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Cheap train tickets from Santa Cruz to Merced

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Santa Cruz to Merced Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Santa Cruz to Merced?

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Santa Cruz to Merced.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
CZK 545.32
Avg. Price
CZK 761.15
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
4h 26m
Duration
6h 21m

Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Santa Cruz to Merced. The train trip from Santa Cruz to Merced is usually about 6 hours and 23 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance88 mi (142 km)
Fastest train4h 55m
Lowest priceCZK 545.32
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Santa Cruz and Merced cost CZK 755.07, on average. This price makes taking the train a budget-friendly option to get to Merced. Booking your trip at least 1 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around CZK 68.17 more.

Monthly avg. prices

CZK 1,049CZK 839CZK 629CZK 419CZK 210JASONDJFMAMJ
Mark your calendar for March if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Santa Cruz to Merced. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of CZK 776. If you're planning a trip from Santa Cruz to Merced during May, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about CZK 902 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Which train should you take from Santa Cruz to Merced?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Cruz to Merced. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak26h 23mCZK 823.23

  • 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 Santa Cruz to Merced every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 545.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Cruz to Merced

While the train is the main method of transportation from Santa Cruz to Merced, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Santa Cruz and Merced is approximately 88 miles, or 142 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 55 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.

Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Santa Cruz to Merced. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday 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 Santa Cruz at 9:00am 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 Santa Cruz 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 Merced to Santa Cruz.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?

Main departure station: Santa Cruz, California

There is one train station in Santa Cruz.

All train stations in Santa Cruz:

  • Santa Cruz, California

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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Merced by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

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