- 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 Oct 01
$61
Average ticket price on Oct 01
$61
Fastest journey on Oct 01
7 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Oct 01
7 h 40 m
Buses on Oct 01
1
Distance
461 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 1 buses from Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct buses cover the 461 km distance in an average of 7 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 40 m .
On Thu, Oct 01 the slowest buses will take 7 h 40 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.


| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Greyhound Mexico | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA buses for today, Wednesday, September 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:20 PM Santa Ana, CA | 8h40 | 6:00 AM Merced, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, October 1 | |||||
![]() | 7:15 AM Santa Ana, CA | 7h40 | 2:55 PM Merced, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $75 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 286 miles (461 km) distance in 6h 50m.
Distance 286 miles (461 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 50m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, CA and Merced, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station). ATMs are available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station).
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station).
Available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station): Bus access is available.
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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