Cheap train tickets from Merced to Grand Junction
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Merced to Grand Junction Train Schedule
Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Merced and Grand Junction. The average train journey from Merced to Grand Junction takes 25 hours and 48 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 659 mi (1060 km) |
| Fastest train | 25h 48m |
| Lowest price | $165.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Merced to Grand Junction?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Merced to Grand Junction. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 1h 48m | $165.00 |
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 Grand Junction every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $165.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Merced to Grand Junction
The distance between Merced and Grand Junction is approximately 659 miles, or 1060 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 48 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 departing from Merced to Grand Junction tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Merced at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. 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 Grand Junction 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.
Grand Junction
Image credit: Unsplash
Grand Junction is a popular wine destination about four hours west of Denver and close to Colorado's border with Utah. The area is home to over 30 wineries with award-winning red wines and breathtaking views. While any vineyard or winery is worth the tour, consider booking a room to stay a while in the Chateau at Two Rivers Winery.
The Colorado River and the red rock formations around Grand Junction make the area ideal for exploring the outdoors. Take in the incredible plateau and canyon vistas at the Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction, easily one of the best destinations in Colorado. Spot wild horses on the trail to the Mount Garfield summit, or spend a serene day fishing at James M. Robb State Park.
Grand Junction Airport has direct flights to a handful of western cities, but taking the train is more convenient for connections to further destinations. The Amtrak California Zephyr stops in Grand Junction on its route from Chicago to Emeryville, with additional stops in Denver and Salt Lake City. Jefferson Lines buses also stop in the city, heading to destinations across the midwest.
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 Grand Junction?
Main arrival station: 339 S 1st St
Grand Junction has one train station.
All train stations in Grand Junction:
339 S 1st St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Grand Junction to Merced?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.