- 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 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 $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA without transferring at least once.

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Buses from Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $66 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 7h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 |
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 |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA.
| 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 $133 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound Mexico | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to Merced, CA buses for today, Saturday, November 14. 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 | |
| Sunday, November 15 | |||||
![]() | 8:45 AM Santa Ana, CA | 26h40 | 11:25 AM Merced, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 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.
Check bus stations information for Santa Ana, CA and Merced, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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