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Riverside, CA, USA to Merced, CA, USA from $29: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Riverside, United States of America
to
Merced, United States of America

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

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$29 - Train, BusBest price
468 kmDistance
2h 29m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Riverside 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.

Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
2h  29m
Estimated price
$176-194
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
9h  7m
Estimated price
$29-181
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 468 km
Duration: 2h 29m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
8h  21m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
8h  35m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
10h  12m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  28m
Estimated price
$41-116
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  25m
Estimated price
$55-1760
Company
various
Train
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
5h  18m
Estimated price
$111-412
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Traveling From Riverside to Merced

Embarking on the journey from Riverside to Merced offers you a fascinating contrast between Riverside’s bustling urban culture and Merced’s serene rural atmosphere.

Best Neighborhoods in Merced

Merced features a variety of neighborhoods, each with distinct characteristics.

Downtown Merced
• Bustling cultural scene with shops and eateries.
• Home to historic architecture and art galleries.
North Merced
• Family-friendly atmosphere with parks and schools.
• Access to modern amenities and shopping centers.
South Merced
• Offers a vibrant community feel and local events.
• Close proximity to natural attractions and hiking trails.

Best Times To Visit Merced's Attractions

Timing can enhance your experience at Merced's popular spots.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for wildlife activity and fewer crowds.
Applegate Park,
Visit during weekdays for a quieter atmosphere and better picnic spots.
The Merced Theatre
Catch a show on weeknights when audiences are smaller for a cozy vibe.

Merced Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Merced enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the ideal times to visit for pleasant temperatures. Weather conditions can greatly influence your travel plans, so packing layers for cooler evenings and staying hydrated during the heat is wise.

Dining in Merced: A Culinary Contrast

Try the locally famous tri-tip sandwich at the Classic Diner in Merced, where the flavors of the Central Valley truly shine through fresh, local ingredients. This laid-back eatery offers a cozy atmosphere that contrasts with Riverside's vibrant dining scene, allowing you to savor traditional flavors in a unique setting.

Riverside - Merced operators

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

Train
Website
https://metrolinktrains.com

Train from Riverside-Downtown station to L. A. Union Station station

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$1767-1768

Train from L. A. Union Station station to Newhall station

Average Duration
53m
Estimated price
$1943-1944
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Bakersfield to Merced

Average Duration
3h 1m
Estimated price
$1947-1948

Train from Riverside to Bakersfield

Average Duration
4h 20m
Estimated price
$0-0
Bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to Merced

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
$19455-1949

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
$1767-19400
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield Train Station

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$19452-290

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Merced Bus Stop

Average Duration
6h
Estimated price
$19430-19420
Plane
Website
advancedaircharters.com

Plane from Hawthorne Airport to Merced Airport

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$1763-1764
Website
united.com

Plane from Los Angeles to Fresno

Average Duration
1h 12m
Estimated price
$1765-1766

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

Traveling between Riverside 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 road trip from Riverside to Merced, covering a distance of 326 miles through the diverse landscapes of California. Enjoy the approximately 5-hour and 25-minute journey filled with captivating views along the way. 💰 The cost of traveling from Riverside to Merced by car ranges from $55 to $90, providing budget-friendly options for travelers. Explore the affordability and flexibility of a road trip as you make your way to the charming city of Merced.
Average price
$55 - $90
🛫 Starting your journey from Riverside you can catch a quick direct flight from Hawthorne Airport to Merced Airport. This flight will take approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes with Advanced Air, LLC.
Departure Point
Hawthorne Airport
Arrival Point
Merced Airport
🌉 The total travel time from Riverside to Merced by bus, including transfers, is approximately 8 hours and 35 minutes.
Departure Point
Riverside station
Arrival Point
Merced station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Riverside to Merced.

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The distance between Riverside and Merced is 291 miles by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a bus followed by a train would typically take 8 hours and 21 minutes. Driving by car would take approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes. Taking a bus directly would take around 8 hours and 54 minutes.
To travel from Riverside to Merced the most cost-effective option is taking a bus, which typically costs between $35 and $110. However, this option is not the most time-efficient, as it takes approximately 8 hours and 54 minutes. The quickest way to reach Merced is by driving, which usually takes around 5 hours and 25 minutes and costs between $55 and $90. Therefore, if time is a priority, driving would be the recommended choice, while taking the bus would be a budget-friendly alternative.
The bus prices from Riverside to Merced range from $36 to $104. The exact price will depend on factors such as the date, time, and type of ticket purchased. It is advisable to check with the bus service provider for the most accurate and up-to-date prices.
To get from Riverside to Merced without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 326 miles, and it takes about 5 hours and 25 minutes to drive. The cost of driving from Riverside to Merced can vary, with prices ranging from $55 to $90, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
To travel from Riverside to Merced without a car, the best option is to take a bus and a train. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 21 minutes. The cost of the trip may vary depending on the specific bus and train service chosen. It's recommended to check the schedules and fares of different transportation providers for the most accurate information.
There is no direct link between Riverside and Merced. However, there are bus services available with transfers that take approximately 8 hours and 54 minutes. The journey involves taking buses from Riverside to San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center, then transferring to other buses at Alameda / Los Angeles and Los Angeles Downtown before reaching Merced. The services are operated by Flixbus USA and Tufesa Mexico.
The flight between Riverside and Merced typically takes 1 hour and 24 minutes on a direct flight from Hawthorne Airport to Merced Airport. It is the quickest mode of transportation between the two cities. The cost of the flight varies depending on the airline and time of booking, but on average, it can range from $100 to $300 per person for a one-way ticket.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Merced. With over 28 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels start at $49 per night, allowing visitors to find affordable accommodations in the area. Whether you prefer luxury hotels or budget-friendly options, there are numerous places to stay near Merced to make your visit comfortable and convenient.

Trips from Riverside