San Jose, CA, USA to Merced, CA, USA from $6: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Jose to Merced: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$6 by trainBest price

194 kmDistance

2h 7m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose to Merced 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.

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San Jose - Merced operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Jose and Merced, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus

Contact phone

+1 833 766 3553

Website

https://tufesainternacional.com

Bus from Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose to Los Banos, CA

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$27-39

Bus from Los Banos, CA to Transpo

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$9-40

Website

http://mercedthebus.com

Bus from San Luis Plaza to Transpo

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$9-40

Train

Contact phone

1800-411-7245

Website

https://acerail.com

Train from San Jose Amtrak Station to Stockton- Robert J Cabral Amtrak Station

Average Duration

2h 12m

Estimated price

$272-273

Train from Stockton- Robert J Cabral Amtrak Station to Merced

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$393-394

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Jose Amtrak Station to Stockton- Robert J Cabral Amtrak Station

Average Duration

2h 12m

Estimated price

$274-275

Train from Stockton- Robert J Cabral Amtrak Station to Merced

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$393-394

San Jose to Merced: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Jose and Merced 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 drive from San Jose to Merced, spanning a distance of 121 miles. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 7 minutes, promising a leisurely road trip experience. 💰 Travel costs to reach Merced from San Jose by car can range between $21 to $35, offering budget-friendly options for different travelers. With affordable gas prices and the flexibility of a car, exploring this route is both convenient and economical.

Average price

$21 - $35

🚂 The train services from San Jose to Merced are operated by Altamont Corridor Express and Amtrak. The total travel time from San Jose to Merced by train is approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes. 🚂 Ticket prices for the train journey between San Jose and Merced range from $6 to $144, offering passengers an affordable and convenient transportation option for their trip.

Departure Point

San Jose Amtrak Station

Arrival Point

Merced station

🚌 Although there is no direct bus from San Jose to Merced, travelers can still make the journey with transfers along the way. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 3 hours and 36 minutes. 🚌 The bus services operated by Tufesa depart from Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose station, while The Bus services arrive at Transpo station in Merced. The route may include a transfer at San Luis Plaza during the journey. 🚌 Prices for a bus ticket between Merced and San Jose typically range from $27 to $39, offering an affordable and convenient transportation option for those traveling between these two cities in California.

Departure Point

Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose station

Arrival Point

Transpo station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Jose to Merced.

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The distance between San Jose and Merced is 125.5 km. The road distance is slightly longer at 194.2 km. Typically, it takes 4 hours and 24 minutes to reach Merced from San Jose by train, 2 hours and 7 minutes to reach San Jose from Merced by car, and 3 hours and 36 minutes to reach Merced from San Jose by bus.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from San Jose to Merced is by bus, which costs between $8 and $40 and takes approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. This is a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest option. It takes approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $21 and $35, making it a convenient choice for those who want to minimize travel time.

The prices for traveling from San Jose to Merced by train range from $16 to $88. The bus prices for the return journey from Merced to San Jose vary from $16 to $24.

To travel from San Jose to Merced without using public transportation, you can drive by car. The journey covers a distance of around 194.7 km and typically takes approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions. The cost of a one-way trip by car can range from $21 to $35, considering factors such as gas prices and tolls.

The best way to travel from San Jose to Merced without a car is by taking a bus. The journey typically takes around 3 hours and 36 minutes and the cost ranges from $16 to $24.

Yes, there is a link between San Jose and Merced but it is not a direct one. Travelers can take a train from San Jose Amtrak Station to Merced via Stockton, which takes approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes. Alternatively, there is a bus service available from Santa Clara/S 24th St - San Jose to Merced, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours and 36 minutes.

There are a variety of options for accommodations near Merced. With over 28 hotels to choose from, travelers have plenty of choices. Prices for hotels in Merced start at $49 per night, providing affordable options for budget-conscious travelers.