Cheap train tickets from Stockton to Merced

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Trip Summary

There are usually 12 daily train trips available from Stockton to Merced. Travelling by train from Stockton to Merced usually takes 1 hour and 32 minutes, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in 1 hour and 4 minutes.

Distance
63 mi (102 km)
Fastest train
1h 4m
Lowest price
$22.32
Trains per day
12
Most frequent service
Gold Runner
Train lines
2

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Stockton to Merced Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Stockton to Merced?

There is usually 1 daily bus trip available from Stockton to Merced.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$27.74CheaperAvg. Price$35.95
Daily Trips12Daily Trips1
Duration1h 32mDuration1h 28mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Stockton to Merced?

In the last month, train tickets from Stockton to Merced cost about $25 when booked at the cheapest time. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $7.32 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Stockton to Merced by travel date

$45$30$15NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Stockton to Merced will cost between $28 and $35. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Stockton to Merced by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from Stockton to Merced usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $28 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$1001020

The price of train trips from Stockton to Merced doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Stockton to Merced?

2 train services operate from Stockton to Merced. Gold Runner usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak52h 5m$34.99
Gold Runner71h 8m$22.36
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned washroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 5 Amtrak trains from Stockton to Merced every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $34.88.

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  • After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the Gold Runner has offered train services throughout California and the San Joaquin Valley. The line runs daily from the San Francisco Bay Area to Bakersfield, with many stops in between, including Martinez and Modesto. Although Amtrak Gold Runner is one of the nation's busiest routes, it is renowned for being impeccably clean and safe, with passenger comfort remaining the carrier's highest priority. Most of the trains on this line are equipped with lavatories, onboard WiFi, disabled access, and personal power outlets, ensuring a comfortable journey for every passenger.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Stockton to Merced

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Stockton to Merced. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

There are 12 scheduled trains on most days. Of these, 7 are direct connections to Merced. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Merced to Stockton. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Stockton to Merced for $24.

Trains per day

12

Direct trains

7

The distance between Stockton and Merced is approximately 102 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour and 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour and 4 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Distance (mi)

63

Distance (km)

102

The earliest train departs Stockton at 8:03 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 7:33 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

8:03am

Last train

7:33pm

Trains from Stockton to Merced are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Stockton

Stockton, California, is a diverse, creative, and culturally rich city. It's also in the perfect place for various Cali weekend trips, with Sacramento, San Francisco, and Yosemite National Park all within reach. Stockton is an excellent place to post up while touring Northern California.

And of course, there's plenty to do in the city itself. The Bob Hope Theatre, sometimes known as “The Fox” by locals, is a popular entertainment venue and a beautifully preserved piece of Stockton's history. The recent refurbishment has produced a magnificent place for local arts productions, film, dance, comedy, and Broadway-style entertainment, as well as the newest in top-name musical entertainment.

Amtrak has multiple routes to Stockton from Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. Jefferson Lines provides the most bus service to the city, and buses go from Stockton to cities across the nation, including Phoenix, Huntington Park, and even Ontario. The city has its own airport, Stockton Airport (SCK), although some travellers also use the airport in Sacramento for more flight options.

Merced

Merced is a beautiful city in the Central Valley of California. Nicknamed the Gateway to Yosemite, it’s no shock to learn Merced is only about an hour and a half drive from Yosemite National Park. But if you’d prefer to stay in town, Merced has an abundance of gorgeous parks, winding bike routes, golf courses, hiking, boating, fishing, camping – the list goes on.

For indoor fun, check out the Merced Multicultural Art Centre for art viewing and classes. Or, if you’re on the hunt for a bargain or home decor, visit the Merced Antique Mall with 7500 square feet of antiques and curios. Once you’ve worked up an appetite perusing, head to the Hilmar Cheese Company to tour the factory, watch the packaging process, and, the best part, eat all the free samples. To make it a full charcuterie meal, visit the Merced Fruit Barn. As a sort of farmer’s market, the Fruit Barn has arguably the best fresh and dried fruit in the state and a deli on-site for any and all sandwich needs.

The nearest major airport is Merced Regional Airport. Amtrak has routes through the city to Seattle, Yosemite Valley, and San Francisco, and Greyhound connects LA to Merced.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Stockton?

Main departure station: Cabral Station - 949 E Channel St

There are two stations in Stockton where you can board the train to Merced.

All train stations in Stockton:

  • Cabral Station - 949 E Channel St
  • 735 S San Joaquin St

Where is the train station in Merced?

Main arrival station: 324 W 24th St

Merced has one train station.

All train stations in Merced:

  • 324 W 24th St

Need a return trip from Merced to Stockton?

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