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Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from Merced to Yosemite Valley. The train trip from Merced to Yosemite Valley is usually about 7 hours and 36 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 58 mi (93 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 19m |
| Lowest price | $21.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Merced to Yosemite Valley?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Merced to Yosemite Valley. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 7h 37m | $39.23 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Merced to Yosemite Valley every day, as well as 15 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $21.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Merced and Yosemite Valley is approximately 58 miles, or 93 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 19 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Merced to Yosemite Valley. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Merced at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Yosemite Valley 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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Merced?
Main departure station: Amtrak Station - 840 Second St
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 12 stops and stations in Merced where you can board the train.
All train stations in Merced:
Amtrak Station - 840 Second St
3800 Santa Fe Ave
18770 Rd 26
1700 Held Dr
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Glendale Transp Ctr - 400 W Cerritos Ave
Pasadena Hilton Hotel - 168 S Los Robles Ave
601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave
Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr
Where is the train station in Yosemite Valley?
Main arrival station: Yosemite Valley Visitors Center
There are more train stations and stops in Yosemite Valley than most cities. Most trains from Merced will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Yosemite Valley:
All train stations in Yosemite Valley:
Yosemite Valley Visitors Center
9010 Curry Village Drive
Camp 4
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