The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Cheapest price on Sep 03
$98
Average ticket price on Sep 03
$98
Fastest journey on Sep 03
9 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 03
10 h 7 m
Trains on Sep 03
3
Distance
593 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Merced, CA will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
On Thu, Sep 03, we found 3 trains from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 03 the direct trains cover the 593 km distance in an average of 10 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 45 m .
On Thu, Sep 03 the slowest trains will take 10 h 51 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.
1:10 PM10h51San Diego, CA12:01 AMMerced, CA$981One-way0 transfers
12:10 PM9h45San Diego, CA9:55 PMMerced, CA$981One-way0 transfers
11:10 AM9h45San Diego, CA8:55 PMMerced, CA$991One-way0 transfers
12:10 PM9h45San Diego, CA9:55 PMMerced, CA$981One-way0 transfers
11:10 AM9h45San Diego, CA8:55 PMMerced, CA$991One-way0 transfers
1:10 PM10h51San Diego, CA12:01 AMMerced, CA$981One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $119 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 9h 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $119, while a bus costs an average of $119.
Distance: 368 miles (593 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$119 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
9h 59m Average total duration Fastest 9h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Merced, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Merced, CA trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:10 AM San Diego, CA | 9h45 | 8:55 PM Merced, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:10 PM San Diego, CA | 9h45 | 9:55 PM Merced, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:10 PM San Diego, CA | 10h51 | 12:01 AM Merced, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA 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.
Sep 03
Sep 04
Sep 05
Sep 06
Sep 07
Sep 08
Sep 09
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Take a train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA and enjoy the approximately 368 miles (593 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 22:40.
Distance 368 miles (593 km) |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 10:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Most San Diego, CA to Merced, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Merced Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Merced, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which San Diego, CA station do trains to Merced, CA leave from?
Getting to Santa Fe Depot from San Diego city centre
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot train station facilities and services
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Getting to Old Town Station from San Diego city centre
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station train station facilities and services
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Which Merced, CA station do trains from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
