Cheap train tickets from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA. Traveling by train from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA usually takes 3 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in 2 hours and 31 minutes.
| Distance | 111 mi (179 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 31m |
| Lowest price | $29.00 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Gold Runner |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Richmond, CA to Merced, CA Train Schedule

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Average score for trains from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
There are several train options that can take you from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA was $29.00. 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 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $6.14 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA will cost between $31 and $38. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA by month
Ticket prices for the train from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $29. If you're thinking of traveling from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $33 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 Richmond, CA to Merced, CA on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $6.14 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA?
2 train services operate from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA. Gold Runner usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 5h 31m | $35.07 |
| Gold Runner | 5 | 2h 37m | $29.09 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $35.










After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the Gold Runner has offered train services throughout California and the San Joaquin Valley. The line runs daily from the San Francisco Bay Area to Bakersfield, with many stops in between, including Martinez and Modesto. Although Amtrak Gold Runner is one of the nation's busiest routes, it is renowned for being impeccably clean and safe, with passenger comfort remaining the carrier's highest priority. Most of the trains on this line are equipped with lavatories, onboard WiFi, disabled access, and personal power outlets, ensuring a comfortable journey for every passenger.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA
The distance between Richmond, CA and Merced, CA is approximately 111 miles, or 179 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 42 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 31 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
Distance (mi)
111
Distance (km)
179
The earliest train departs Richmond, CA at 6:50am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:06pm. 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
6:50am
Last train
6:06pm
Trains from Richmond, CA to Merced, CA are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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
Wednesday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Richmond, CA

Richmond is a city in the South Francisco Bay Area, popular for its rich naval history, specifically its role in the World War 2 home front. During this time, thousands of workers moved to the city to support wartime industries. Richmond features different waterfront neighborhoods and houses facing the river with miles of waterfront areas. Richmond offers its residents scenic parks, shorelines, and outdoor spaces, including Tilden Regional Park, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, and Regional Parks Botanic Garden. The city also has some unique places to check out, like the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, which combines a park with a rail museum, and the Redwood Valley Railway.
In Richmond, there are exciting things to do, like zipline adventures in Sonoma and Brazen Racing. The city boasts a fast-growing craft beer scene, with popular names like Fieldwork Brewing and East Brother Beer Company. You can time your visit to participate in the Richmond Main Street Initiative, beer and food, and art festivals. For shopping and restaurants, check out Downtown Richmond.
Richmond is easily accessible from 137 other cities by train, with most trains provided by Amtrak Capitol Corridor. If you prefer to travel by bus, you can follow the routes provided by FlixBus US US from tens of other cities. Within Richmond, there are dedicated public transit routes through BART and Amtrak.
Merced, CA
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 Richmond, CA?
Main departure station: BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave
There is one train station in Richmond, CA.
All train stations in Richmond, CA:
- BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave
Where is the train station in Merced, CA?
Main arrival station: 324 W 24th St
Merced, CA has one train station.
All train stations in Merced, CA:
- 324 W 24th St
Need a return trip from Merced, CA to Richmond, CA?
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