Cheap train tickets from Berkeley to Merced
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Berkeley to Merced. Traveling by train from Berkeley to Merced usually takes 5 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 1 minute.
| Distance | 106 mi (170 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 1m |
| Lowest price | $37.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Berkeley to Merced Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Berkeley to Merced:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Berkeley to Merced?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Berkeley to Merced was $37.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.41 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Berkeley to Merced by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Berkeley to Merced will cost between $37 and $68. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Berkeley to Merced by month
Ticket prices for the train from Berkeley to Merced often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in June when the average ticket price is only $35. If you're thinking of traveling from Berkeley to Merced during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $39 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Berkeley to Merced on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $3.41 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Berkeley to Merced?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Berkeley to Merced. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 5h 40m | $38.26 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, 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 3 Amtrak trains from Berkeley to Merced every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $37.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Berkeley to Merced
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 Berkeley.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
0
The distance between Berkeley and Merced is approximately 106 miles, or 170 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 40 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 1 minute. 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)
106
Distance (km)
170
The earliest train departs Berkeley at 6:42am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:36pm. 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
6:42am
Last train
4:36pm
Trains from Berkeley to Merced are the most crowded on Friday. 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 traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Berkeley
Berkeley is located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay Area and is home to the popular University of California. It has an ethnically diverse community and numerous culinary and art attractions as a college city. Make the most of your trip with a visit to their unique museums, like the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, the Berkeley Art Museum, and the Pacific Film Archive.
The Lawrence Hall of Science offers a planetarium and hands-on exhibits for families. Berkeley is also home to gorgeous parks and green spaces, like the 2000-acre Tilden Regional Park and Adventure Playground. Berkeley is the center of entertainment in California, with the exciting nightlife attracting students and young professionals. Food is an important part of this city, as you can explore the ethnic restaurants and food trucks. Look out for shows held in the Greek Theatre, or explore their ever-growing craft beer scene. Downtown Berkeley is the entertainment district of this college city.
If you're visiting Berkeley, you can do so by train from 85 other cities or bus from 38 cities. The bus lines are provided by FlixBus, while Amtrak supplies most of the train routes. In the town, you can move around with public transit, with student-friendly prices.
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 Berkeley?
Main departure station: 700 University Ave under University Ave overpass W of 4th St
There is one train station in Berkeley.
All train stations in Berkeley:
- 700 University Ave under University Ave overpass W of 4th 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 Berkeley?
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