The cheapest and fastest trains from Reno, NV to Merced, CA
Cheapest price
$178
Average price
$178
Fastest journey
10 h 13 m
Average duration
10 h 13 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Reno, NV to Merced, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Reno, NV to Merced, CA will cost around $178 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $178.
Of the 1 trains that leave Reno, NV for Merced, CA on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 10 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 13 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 10 h 13 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.
5:24 PM10h13Reno, NV3:37 AMMerced, CA$1781One-way0 transfers
5:24 PM10h13Reno, NV3:37 AMMerced, CA$1781One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Reno, NV to Merced, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Reno, NV to Merced, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $78, and a train costs an average of $129.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$164 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 30m Average total duration 9h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration Fastest 5h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 46m 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 Reno, NV to Merced, CA:
A bus is $84 (€69) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Reno, NV to Merced, CA costing on average $164 (€134).
Other travel options to Merced, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 0m.
Tickets start at around $164 (€134) compared to roughly $43 (€35) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-120.85 (€-98.87). The journey takes 9h 0m versus 3h 46m 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.
Live departures
Reno, NV to Merced, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Reno, NV to Merced, CA trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 California Zephyr · 718 Gold Runner | 9:24 AM Reno station, Reno, NV | 11h13 | 8:37 PM Merced Station, Merced, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Reno, NV to Merced, 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Train from Reno, NV to Merced, CA
Trains from Reno, NV to Merced, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $129 (€105) but you can travel from only $78 (€64) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:45, the last at 14:30. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 10h 13m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average train duration 9h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $129 (€105) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 10h 13m |
First train 6:45 AM |
Last train 2:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Amtrak from Reno, NV to Merced, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Reno, NV and Merced, CA from $78 (€64). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Reno, NV to Merced, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Reno, NV to Merced, 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 Merced, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Reno, NV to Merced, CA
Most Reno, NV to Merced, CA trains use the Reno Station to Merced Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Reno, NV and Merced, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Reno, NV station do trains to Merced, CA leave from?
Getting to Reno Station from Reno city centre
Reno Station train station facilities and services
Reno Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Depot Craft Brewery Distillery, Wild River Grille
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Reno Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Reno Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Reno Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Reno Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Eldorado Resort Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Circus Circus Reno.
Which Merced, CA station do trains from Reno, NV arrive at?
Merced Station train station facilities and services
Merced Station has practical services for this route, including Dining and Accessibility.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Merced Station.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Merced Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Most popular train connections from Reno, NV
More options for your journey from Reno, NV to Merced, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

