- Must visit
Seattle Art Museum
Major art museum with global collections, strong Native and modern holdings, and rotating blockbuster exhibitions downtown.
Cheapest price
$208
Average price
$223
Fastest journey
1 d 40 m
Average duration
1 d 40 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1156 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Merced, CA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA will cost around $223 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $208.
Of the 2 trains that leave Merced, CA for Seattle, WA on Thu, Jul 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 23 the direct trains cover the 1156 km distance in an average of 1 d 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 40 m .
On Thu, Jul 23 the slowest trains will take 1 d 40 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Merced, CA to Seattle, WA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $149. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 17h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $149, and a train costs an average of $167.
Distance: 718 miles (1156 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$305 Average price | $203 Average price Cheapest | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 55m Average total duration 23h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 25m Average total duration Fastest 17h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Merced, CA to Seattle, WA:
A bus is $102 (€84) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Merced, CA to Seattle, WA costing on average $305 (€251).
Other travel options to Seattle, WA take longer:
Train takes on average 23h 25m.
Tickets start at around $305 (€251) compared to roughly $174 (€143) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-130.88 (€-107.63). The journey takes 23h 25m versus 13h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Seattle, WA trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:11 AM Merced, CA | 24h40 | 2:51 AM Seattle, WA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:11 AM Merced, CA | 24h40 | 3:51 AM Seattle, WA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Trains from Merced, CA to Seattle, WA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 23h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $167 (€138) but you can travel from only $149 (€122) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 09:55, the last at 19:23. The fastest train covers the 718 miles (1156 km) distance in 24h 40m.
Distance 718 miles (1156 km) |
Average train duration 23h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $167 (€138) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 24h 40m |
First train 9:55 AM |
Last train 7:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Seattle, WA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Seattle, WA trip today.
Major art museum with global collections, strong Native and modern holdings, and rotating blockbuster exhibitions downtown.
Immersive pop-culture museum with music, science fiction, gaming, and film exhibits in a Frank Gehry building.
Leading aviation museum featuring historic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on exhibits near Boeing Field.
Vast urban park with forests, beaches, bluffs, and trails, plus some of Seattle’s finest Puget Sound views.
Lively waterfront district with ferries, the Great Wheel, promenades, and classic Elliott Bay scenery.
Beloved hilltop park offering postcard views of downtown, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier, especially at sunset.
Cedar plank salmon is Pacific Northwest salmon roasted on cedar, adding smoky wood aroma. It reflects Seattle's strong salmon culture and regional cooking style.
Seattle-style teriyaki is grilled meat with sweet-savory sauce, usually over rice and salad. It became a defining everyday local meal across the city.
Geoduck is a large Pacific Northwest clam, often served raw or lightly cooked. It is prized locally for its sweet taste and connection to regional seafood.
Historic Pike Place Market spot famed for clam chowder, seafood sandwiches, and casual counter service with a lively market atmosphere.
Long-running market restaurant known for Dungeness crab cakes, seafood entrées, and views over Pike Place with a classic local feel.
Acclaimed fine dining destination focused on seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients, refined tasting menus, and elegant service near Pike Place.
Seattle is pricier than many US cities, with higher hotel, dining, and parking costs. Transit is reasonable, but central stays and waterfront meals raise typical visitor budgets.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screens; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Merced, CA to Seattle, WA trains use the Merced Station to King Street Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and Seattle, WA 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.
King Street Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The London Plane, Salumi
Ticket office support is available at King Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at King Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at King Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at King Street Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at King Street Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square, The Arctic Club Seattle - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need