- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price on Sep 05
$62
Average ticket price on Sep 05
$62
Fastest journey on Sep 05
5 h 36 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
5 h 46 m
Trains on Sep 05
8
Distance
414 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Merced, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
It's difficult to get from Merced, CA to Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.
712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK
710 Gold Runner · 5710 AMTRAK
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK
718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
704 Gold Runner · 5804 AMTRAK
718 Gold Runner · 5818 AMTRAK
712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK
710 Gold Runner · 5710 AMTRAK
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Merced, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $69 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 7h 0m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, while a bus costs an average of $69.
Distance: 257 miles (414 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$69 Average price Cheapest | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
7h 0m Average total duration Fastest 6h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
710 Gold Runner · 5710 AMTRAK | 11:23 AM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 5h52 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK | 11:23 AM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 5h52 | 5:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
712 Gold Runner · 5812 AMTRAK | 1:23 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 5h52 | 7:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK | 1:23 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 5h52 | 7:15 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 train from Merced, CA to Los Angeles, CA and enjoy the approximately 257 miles (414 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 20:47.
Distance 257 miles (414 km) |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 8:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Merced, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains use the Merced Station to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Glendale Station. Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and Los Angeles, 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.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need