Cheap bus tickets from Riverside to Merced
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Riverside to Merced Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Riverside to Merced?
There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Riverside to Merced.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$67.32 | Avg. Price$65.20 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration15h 51m | Duration7h 30m |
Bus from Riverside to Merced: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Riverside to Merced. Traveling by bus from Riverside to Merced usually takes around 16 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 16 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 289 mi (465 km) |
| Shortest duration | 16h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $56.46 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |

What bus companies travel from Riverside to Merced?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Riverside to Merced. FlixBus US is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 16h 47m | $102.93 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Riverside to Merced, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Riverside to Merced
The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 46 minutes to cover the 289 miles from Riverside to Merced. However, the fastest bus only takes 16 hours and 35 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
There is usually only one bus per day from Riverside to Merced. It leaves the station in Riverside at 12:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Riverside to Merced. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Riverside to Merced; ticket prices start at $62.00.
City Information
Riverside

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash

Image credit: Unsplash
Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and the birthplace of the local citrus industry. One of the most popular buildings in the city is the Mission Inn, a historic landmark that is also the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country. The building is now a popular local hotel and spa, offering top-notch hospitality services. While nearby, don't forget to check out the Mission Inn Museum as well. If you are looking to enjoy a great panoramic view of the entire city, take a short hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux, and you will not be disappointed!
Riverside boasts a generally vibrant food scene with plenty of establishments to choose from. The Mission Inn itself offers incredible traditional Spanish dishes and a fabulous open-air patio dining spot. For seasonal produce and local dishes, check out Salted Pig!
Riverside is served by Amtrak trains and several bus companies that operate routes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition, there are three major airports in Riverside's general area: Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John Wayne Orange County Airport.
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 does the bus leave from in Riverside?
Main departure station: UC Parking Lot 30 - 900 Martin Luther King BLVD
Most buses depart from the main station in Riverside.
All bus stations in Riverside:
UC Parking Lot 30 - 900 Martin Luther King BLVD
Where does the bus arrive in Merced?
Main arrival station: Viajes Express - 710 W 16th St
All buses from Riverside arrive at one main station in Merced.
All bus stations in Merced:
Viajes Express - 710 W 16th St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Merced to Riverside?
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- Bus Tickets
- United States
- California
- Merced
- Riverside to Merced






