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Sacramento to Merced train

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Sacramento - Merced Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 14 daily train trips available from Sacramento to Merced. Traveling by train from Sacramento to Merced usually takes 3 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak San Joaquins train can make the trip in 2 hours and 9 minutes.

Distance104 mi (168 km)
Fastest train2h 9m
Lowest price$16.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Sacramento to Merced

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Marcus

March 11, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak San Joaquins

Pros: Hey what more can I ask for 🙏. Cons: Food selection :/. Tips: You can’t sit in the dining cart.

5.0

Carol

July 1, 2021- Business

Amtrak

Pros: I loved watching scenery,. Tips: Get yourself a seat that will give you the largest field of vision.

4.0

Lois

June 5, 2019- Visiting friends

Amtrak San Joaquins

Pros: On time departure, on time arrival. Inexpensive compared to someone coming for me and returning home. I was sorry to ride backwards. ha ha. But I didn't know which way the train was going to pull out of the Sacramento station... should have checked on it before i chose my seat. Cons: ah well, we like all the amenities, so I don't think that for the price more could be offered. OH that the USA had better public transport all over so that we could get to the trains without a car... But, for now that's life in California anyway.

What is the price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Merced?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to Merced was $17.00. 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 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $12.02 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10ONDJFMAMJJAS
Ticket prices for the train from Sacramento to Merced stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $20 regardless of when you plan to travel.

Which train should you take from Sacramento to Merced?

2 train services operate from Sacramento to Merced. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 13 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak133h 24m$28.63
Amtrak San Joaquins12h 9m$21.28

  • 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 13 Amtrak trains from Sacramento to Merced every day, as well as 16 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $16.

  • After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the San Joaquins 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 San Joaquins 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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Sacramento to Merced. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Sacramento and Merced is approximately 104 miles, or 168 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 9 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.

Trains from Sacramento to Merced are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Sacramento at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 14 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Sacramento to Merced. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Merced to Sacramento.

City Information

Sacramento

As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.

Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.

The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.

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 Sacramento?

Valley Station - 401 I St - SACAMT-0

Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon

Link to image attribution
Valley Station - 401 I St - SACAMT-1

Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Valley Station - 401 I St

Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.

All train stations in Sacramento:

  • Valley Station - 401 I St

Where is the train station in Merced?

Main arrival station: 324 W 24th St

Merced has one train station.

All train stations in Merced:

  • 324 W 24th St

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