5.0
Pros: I love traveling by train. Cons: It's great. Tips: Follow instructions.
5.0
Pros: It was a breeze! Cons: .. Tips: No.
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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Merced to Hanford. Traveling by train from Merced to Hanford usually takes one hour and 36 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 82 mi (132 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 36m |
| Lowest price | $11.00 |
| Trains per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak San Joaquins |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Merced to Hanford
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Merced to Hanford?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Merced and Hanford cost $12.67, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $3.53 more.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Merced to Hanford will cost between $12 and $16. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Monthly avg. prices
The price of a train ticket from Merced to Hanford remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost $16 throughout the year.
Prices as travel date approaches
Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to Hanford at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.
Which train should you take from Merced to Hanford?
2 train services operate from Merced to Hanford. 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 | 1 | 2h 10m | $14.00 |
| Amtrak San Joaquins | 6 | 1h 36m | $14.43 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Merced to Hanford every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $14.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Merced to Hanford. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Merced and Hanford is approximately 82 miles, or 132 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 36 minutes, As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Trains from Merced to Hanford 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Merced at 8:00am 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 Merced to Hanford.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Hanford to Merced.
City Information
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.
Hanford
Image credit: Unsplash
Hanford is a little town in San Joaquin Valley, but, despite its size, is the cultural and commercial center of the south-central area. It's a fantastic location for history buffs and families, with museums like the Carnegie Museum of Kings County, Taoist Temple Museum, and Children's Storybook Garden & Museum. Hanford also features many green spaces and parks for picnics, sports, and even a duck pond, like Hidden Valley Park, Civic Center Park, and Centennial Park. The Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is a popular family-friendly destination in Hanford.
The city has vibrant nightlife in the China Alley Historic District and Main Street, where you can participate in live events like concerts and outdoor dancing or check out shops and restaurants. Main Street has the Thursday Night Market Place to look forward to every Thursday. You can also look out for regular festivals in Hanford like job fairs, cultural and arts festivals, and parades.
Hanford is also easy to get to from other cities, as you can get over 100 train routes by Amtrak and Amtrak San Joaquin or by bus from Amtrak Thruway. The city has public transportation provided by Kings Area Rapid Transit.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Merced?
Main departure station: 324 W 24th St
There is one train station in Merced.
All train stations in Merced:
324 W 24th St
Where is the train station in Hanford?
Main arrival station: 200 Santa Fe Ave
Hanford has one train station.
All train stations in Hanford:
200 Santa Fe Ave
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