Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $152. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 15h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $152, and a bus costs an average of $209.
Distance: 645 miles (1039 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$152 Average price Cheapest | $241 Average price | $156 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 21m Average total duration Fastest 15h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 23m Average total duration 16h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 28m 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 Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA:
A train is $88 (€71) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA costing on average $241 (€194).
Other travel options to Merced, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 53m.
Tickets start at around $152 (€123) compared to roughly $156 (€126) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $4 (€3). The journey takes 15h 51m versus 11h 28m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Tucson, AZ 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA
Trains from Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $152 (€123) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 13:23, the last at 20:15. The fastest train covers the 645 miles (1039 km) distance in 18h 40m.
Distance 645 miles (1039 km) |
Average train duration 15h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $152 (€123) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 18h 40m |
First train 1:23 PM |
Last train 8:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Train companies: Amtrak from Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Tucson, AZ and Merced, CA from $152 (€123). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Maynards Market & Kitchen
- The Cup Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Hotel Congress
- AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson Downtown
- The Downtown Clifton Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- The station is a historic 1907 building with a single platform for the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle trains.
- Bus: Sun Tran routes available nearby
- Ramps, restrooms.
Most popular train connections from Tucson, AZ
More options for your journey from Tucson, AZ to Merced, CA
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