- Must visit
Kern County Museum
Well-curated local history museum with exhibits on oil, agriculture, and community life in Kern County.
Cheapest price on Oct 30
$38
Average ticket price on Oct 30
$38
Fastest journey on Oct 30
3 h 16 m
Average journey duration on Oct 30
3 h 16 m
Trains on Oct 30
7
Distance
251 km
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 $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 7 trains from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA, including 7 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct trains cover the 251 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 16 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest trains will take 3 h 17 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.
702 Gold Runner
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716 Gold Runner
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712 Gold Runner
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718 Gold Runner
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714 Gold Runner
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714 Gold Runner
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710 Gold Runner
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704 Gold Runner
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Trains from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.
There are 7 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 2h 32m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA.
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:23 PM Merced, CA | 3h16 | 11:39 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:23 PM Merced, CA | 3h16 | 12:39 AM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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 Bakersfield, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bakersfield, CA trip today.
Well-curated local history museum with exhibits on oil, agriculture, and community life in Kern County.
Museum on the Bakersfield Sound and country music history, with costumes, instruments, and artist memorabilia.
Hands-on museum for children with interactive science, art, and role-play exhibits suited to families.
Lively downtown street with historic buildings, murals, theaters, and an easy base for walking Bakersfield's core.
Large urban park with lakes, walking paths, art museum access, and open space for a relaxed local outing.
Linear park and trail through downtown, useful for walking and biking between museums, murals, and civic spaces.
Tri-tip barbecue is a Central California staple: beef bottom sirloin seasoned and grilled over red oak, often sliced for sandwiches or plates.
Basque oxtail stew reflects Bakersfield's Basque boardinghouse tradition, with slow-braised oxtail in a rich savory sauce served family-style.
Pickled tongue is a classic Basque appetizer in Bakersfield, cured and sliced thin with vinegar and spices, common at traditional Basque restaurants.
Historic Basque restaurant known for family-style meals, steaks, tongue, beans, and classic boardinghouse atmosphere.
Upscale steakhouse for dry-aged beef, seafood, and cocktails, suited for a polished dinner in central Bakersfield.
Long-running Basque dining room serving oxtail, fried chicken, soups, and hearty set meals in a traditional setting.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Los Angeles, but car use and limited transit can raise overall visitor costs.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts.
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 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.

Most Merced, CA to Bakersfield, CA trains use the Merced Station to Bakersfield Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and Bakersfield, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Merced Station has practical services for this route, including Dining and Accessibility.
Food and drink options are available at Merced Station.
Accessibility facilities are available at Merced Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Bakersfield Station is 1 km from Bakersfield city centre. Public transport options include:
Bakersfield Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: 24th Street Cafe, Wool Growers Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bakersfield Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bakersfield Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bakersfield Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Padre Hotel, Marriott Bakersfield.
Check train stations information for Merced, CA and Bakersfield, CA, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.