers, particularly helping smaller bus companies offer online booking services. They utilize their own "BusSystem" to manage routes and ticket sales globally. Infobus covers over 30 countries and 300 cities, offering a wide range of routes and daily departures. While amenities can vary by carrier, Infobus aims to provide affordable and convenient travel with features like online booking, 24/7 support, and prompt notifications.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Infobus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed; may require prior reservation and an additional fee.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets may require a separate ticket.

Greyhound

About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 25m
Cheapest Price
$107 (€86)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

FAQs: Bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA can start from as little as $77 (€62) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is $93 (€75) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is 8h 45m to travel the 368 miles (593 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA leaves at 1:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA leaves at 10:40 PM.
There are 13 buses a day from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA which require at least one change with Greyhound, Infobus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA, you can count on Greyhound, Infobus for the best way to get you to Merced, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Diego, CA and Merced, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Merced, CA from San Diego, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Merced, CA including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA:
  • Infobus
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Transport for wheelchairs and mobility aids.
  • Greyhound
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA for bus company Greyhound, Infobus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA depends on the bus companies:
  • Infobus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee.
  • Greyhound
    • You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, Infobus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA:
  • Infobus
    • One carry-on bag up to 5kg (40x20x25) and one checked bag up to 20kg (50x30x80).
  • Greyhound
    • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA:
  • Infobus
    • 10€ per additional bag.
  • Greyhound
    • $15 per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA. The following conditions apply:
  • Infobus
    • Small pets allowed in carriers
    • larger pets may require a separate ticket.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, Infobus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, Infobus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA with the following bus company: Greyhound, Infobus.
Since neither San Diego, CA nor Merced, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Merced, CA, travelers should be aware of petty crimes such as car break-ins and pickpocketing, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas. It’s advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated locations at night. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi services and ticket sellers. Staying vigilant, using official transportation options, and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA

San Diego
Merced
The major bus station for departures in San Diego is San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) for your trip from San Diego to Merced.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
information
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
information
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District)
information

Most popular bus connections to Merced, CA

HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to Merced, CASan Diego, CA to Merced, CA bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone