San Diego, CA to Merced, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, Dec 02
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Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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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 train with prices starting from €74. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 54m. 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 train costs an average of €74, and a bus costs an average of €43.

Distance: 368 miles (593 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€77

Average price

Cheapest

€78

Average price

9h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

8h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 3m

Average total duration

9h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

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.

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Dec 02
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Dec 05
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Dec 08

Why should you book San Diego to Merced trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from San Diego to Merced. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego to Merced.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from San Diego to Merced.

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $91 (€74) but you can travel from only $54 (€43) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 21:55. The fastest train covers the 368 miles (593 km) distance in 11h 3m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $54 (€43)
Distance
368 miles (593 km)
Average train duration
8h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$91 (€74)
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
11h 3m
First train
04:01
Last train
21:55
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $54 (€43)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Merced, CA from $54 (€43). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 3m
Cheapest Price
$91 (€74)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
For a visit to Merced, CA, two to three days are generally sufficient to explore local attractions such as the Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Applegate Park Zoo, and partake in outdoor activities at Lake Yosemite.
A day trip from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is not feasible as the travel time is 11h 3m with a distance of 368 miles (593 km). Trains operate 9 times per day.
The distance by train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is 368 miles (593 km).
The train journey from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA offers scenic views, particularly as it travels along the Pacific coast before heading inland through California's diverse landscapes, including rolling hills and agricultural fields.
The train station in San Diego, CA that goes to Merced, CA is Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA, which connects to Merced Station, Merced, CA.
Train ticket prices from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $91 (€74), while the average price is around $95 (€77).
The train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA takes 11h 3m and runs 9 per day.
The last train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA leaves at 9:55 PM.
The cheapest way to get from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $54 (€43).
There is no direct train service currently available from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.
The first train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA leaves at 4:01 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.
There is no high speed train available from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Merced, CA

San Diego
Merced
The major train station for departures in San Diego is Santa Fe Depot. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Fe Depot for your trip from San Diego to Merced.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
6
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
Dining
Dining
  • The Fish Market
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • $1.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Westin San Diego
  • The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Santa Fe Depot
  • San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
Dining
Dining
  • Casa Guadalajara
  • Old Town Mexican Cafe
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • $0.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Town Inn
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
  • Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Old Town Station
  • Trolley: Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928

Most popular trains to and from Merced, CA and San Diego, CA

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