The cheapest and fastest trains from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
9 h 22 m
Average duration
9 h 22 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
465 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Riverside, CA 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 Riverside, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 1 trains that leave Riverside, CA for Merced, CA on Mon, Mar 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Mar 23 the direct trains cover the 465 km distance in an average of 9 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 22 m .
On Mon, Mar 23 the slowest trains will take 9 h 22 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train for Riverside, CA to Merced, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $54.
Distance: 288 miles (465 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $126 Average price | $72 Average price Cheapest |
8h 42m Average total duration 8h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 13m Average total duration 7h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Riverside, CA to Merced, CA by bus, flight, or train
Compare bus, flight, 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.
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Journey information
Overview: Train from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA
Trains from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $78 (€63) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 06:20, the last at 13:23. The fastest train covers the 288 miles (465 km) distance in 9h 22m.
Distance 288 miles (465 km) |
Average train duration 8h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€63) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 9h 22m |
First train 06:20 |
Last train 13:23 |
Cheapest month May |
Cheapest day Wed |
High season Jan - Mar |
Low season Jul - Sep |
Train companies: Amtrak from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Riverside, CA and Merced, CA from $54 (€44). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riverside, CA 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 Riverside, CA to Merced, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple entry and exit points.
- Mission Inn Restaurant
- The Salted Pig
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown
- The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
- Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Platform 1: Metrolink services
- Platform 2: Amtrak services
- Bus: Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) routes available
- Metrolink: 91/Perris Valley Line, Inland Empire-Orange County Line, Riverside Line
- Ramps, restrooms.
Most popular train connections from Riverside, CA
More options for your journey from Riverside, CA to Merced, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
