Merced, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, Dec 02
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Amtrak
Regionale
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1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Merced, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €40. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €40, and a train costs an average of €74.

Distance: 368 miles (593 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€75

Average price

€53

Average price

Cheapest

8h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

8h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 29m

Average total duration

8h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Infobus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Compare prices and tickets Merced, CA to San Diego, 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.

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Why should you book Merced to San Diego trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Merced to San Diego. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Merced to San Diego.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Merced to San Diego.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $92 (€74) but you can travel from only $50 (€40) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 368 miles (593 km) distance in 9h 5m.

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 $50 (€40)
Distance
368 miles (593 km)
Average train duration
8h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$92 (€74)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
9h 5m
First train
03:50
Last train
21:25
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 $50 (€40)

Train companies: Amtrak from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Merced, CA and San Diego, CA from $50 (€40). 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
9h 5m
Cheapest Price
$92 (€74)
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 San Diego, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Three to four days are ideal to explore San Diego's main attractions, including its beaches, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and vibrant neighborhoods.
The distance by train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA is 368 miles (593 km).
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning skyline and naval ship views, and hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life, or experience a whale watching tour off the coast. Don't miss Balboa Park, with its museums and the San Diego Zoo, the historic USS Midway Museum, picturesque La Jolla Cove, the lively Gaslamp Quarter, and the beautiful Coronado Beach.
The first train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50 AM.
The last train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 9:25 PM.
A day trip from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 9h 5m, with a distance of 368 miles (593 km). The frequency of trains is 6 per day.
There is no direct train service currently available from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
Train ticket prices from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $92 (€74), while the average price is around $93 (€75).
The cheapest way to get from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $50 (€40).
There is no high speed train available from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA takes 9h 5m and runs 6 per day.
The train station in Merced, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Merced Station, Merced, CA, which connects to Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train journey from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA offers a scenic experience, passing through diverse landscapes including the Central Valley's agricultural fields, coastal views as you near Southern California, and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA

Merced
San Diego
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 San Diego.
Merced StationDiningAccessibility
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
phone
Phone Number
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.

Most popular trains to and from San Diego, CA and Merced, CA

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