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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Merced and Fort Lauderdale. The average train journey from Merced to Fort Lauderdale takes 99 hours and 45 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 99 hours and 32 minutes.
| Distance | 2474 mi (3981 km) |
| Fastest train | 99h 32m |
| Lowest price | $385.50 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Merced to Fort Lauderdale?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Merced to Fort Lauderdale. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 4d 3h 45m | $412.00 |
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 Fort Lauderdale every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $386.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Merced and Fort Lauderdale is approximately 2474 miles, or 3981 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 99 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 99 hours and 32 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Merced to Fort Lauderdale. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Merced at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.
Fort Lauderdale
Nicknamed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale offers vast stretches of white sand beaches at affordable prices, allowing the average traveler to enjoy fun under the sun with ease. Fort Lauderdale Beach is the premier destination for beach-goers and nature lovers, and it is noticeably less chaotic than its counterpart at Miami Beach, making it a perfect spot for a quiet and leisurely getaway. Another alternative is the nearby Las Olas Beach, which features clean and refreshing water. Nature lovers can also take an airboat tour to the famous Everglades and get up close to the alligators.
For shopping fans, Sawgrass Mills, a famous shopping outlet with 250 stores, will be a top choice. Don’t forget to take the time for a stroll around the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District and enjoy the setting sun as the day comes to a close.
The Fort Lauderdale Amtrak station is the main train station in the city, offering quick access to other cities in the state of Florida. In the center of town, not too far from the train station, you can find the Greyhound station which is the busiest bus travel hub in Fort Lauderdale. The principal airport in the area is the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport which, as its name suggests, is located right in between the two neighboring cities. However, it's also easy to get from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport for more flight options.
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 Fort Lauderdale?
Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Phillip Pessar
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter
The Tri-Rail Station in Fort Lauderdale serves local Tri-Rail trains that travel throughout Florida and Amtrak trains to connect with the United States’ largest passenger rail system. Amtrak Silver Service trains stop in Fort Lauderdale along its New York to Miami route. The station features ample parking, indoor seating and restrooms, and two platforms with Mediterranean-style tiled roofs. Located adjacent to Interstate 95, it is easy to connect by highway to your final destination or head a few miles East into downtown Fort Lauderdale.
All train stations in Fort Lauderdale:
Tri-Rail Station - 200 SW 21 Ter
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