Cheap train tickets from Merced to Portland
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Merced to Portland. Traveling by train from Merced to Portland usually takes 21 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 20 hours and 29 minutes.
| Distance | 579 mi (932 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 29m |
| Lowest price | $168.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Merced to Portland Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Merced to Portland?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Merced to Portland.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$199.89 | Avg. Price$153.62Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration21h 29m | Duration19h 35mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Merced to Portland:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Merced to Portland?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Merced to Portland was $173.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 3 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $62.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Merced to Portland by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Merced to Portland will cost between $112 and $212. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Merced to Portland by month
Ticket prices for the train from Merced to Portland often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $139. If you're thinking of traveling from Merced to Portland during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $193 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Merced to Portland on Wanderu at least 3 days ahead of time, you can save about $62.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Merced to Portland?
There are multiple trains that travel from Merced to Portland, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 21h 29m | $199.89 |
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 Portland every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $168.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Merced to Portland
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 Portland to Merced. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Merced to Portland for $84.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Merced and Portland is approximately 579 miles, or 932 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 29 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)
579
DISTANCE (KM)
932
The earliest train departs Merced at 5:11pm while the last train of the day leaves at 7:11pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
5:11pm
LATEST TRAIN
7:11pm
Trains from Merced to Portland are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
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.
Portland
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.
Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.
Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."
As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Portland?
Main arrival station: Union Station
Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.
All train stations in Portland:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Portland to Merced?
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