Cheap train tickets from Merced to San Jose
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Merced to San Jose. Traveling by train from Merced to San Jose usually takes 3 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Distance
- 77 mi (124 km)
- Fastest train
- 3h 30m
- Lowest price
- $29.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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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.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$31.43 | Avg. Price$18.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration3h 47m | Duration2h 35mFaster |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Merced to San Jose (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Merced to San Jose:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Merced to San Jose?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Merced to San Jose was $29. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 5 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $20.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Merced to San Jose by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Merced to San Jose will cost between $29 and $59. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Merced to San Jose by month
Ticket prices for the train from Merced to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $29. If you're thinking of traveling from Merced to San Jose during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $40 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 San Jose on Wanderu at least 5 days ahead of time, you can save about $20.25 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
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 47m | $31.43 |
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 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
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Merced to San Jose. 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.
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Merced to San Jose for $18.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Merced and San Jose is approximately 77 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 47 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.
Distance (mi)
77
Distance (km)
124
The earliest train departs Merced at 8:05 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 2:05 PM. 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
8:05am
Last train
2:05pm
Trains from Merced to San Jose 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Monday
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



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?
Main 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
Need a return trip from San Jose to Merced?
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