5.0
Pros: The comfortability and hospitality here was amazing. Cons: N/A. Tips: This is the best deal to take when on a budget.
4.0
It was at a low cost. Trip was great other then traffic delaying our expected arrival time. Everything was great
Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Merced
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Jose to Merced?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Jose to Merced.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€37.46 | Avg. Price€29.86 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration8h 40m | Duration4h 51m |
Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from San Jose to Merced. The train trip from San Jose to Merced is usually about 4 hours and 58 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 77 mi (124 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 10m |
| Lowest price | €24.69 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Jose to Merced
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
4.7
What is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Merced?
Over the past month, a train ticket between San Jose and Merced cost €24.69, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 3 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around €6.99 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Ticket prices for the train from San Jose to Merced stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around €27 regardless of when you plan to travel.
Which train should you take from San Jose to Merced?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to Merced. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 4h 59m | €31.56 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from San Jose to Merced every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €25.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Jose to Merced
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose 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 San Jose and Merced is approximately 77 miles, or 124 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 10 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 San Jose to Merced 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 Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs San Jose at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. 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 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Merced to San Jose.
City Information
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
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 San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill 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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