Merced, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Fri 05 Dec
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times and prices for 06 Dec

Cheapest price

£71

Average price

£71

Fastest journey

9 h 5 m

Average duration

9 h 5 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

593 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around £71 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £71.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Merced, CA for San Diego, CA every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 593 km distance in an average of 9 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 5 m .

The slowest trains will take 9 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
17:459h05
Merced, CA
02:50San Diego, CA
£711One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Merced, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £37, and a train costs an average of £68.

Distance: 593 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£69

Average Price

£49

Average Price

Cheapest

8h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

8h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 29m

Average total duration

8h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Infobus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Merced, CA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 05:43
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak17:45 Merced, CA
9h05
02:50 San Diego, CA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Merced, CA to San Diego, CA by coach or train

Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £68 but you can travel from only £37 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 593 km distance in 9h 5m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £37
Distance
593 km
Average train duration
8h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
£68
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
9h 5m
First train
03:50
Last train
21:25
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £37

Train companies: Amtrak from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Merced, CA and San Diego, CA from £37. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 5m
Cheapest Price
£68
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Merced, CA to San Diego, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To fully explore San Diego, CA, and enjoy its main attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the beaches, a stay of three to five days is typically recommended.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and enjoy a harbour cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships. Hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation, and experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast. Discover Balboa Park with its museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, explore the USS Midway Museum, and take in the picturesque views at La Jolla Cove. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter and relax at Coronado Beach.
Booking trains from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cheapest way to get from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA is by coach, costing approximately £37.
The cost of a train ticket from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £68, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The train journey from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA covers a distance of 593 km and takes approximately 9h 5m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA is 593 km.
The train station in Merced, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Merced Station, Merced, CA, and it arrives at Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
The last train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA departs at 21:25.
There is no night train service from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
The first train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50.
Trains from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
A day trip from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 5m and covers a distance of 593 km. The frequency of trains is 6 per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA.
To get from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
The train journey from Merced to San Diego offers a mix of scenic views, including glimpses of California's Central Valley, rolling hills, and coastal landscapes as you approach San Diego, providing a varied and picturesque travel experience.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Merced, CA and San Diego, CA

Merced
San Diego
The major train station for departures in Merced is Merced Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Merced Station for your trip from Merced to San Diego.
Merced StationDiningAccessibility
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
phone
Phone Number
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.

More options for your journey from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA

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Most popular train connections to San Diego, CA

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