Merced, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $42: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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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.
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Traveling From Merced to San Diego
Traveling from Merced to San Diego takes you from a serene, agricultural landscape to a vibrant coastal city, offering you a striking contrast between rural charm and urban excitement.
Best Neighborhoods in San Diego
San Diego offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its charm and attractions.
Gaslamp Quarter
• Historic district with vibrant nightlife
• Unique Victorian architecture throughout the area
La Jolla
• Stunning coastal views and beaches
• Upscale shopping and dining options
Little Italy
• Bustling Sunday farmers market
• Rich Italian heritage and cuisine
Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions
Experience San Diego’s best attractions at optimal times for a great visit.
Balboa Park
Visit early weekday mornings to enjoy fewer crowds and peaceful walks.
San Diego Zoo
Arrive right at opening or during mid-afternoon for shorter lines.
La Jolla Cove
Go early in the morning on weekdays for serene views and wildlife.
San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Diego enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, making it inviting year-round. While spring and fall feature comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor exploring, summer can draw larger crowds, so timing your visit can greatly enhance your travel experience.
Dining Recommendation
Try the fish tacos at a local favorite like Oscar’s Mexican Seafood, where the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and vibrant coastal atmosphere offer a delightful contrast to the heartier, agricultural-based dishes in Merced. The burst of flavors, combined with the laid-back beachfront setting, creates a memorable dining experience that highlights San Diego's unique culinary landscape.
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.
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The cheapest way to travel from Merced to San Diego is by bus. The fares for this route typically range from $45 to $80, depending on the service provider and time of travel. The bus journey takes approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes. However, it's important to note that prices and travel times may vary, so it's recommended to check with different bus companies for the best options available.
The fastest way to travel from Merced to San Diego is by taking a combination of train and flight. You can take a train from Merced to the nearest major airport in either San Francisco or Los Angeles, and then catch a flight to San Diego. The total travel time including transfers is approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes. The cost of this option ranges from $75 to $450, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
It is approximately 371 miles from Merced to San Diego. The road distance is slightly longer at 396 miles. The travel time by car is typically around 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route.
The best way to travel from Merced to San Diego without a car is by taking a bus. The most convenient route is to take a bus from Merced to Bakersfield, and then transfer to a bus from Bakersfield to San Diego. The total travel time is approximately 10 hours and 16 minutes. Be sure to check the bus schedules and book your tickets in advance for the most efficient and hassle-free journey.
The travel time from Merced to San Diego is about 5 hours and 5 minutes, including any necessary transfers. This travel time may vary depending on factors such as traffic and the specific route taken. It is advisable to check the schedule of your chosen transportation provider to ensure accurate timing for your trip.
There are plenty of options for accommodations in San Diego. There are 1163+ hotels available in the area, so you'll have a wide range to choose from. Prices for hotels in San Diego typically start at $53 per night, offering options for various budgets. It's recommended to book your stay in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
Yes, you can drive from Merced to San Diego. The driving distance is approximately 396 miles, which takes around 6 hours and 37 minutes without traffic. It is recommended to plan your route and check for any road closures or construction before starting your journey. Additionally, make sure to have a valid driver's license, insurance, and well-maintained vehicle for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Yes, there is no direct bus service available between Merced and San Diego. However, you can take a bus from Merced to San Diego with a transfer in Bakersfield. The journey typically takes around 10 hours and 16 minutes, including the transfer. The bus service is a convenient and affordable option for traveling between the two cities.
To catch the bus from Merced to San Diego you will need to go to the Merced Bus Stop station. This is the designated departure point for Greyhound USA bus services. Make sure to check the bus schedule and arrive at the station ahead of time to ensure a smooth journey. The address of the Merced Bus Stop station is recommended to be verified in advance for accurate directions.
The Merced to San Diego bus arrives at the San Diego Santa Fe Depot station. This station is located in downtown San Diego, making it convenient for travelers to explore the city's attractions. It is a major transportation hub with easy access to local buses and trains. The Santa Fe Depot is a historic landmark and offers various amenities for passengers.
To get from Merced Airport to San Diego, you can take a taxi or use a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft. The journey will take approximately 20 minutes and the cost will vary depending on the time and traffic conditions. Another option is to rent a car from one of the car rental agencies available at the airport and drive to San Diego, which takes about 5-6 hours depending on the route and traffic. Additionally, you can consider taking a flight from Merced Airport to San Diego International Airport, which offers multiple daily flights and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Southwest Airlines are the airlines that provide flights between Merced and San Diego. Both airlines operate flights from Fresno Airport to San Diego Airport. It is recommended to check their websites or contact their customer service for specific flight schedules and prices.
The fastest way to get from Merced to San Diego is by taking a flight. There are direct flights available from Fresno Airport to San Diego Airport, which take approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Inc. and Southwest Airlines operate these flights. It is recommended to check the airlines' websites for the most up-to-date flight schedules and prices.
The flight from Merced to San Diego usually takes around 1 hour and 12 minutes. This is the quickest option for traveling between the two cities. However, it's important to note that flight durations may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and airline schedules. It's always advisable to check with the airline you plan to fly with for the most accurate and up-to-date information on flight times.
The cost of a bus ticket from Merced to San Diego can range from $45 to $80, depending on the specific bus company and the travel date. Prices may vary depending on factors such as demand and availability. Generally, booking in advance or opting for off-peak travel times can help secure lower fares. It is recommended to check with different bus operators to compare prices and choose the most affordable option.
The cost of driving from Merced to San Diego can vary depending on factors such as the type of car, fuel efficiency, and current gas prices. On average, you can expect to spend between $70 and $110 for the round trip. It is important to consider additional expenses such as tolls, parking fees, and potential maintenance costs for your vehicle.
Trips from Merced
- Merced to Chowchilla
- Merced to Turlock
- Merced to Manteca
- Merced to Santa Cruz
- Merced to Atwater
- Merced to Modesto
- Merced to San Francisco
- Merced to San Jose
- Merced to Santa Clara
- Merced to Monterey
- Merced to Salinas
- Merced to Gilroy
- Merced to Stockton
- Merced to Los Angeles
- Merced to Visalia
- Merced to Oakland
- Merced to Madera
- Merced to Tracy
- Merced to Las Vegas
- Merced to Bakersfield
- Merced to Fresno
- Merced to Livingston
- Merced to Bowling Green
- Merced to Yosemite National Park
- Merced to Los Banos
- Merced to Mariposa
- Merced to Sacramento
- Merced to Reno
- Merced to Sierra Vista
- Merced to Lodi
- Merced to Redding
- Merced to San Luis Obispo
- Merced to Moraga
- Merced to Hayward
- Merced to Paso Robles
- Merced to Tulare
- Merced to Hanford
- Merced to Oakhurst
- Merced to Walnut Creek
- Merced to Watsonville
Trips to San Diego
- Seattle to San Diego
- Santa Monica to San Diego
- Los Angeles to San Diego
- Santa Barbara to San Diego
- Newport Beach to San Diego
- Irvine to San Diego
- Pasadena to San Diego
- Anaheim to San Diego
- San Francisco to San Diego
- Long Beach to San Diego
- San Jose to San Diego
- Las Vegas to San Diego
- Fullerton to San Diego
- Burbank to San Diego
- Phoenix to San Diego
- Riverside to San Diego
- Huntington Beach to San Diego
- Oxnard to San Diego
- Atlanta to San Diego
- Carlsbad to San Diego
- Minneapolis to San Diego
- Provo to San Diego
- Detroit to San Diego
- Santa Rosa to San Diego
- Miami to San Diego
- Tampa to San Diego
- Escondido to San Diego
- Tijuana to San Diego
- Oceanside to San Diego
- Temecula to San Diego
- San Clemente to San Diego
- Saint Louis to San Diego
- San Luis Obispo to San Diego
- Bakersfield to San Diego
- Santa Ana to San Diego
- Encinitas to San Diego
- Palm Desert to San Diego
- Yuma to San Diego
- Oklahoma City to San Diego
- Omaha to San Diego