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Cheap train tickets from Fresno to Merced

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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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 2 daily bus trips available from Fresno to Merced.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
DKK 183.26
Avg. Price
DKK 102.37
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
2
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
1h 0m
Duration
0h 58m

Trip Summary

You can pick from 6 daily train trips between Fresno and Merced. The average train journey from Fresno to Merced takes 58 minutes, but some Gold Runner train trips are as short as 57 minutes.

Distance55 mi (88 km)
Fastest train0h 57m
Lowest priceDKK 97.31
Trains per day6
Most frequent serviceGold Runner
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Fresno to Merced

(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Destiny

November 9, 2024- Visiting family

Gold Runner

Pros: I liked the speed and how the ride was good. Cons: Nothing, I loved it! Tips: Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

5.0

Paramjit

August 23, 2023- Visiting friends

Gold Runner

Pros: Everything good except it was an hour late. Cons: Should be on time. Tips: Best for traveling.

5.0

Dilawer

June 21, 2023- Business

Gold Runner

Pros: Good experience. Cons: Be on time. Tips: Must travel with Amtrak.

5.0

Bryan

July 10, 2020

Gold Runner

Cons: Perfection. Tips: Go.

3.0

Maximiano

July 8, 2019

Gold Runner

Pros: Friendly staff. Cons: Always enjoy the ride. But this time there was no food left for purchase. So many people, including myself, were really hungry. Regulate seating better. I couldn’t find anywhere to sit. I didn’t pay to stand, with all my luggage....while hungry. Tips: Bring your own food.

Price trends for trains from Fresno to Merced

Average train ticket prices from Fresno to Merced by travel date

DKK 195DKK 130DKK 65NovNov

Monthly avg. prices

DKK 162DKK 130DKK 97DKK 65DKK 32DJFMAMJJASON

Prices as travel date approaches

DKK 162DKK 130DKK 97DKK 65DKK 323020100

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 6 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Gold Runner60h 59mDKK 100.81
  • 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

The distance between Fresno and Merced is approximately 55 miles, or 88 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 58 minutes, 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.

Trains departing from Fresno to Merced tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Fresno at 6:00am 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.

There are 6 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.

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?

Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St  - FNOAMT-0

Image credit: Ron Reiring

Link to image attribution
Santa Fe Station - 2650 Tulare St  - FNOAMT-1

Image credit: Mattias Thorslund

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Merced by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Merced to Fresno?

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