Cheap train tickets from Portland to Merced

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Portland to Merced. Travelling by train from Portland to Merced usually takes 21 hours and 31 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 20 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance
579 mi (932 km)
Fastest train
20h 51m
Lowest price
$209.28
Trains per day
3
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Portland 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 Portland to Merced?

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

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$223.85Avg. Price$193.93Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips1
Duration21h 31mFasterDuration34h 40m
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What is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Merced?

In the last month, train tickets from Portland to Merced cost about $214 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $27.44 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Merced by travel date

$210$140$70NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to Merced will cost between $152 and $200. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Portland to Merced by month

$275$220$165$110$55JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Merced often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $187. If you're thinking of travelling from Portland to Merced during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $264 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$250$200$150$100$50

By booking your train trip from Portland to Merced on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about $27.44 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Portland to Merced?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Portland to Merced. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak321h 31m$223.85

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Portland to Merced

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Portland 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Merced to Portland. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Portland to Merced for $153.

Trains per day

3

Direct trains

0

The distance between Portland and Merced is approximately 932 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 31 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 51 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

579

Distance (km)

932

The earliest train departs Portland at 2:22 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 2:22 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

2:22pm

Last train

2:22pm

Trains from Portland to Merced are the most crowded on Monday. 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

Monday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Portland

Portland, OR - PDX-0Portland, OR - PDX-1Portland, OR - PDX-2

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.

Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.

Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to “keep Portland weird.”

As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.

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 Portland?

Main departure station: Union Station

Union Station - 800 NW 6th Ave - PDXAMT-0

Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.

All train stations in Portland:

  • Union Station

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 Portland?

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