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There are 6 daily trains from Merced to Bakersfield. Traveling by train from Merced to Bakersfield usually takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak San Joaquins train can make the trip in 3 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 156 mi (251 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 12m |
| Lowest price | $23.50 |
| Trains per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak San Joaquins |
| Train lines | 2 |
Overall score for trains from Merced to Bakersfield
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: The APP is convenient and so. Tips: APP is convenient and easy to use. I will continue to use and look forward to my next trip. Will refer family and friends to this app.
Pros: The APP is convenient and so. Tips: APP is convenient and easy to use. I will continue to use and look forward to my next trip. Will refer family and friends to this app.
In the last month, $23.50 was the average price of a train ticket from Merced to Bakersfield. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 12 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $5.75 more than that for a same-day booking.
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Merced to Bakersfield will vary between $24 and $35. Planning a train trip to Bakersfield within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Merced over the next 7 days is $24. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Since the average price of train trips from Merced to Bakersfield remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.
2 train services operate from Merced to Bakersfield. Amtrak San Joaquins usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 5h 56m | $41.82 |
| Amtrak San Joaquins | 6 | 3h 13m | $25.36 |
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 Merced to Bakersfield every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $39.
After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the San Joaquins 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 San Joaquins 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.
Is it safe to travel by train from Merced to Bakersfield during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Merced to Bakersfield?
How long is the train journey from Merced to Bakersfield?
The distance between Merced and Bakersfield is approximately 156 miles, or 251 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 12 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.
When are trains the most crowded?
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Merced to Bakersfield. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Merced at 5:00am 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.
Is there a direct train from Merced to Bakersfield?
There are 6 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Merced to Bakersfield.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Bakersfield to Merced.
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 7 stops and stations in Merced where you can board the train.
324 W 24th St
Park & Ride - 4974 Joe Howard St
Hwy 140 and 7th St
6979 Hwy 140
Yosemite Valley Visitors Center
9010 Curry Village Drive
Camp 4
Bakersfield has one train station.
601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
$71+
$19+
$15+
$57+
$88+
$39+
$25+
$29+
$77+
$39+
$167+
$44+
$52+
$72+
$33+
$148+
$107+
$124+
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