Merced, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $42: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Merced to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$42 by busBest price
637 kmDistance
2h 44m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Merced to San Diego with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Merced - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Merced and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Merced to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
6h 5mEstimated price
$42-124Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego
Average Duration
3h 15mEstimated price
$43-875Bus from Merced Bus Stop to Glendale Station
Average Duration
6h 5mEstimated price
$426-12460Bus from Glendale Station to San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop
Average Duration
4h 25mEstimated price
$422-38195Contact phone
+52 800 890 6821Website
greyhound.com.mx
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Diego
Average Duration
3h 15mEstimated price
$43-875Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Merced to Richmond
Average Duration
2h 32mEstimated price
$3819-3811Train from Richmond to San Francisco International Airport
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$1244-1245Train from Merced to Bakersfield
Average Duration
3h 12mEstimated price
$427-3815Train from Los Angeles to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 54mEstimated price
$3819-877Contact phone
(800) 371-LINK (5465)Website
metrolinktrains.com
Train from Newhall station to L. A. Union Station
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
$1246-428Website
southwest.com
Plane from Fresno to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 11mEstimated price
$879-420Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from Fresno to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 13mEstimated price
$876-3812Plane from Monterey to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 22mEstimated price
$3813-3814Plane from San Francisco to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 35mEstimated price
$3815-3816Website
united.com
Plane from San Francisco to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 42mEstimated price
$874-8710Website
spirit.com
Plane from Oakland to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 31mEstimated price
$3817-3818Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from San Francisco to San Diego
Average Duration
1h 33mEstimated price
$3817-3816Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
bart.gov
Subway from Richmond to San Francisco International Airport
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$1244-1245Merced to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Merced and San Diego offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Merced to San Diego covering a distance of 396 miles. Get ready for a journey filled with diverse landscapes and endless possibilities.
💸 Explore the range of prices, from $70 to $110, to make your way from Merced to San Diego by car. Plan ahead and find the best deal that suits your budget while enjoying the freedom of the open road.
🏖️ Arrive in sunny San Diego after approximately 6 hours and 37 minutes of driving. Dive into the vibrant city life, relax on the beautiful beaches, and savor the unique experiences awaiting you in this coastal paradise.
Average price
$70 - $110
🛫 Start your journey from Merced by heading to Fresno Airport, where you can catch a direct flight to San Diego Airport in just 1 hour and 11 minutes. Both Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Southwest Airlines provide convenient flight options for this route.
Departure Point
Fresno Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Check for direct flights early in the morning with Alaska Airlines or Southwest Airlines, as they often have the least delays and the most reliable schedules for the Merced to San Diego route.
• Upon arrival at San Diego International Airport, structure your time wisely by using the rental car facility located conveniently at the terminal level; make sure to look for the ‘Rental Car Center’ signs to easily navigate your way out.
• Expect a taxi fare of about $15 to $20 from San Diego International Airport to downtown San Diego; consider using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft for potentially quicker and cheaper options.
🚌 There is no direct bus from Merced to San Diego, but travelers can take a bus with transfers that depart from Merced and arrive at San Diego via Los Angeles Union Station, taking about 10 hours and 20 minutes.
🚌 Route options vary in duration and transfers, with distances ranging from 399 to 438 miles. Some routes involve multiple stops, such as in Los Angeles and Tucson, before reaching San Diego, providing flexibility for travelers' preferences.
🚌 Prices for the bus journey from Merced to San Diego typically range from $42 to $124, offering an affordable and scenic way to travel between these California destinations.
Departure Point
Merced station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Merced to San Diego.
Or choose the category:
The cheapest way to travel from Merced to San Diego is by bus. There are several bus companies that offer this route, and prices typically range from $45 to $80. The journey time is approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Merced to San Diego is by taking a combination of train and flight. This option typically takes around 5 hours and 5 minutes, allowing you to reach your destination quickly. The cost for this route usually ranges from $75 to $450.
It is approximately 597 km from Merced to San Diego. The road distance is slightly longer at 637 km.
The recommended way to travel from Merced to San Diego without a car is by taking a bus via Bakersfield. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, including Greyhound and Flixbus. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 16 minutes. The bus tickets typically cost around $45 to $80, depending on the specific departure time and bus company.
The average travel time from Merced to San Diego is around 5 hours and 5 minutes, including transfers.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels to choose from, you can find something that suits your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in San Diego start at $53 per night, but it is recommended to book in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
Yes, you can drive from Merced to San Diego as the driving distance between the two cities is approximately 637 km. The journey by car usually takes around 6 hours and 37 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there is no direct bus from Merced to San Diego. However, there are bus services available that require transfers. The journey typically involves departing from the Merced Bus Stop, transferring at Bakersfield, and then arriving at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot. The total duration of the trip, including transfers, is approximately 10 hours and 16 minutes.
You can catch the bus from Merced to San Diego at the Merced Bus Stop station. This is the designated departure point for Greyhound USA bus services.
The bus from Merced to San Diego arrives at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot station.
Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Southwest Airlines offer flights from Fresno Airport to San Diego Airport. These airlines operate multiple daily flights, providing travelers with options to choose from. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a convenient and time-saving option compared to other modes of transportation.
The fastest way to travel from Merced to San Diego is by plane. You can catch a direct flight from Fresno Airport to San Diego Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes. Airlines like Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Southwest Airlines operate flights on this route.
The quickest flight from Fresno Airport to San Diego Airport is approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes.
The cost of a bus ticket from Merced to San Diego typically ranges between $45 and $80.
The cost of driving from Merced to San Diego can range from approximately $70 to $110, depending on factors such as gas prices and the type of vehicle you are driving.