How much does a cheap train ticket from San Jose to Merced cost?

The average train ticket price from San Jose to Merced is $71. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Jose to Merced is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from San Jose to Merced?

A train trip between San Jose and Merced is around 5h 40m, although the fastest train will take about 5h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 125 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between San Jose and Merced?

The number of trains from San Jose to Merced can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from San Jose to Merced by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Jose to Merced?

When taking the train from San Jose to Merced, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train San Jose to Merced from $55 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Jose to Merced on November 17
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:35pm	Diridon Station	5h	8:35pm	Merced Amtrak	CheapestFastest
6:18am	Diridon Station	6h 17m	12:35pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags
2:55pm	Diridon Station	5h 40m	8:35pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Merced on November 18
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:35pm	Diridon Station	5h	8:35pm	Merced Amtrak	CheapestFastest
6:18am	Diridon Station	6h 17m	12:35pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags
2:55pm	Diridon Station	5h 40m	8:35pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Merced on November 19
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:35pm	Diridon Station	5h	8:35pm	Merced Amtrak	CheapestFastest
6:18am	Diridon Station	6h 17m	12:35pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags
2:55pm	Diridon Station	5h 40m	8:35pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Merced on November 20
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:35pm	Diridon Station	5h	8:35pm	Merced Amtrak	CheapestFastest
6:18am	Diridon Station	6h 17m	12:35pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags
2:55pm	Diridon Station	5h 40m	8:35pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 2:23 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Jose to Merced

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Merced. The journey takes about 4 hours 35 minutes, and with fares starting at just $42, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

4h 35mAverage Duration

126 kmDistance

3kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$42 - $42	Average Duration4h 35m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$68 - $71	Average Duration5h 40m	CO₂ emissions 11kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,585 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5585 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $57

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Jose, US to Merced by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from San Jose to Merced cost?
The average train ticket price from San Jose to Merced is $71. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Jose to Merced is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from San Jose to Merced?
A train trip between San Jose and Merced is around 5h 40m, although the fastest train will take about 5h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 125 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between San Jose and Merced?
The number of trains from San Jose to Merced can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from San Jose to Merced by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Jose to Merced?
When taking the train from San Jose to Merced, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11-13

$55

11-14

$55

Today

No data

11-16

No data

11-17

$55

11-18

$55

11-19

$55

11-20

$55

The cheapest trip from San Jose, US to Merced was searched and found on Nov 13, 2025 with a price of $55

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Jose, US to Merced, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $55 to $67 for a train ticket from San Jose, US to Merced based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $55 which is on 2025-11-17.