How much is the train ticket from San Jose to Merced?

The cheapest train tickets from San Jose to Merced start from $49. The average price for this train route is around $49. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from San Jose to Merced?

The average train ride duration from San Jose to Merced is 5h 47m, covering a distance of 79 miles (127 km). The quickest train can get you there in 5h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the San Jose to Merced route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Jose to Merced?

The earliest train departs from San Jose to Merced at 6:18am. And the latest train departs at 2:55pm.

Train San Jose to Merced from $38 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Jose to Merced on December 9
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:35pm	Diridon Station	5h 2m	8:37pm	Merced Amtrak	CheapestFastest
6:18am	Diridon Station	6h 55m	1:13pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags
2:50pm	Diridon Station	5h 47m	8:37pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Merced on December 11
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:35pm	Diridon Station	5h 2m	8:37pm	Merced Amtrak	CheapestFastest
6:18am	Diridon Station	6h 55m	1:13pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags
2:50pm	Diridon Station	5h 47m	8:37pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Merced on December 12
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
3:35pm	Diridon Station	5h 2m	8:37pm	Merced Amtrak	CheapestFastest
6:18am	Diridon Station	6h 55m	1:13pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags
2:50pm	Diridon Station	5h 47m	8:37pm	Merced Amtrak	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Thursday at 8:12 PM 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 the good way to reach Merced. The journey takes about 4 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just $30, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day

4h 35mAverage Duration

78 milesDistance

3kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$30 - $30	Average Duration4h 35m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$49 - $57	Average Duration5h 47m	CO₂ emissions 11kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,629 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5629 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $41

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

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

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from San Jose to Merced?
The cheapest train tickets from San Jose to Merced start from $49. The average price for this train route is around $49. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from San Jose to Merced?
The average train ride duration from San Jose to Merced is 5h 47m, covering a distance of 79 miles (127 km). The quickest train can get you there in 5h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the San Jose to Merced route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 2 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Jose to Merced?
The earliest train departs from San Jose to Merced at 6:18am. And the latest train departs at 2:55pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

12/05

$38

12/06

No data

Today

No data

12/08

$38

12/09

$38

12/10

$38

12/11

$38

12/12

$38

The cheapest trip from San Jose, US to Merced was searched and found on Dec 5, 2025 with a price of $38

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 $38 to $46 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 $38 which is on 2025-12-08.