Cheap train tickets from Fresno to Merced
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Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Fresno to Merced. Traveling by train from Fresno to Merced usually takes one hour, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in 57 minutes.
- Distance
- 55 mi (88 km)
- Fastest train
- 57m
- Lowest price
- $15.00
- Trains per day
- 7
- Most frequent service
- Gold Runner
- Train lines
- 1
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Fresno to Merced Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Fresno to Merced?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Fresno to Merced.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$15.21Cheaper | Avg. Price$21.97 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration1h | Duration59mFaster |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Fresno to Merced (Based on 10 ratings and reviews)
5.0
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3.0
There are several train options that can take you from Fresno to Merced:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Fresno to Merced?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Fresno to Merced was $15.00. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $0.51 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Fresno to Merced by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Fresno to Merced is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $15 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Fresno to Merced by month
Taking the train from Fresno 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 $15 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Fresno 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 Fresno to Merced?
Gold Runner is the one and only train line which connects Fresno to Merced. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Runner | 7 | 1h | $15.21 |
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 traveling by train from Fresno to Merced
There are 7 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Fresno to Merced. You can also take a train for your return trip from Merced to Fresno. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Fresno to Merced for $15.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
7
The distance between Fresno and Merced is approximately 55 miles, or 88 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 57 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Merced.
Distance (mi)
55
Distance (km)
88
The earliest train departs Fresno at 6:58am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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
6:58am
Last train
8:00pm
Trains from Fresno to Merced are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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
Tuesday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Fresno



Situated close to the center of California, Fresno’s location makes it the perfect hub for travelers who wish to explore the state, but it also has enough attractions on its own to keep visitors interested. One of the city’s most unique destinations is the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Built by a Sicilian immigrant, the gardens stay below the ground level so that citrus trees could grow, making it a unique sight that will capture the heart of nature lovers. Fresno has recently gone through a lot of changes in the field of agriculture, and the city’s love for homegrown produce is now one of its attractions. As you explore the city, don’t hesitate to make a slight detour to Riverdance Farm, a local organic farm where you can pick ripened blueberries and cherries to your heart’s content. For fans of cultural activities, the Fresno Art Museum offers unique artworks created mostly by local artists.
Fresno restaurants are famous for their fresh homegrown produce, and Sam’s Italian Deli & Market is where you can try local staples. If you want to cook yourself, Fresno Farmers’ Market will be a great choice.
Fresno’s main bus and train station is the Santa Fe Passenger Depot located at 2650 Tulare St. From there, you can take buses from various carriers or hop on a train on Amtrak’s Gold Runner line. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the city’s main airport and it is located not too far from the city center.
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 Fresno?
Main departure station: Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St


The Santa Fe Station is a historic train station and transportation hub in Fresno. The station opened in 1899 and was originally owned by the Santa Fe Railway, hence the misleading “Santa Fe” name for a station in Fresno. Passengers can board the Amtrak Gold Runner train to Oakland, Sacramento, or Bakersfield from this station, and bus service from Amtrak Thruway and Jefferson Lines also stops at this location. The Santa Fe station is just steps away from Fresno’s City Hall, the Meux Home Museum, and the Fresno Convention Center, making this station a convenient entry point to Fresno.
All train stations in Fresno:
- Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare 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 Fresno?
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