- Recommended
Merced County Courthouse Museum
Local history museum inside the former courthouse, featuring exhibits on Merced County communities, agriculture, and civic life.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$32
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$32
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h 48 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
5 h 2 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
125 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $32 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from San Jose, CA to Merced, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 125 km distance in an average of 5 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 48 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 5 h 15 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 San Jose, CA to Merced, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $52 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 30m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $52, while a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 77 miles (125 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$52 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 06:13PM | Duration 4h48 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:13AM | Duration 4h48 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 01:13AM | Duration 4h48 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
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.
Take a bus from San Jose, CA to Merced, CA and enjoy the approximately 77 miles (125 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 05:35, the last at 19:23.
Distance 77 miles (125 km) |
First bus 5:35 AM |
Last bus 7:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 days |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA to Merced, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Merced, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).
Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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.
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