The cheapest and fastest trains from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$99
Fastest journey
9 h 28 m
Average duration
9 h 35 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
593 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Merced, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $99.
It's difficult to get from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner11:23 AM9h30Merced Station, Merced, CA8:53 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$991One-way2 transfers
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner9:23 AM9h29Merced Station, Merced, CA6:52 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$991One-way2 transfers
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner1:23 PM9h28Merced Station, Merced, CA10:51 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$991One-way2 transfers
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner11:23 AM9h44Merced Station, Merced, CA9:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1001One-way2 transfers
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner9:23 AM9h44Merced Station, Merced, CA7:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1001One-way2 transfers
712 Gold Runner · 5712 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner1:23 PM9h28Merced Station, Merced, CA10:51 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$991One-way2 transfers
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner9:23 AM9h29Merced Station, Merced, CA6:52 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$991One-way2 transfers
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner11:23 AM9h30Merced Station, Merced, CA8:53 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$991One-way2 transfers
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner11:23 AM9h44Merced Station, Merced, CA9:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1001One-way2 transfers
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner9:23 AM9h44Merced Station, Merced, CA7:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$1001One-way2 transfers
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 $62. 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 $62, and a train costs an average of $93.
Distance: 368 miles (593 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$99 Average price | $82 Average price Cheapest |
8h 55m Average total duration Fastest 8h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 45m Average total duration 9h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Merced, CA to San Diego, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Thursday, April 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:23 PM Merced, CA | 9h25 | 6:48 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, April 17 | |||||
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:23 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 9h44 | 2:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
702 Gold Runner · 5802 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 4:23 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 9h29 | 1:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner | 6:23 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 9h44 | 4:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
710 Gold Runner · 5810 AMTRAK · 586 Pacific Surfliner | 6:23 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 9h30 | 3:53 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Apr 17
Apr 18
Apr 19
Apr 20
Apr 21
Apr 22
Apr 23
Journey information
Overview: Train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
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 $93 (€74) but you can travel from only $62 (€49) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 22:10. The fastest train covers the 368 miles (593 km) distance in 9h 5m.
Distance 368 miles (593 km) |
Average train duration 8h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $93 (€74) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 9h 5m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Merced, CA and San Diego, CA from $62 (€49). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
- Ramps, restrooms.
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
More options for your journey from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
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