The cheapest and fastest trains from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
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
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.
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.


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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 17:45 Merced, CA | 9h05 | 02:50 San Diego, CA | 0 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.
06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
09 Dec
10 Dec
11 Dec
12 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
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.
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 |
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
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Merced, CA and San Diego, CA
- Ramps, restrooms.
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
More options for your journey from Merced, CA to San Diego, CA
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