Cheap train tickets from Merced to Irvine
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Merced to Irvine. Traveling by train from Merced to Irvine usually takes 7 hours and 41 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 13 minutes.
| Distance | 292 mi (470 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 13m |
| Lowest price | $58.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Merced to Irvine Train Schedule
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Merced to Irvine (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Merced to Irvine:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Merced to Irvine?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Merced to Irvine was $58.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $13.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Merced to Irvine by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Merced to Irvine is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $68 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Merced to Irvine by month
Ticket prices for the train from Merced to Irvine often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $63. If you're thinking of traveling from Merced to Irvine during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $74 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 Merced to Irvine on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time, you can save about $13.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Merced to Irvine?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Merced to Irvine. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 7h 41m | $68.40 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Merced to Irvine every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $58.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Merced to Irvine
The distance between Merced and Irvine is approximately 292 miles, or 470 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 13 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.
Distance (mi)
292
Distance (km)
470
The earliest train departs Merced at 9:23am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:47pm. 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
9:23am
Last train
8:47pm
Trains from Merced to Irvine are the most crowded on Sunday. 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
Sunday
Least crowded
Sunday
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.
Irvine
Though Irvine is probably most famous for its corporations and university campuses, the city is well worth the trip for its variety of attractions and activities. Start with a date night at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which boasts an intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. You could also check out the UCI Arboretum, where you can learn more about the unique flora of the coastal California region. The Beall Center for Art + Technology features interesting exhibitions that fuse modern art with futuristic technologies.
When you've worked up an appetite, you can find a wide variety of dining options available in the city. For some of the best Japanese dishes in town, check out Fukuda, which serves udon and soba dishes. If you are craving a good chicken parm, North Italia has just what you need!
It's easy to get to Irvine from anywhere in Southern California via intercity buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
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 Irvine?
Main arrival station: Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine Station – also known as Irvine Transportation Center – is the busiest station in South Orange County, serving over a million passengers annually. It first opened in 1990 on the south side of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in the Spectrum district. The station serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink (Southern California's commuter rail system), and various local transit bus lines part of the Orange County Transportation Authority's network. In the vicinity of the station, there are hotels, offices, and shops. Irvine Station is also close to the Irvine Spectrum Center, one of SoCal's most popular entertainment and shopping destinations.
All train stations in Irvine:
- Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Need a return trip from Irvine to Merced?
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