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Cheap train tickets from Merced to San Jose
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Merced to San Jose Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Merced to San Jose?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Merced to San Jose.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$18.00 | Avg. Price$29.00 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration2h 34m | Duration3h 34m |
Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Merced to San Jose. The train trip from Merced to San Jose is usually about 3 hours and 35 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 77 mi (124 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 30m |
| Lowest price | $29.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Merced to San Jose
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Merced to San Jose?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Merced and San Jose cost $29.00, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 11 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $2.19 more.
Monthly avg. prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during October. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Merced to San Jose, with the average price at just $31. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in May, when the average price goes up to $36. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Merced to San Jose. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 11 days before departure, you can save around $2.19. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Merced to San Jose?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Merced to San Jose. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 3h 35m | $30.36 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Merced to San Jose every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $29.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Merced to San Jose
While the train is the main method of transportation from Merced to San Jose, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
The distance between Merced and San Jose is approximately 77 miles, or 124 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 30 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.
Trains from Merced to San Jose are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Monday 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 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Merced twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Jose 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.
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
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 San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
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