Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA train with Amtrak

Sat, Mar 14
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 17

Cheapest price

$36

Average price

$40

Fastest journey

3 h 12 m

Average duration

3 h 14 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

251 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Merced, CA for Bakersfield, CA on Tue, Mar 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Mar 17 the direct trains cover the 251 km distance in an average of 3 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 12 m .

On Tue, Mar 17 the slowest trains will take 3 h 16 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
09:23PM3h16
Merced, CA
12:39AMBakersfield, CA
$361One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
06:45PM3h12
Merced, CA
09:57PMBakersfield, CA
$441One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $36, and a bus costs an average of $35.

Distance: 155 miles (251 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

$37

Average price

Cheapest

$42

Average price

3h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 14m

Average total duration

3h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA trains for today, Monday, March 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:24 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak9:23 PM Merced, CA
3h16
12:39 AM Bakersfield, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Merced, CA to Bakersfield, 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.

Tue
Mar 17
Wed
Mar 18
Thu
Mar 19
Fri
Mar 20
Sat
Mar 21
Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23

Journey information

Overview: Train from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:30, the last at 20:47. The fastest train covers the 155 miles (251 km) distance in 3h 16m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $35 (€28)
Distance
155 miles (251 km)
Average train duration
3h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
$36 (€29)
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
3h 16m
First train
03:30
Last train
20:47
Cheapest month
Sep
Cheapest day
Wed
High season
Jul - Sep
Low season
Oct - Dec
Busiest day
Mon
Least busy day
Mon
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $35 (€28)

Train companies: Amtrak from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Merced, CA and Bakersfield, CA from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
$36 (€29)
Amtrak frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Bakersfield, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $36 (€29), while the average price is around $37 (€30).
The train from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA takes 3h 16m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA leaves at 3:30 AM.
The distance by train from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA is 155 miles (251 km).
The last train from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA leaves at 8:47 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA.
The train station in Merced, CA that goes to Bakersfield, CA is Merced Station, Merced, CA, which connects to Bakersfield station, Bakersfield, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $35 (€28).
The train journey from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA offers a scenic experience with views of the Central Valley's agricultural landscapes, rolling hills, and occasional glimpses of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.
A day trip from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA is not feasible as the travel duration is 3h 16m. However, there are 5 trips per day available by train. The distance is 155 miles (251 km).
In Bakersfield, CA, visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Attend a live performance at the historic Fox Theater or enjoy hiking and biking at the Panorama Vista Preserve. Discover fascinating exhibits at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science and experience local flavors at the Bakersfield Farmers Market. Top sights include the Kern County Museum, Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, California Living Museum, Bakersfield Museum of Art, and Hart Memorial Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Bakersfield, CA, allowing time to visit popular attractions like the Kern County Museum, California Living Museum, and enjoy local cuisine.
Yes, you can take the train from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA

Merced
Bakersfield
The major train station for departures in Merced is Merced Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Merced Station for your trip from Merced to Bakersfield.
Merced StationDiningAccessibility
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
phone
Phone Number
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.

Most popular trains to and from Bakersfield, CA and Merced, CA

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