Merced

Merced is a city of 86,000 people (2020) in the San Joaquin Valley of California.

Located along State Route 99 which runs between the agricultural cities of the eastern San Joaquin Valley, Merced is also a gateway to Yosemite via State Route 140. Merced is less than two hours by car from Yosemite National Park to the east and Monterey Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and several beaches to the west.

Get in
Merced is approximately 110 miles (180 km) southeast of San Francisco and 275 miles (443 km) northwest of Los Angeles.

By car
Merced is served by one major highway (CA 99).

By train
Amtrak serves Merced via its Sacramento-Bay Area-Bakersfield San Joaquin route with seven departures per day. There are also bus connections between Merced and Yosemite National Park. is at 324 W 24th St.

By bus
Merced is served by Greyhound bus via its downtown station.



By bus
The M5 - Merced South-East route travels between the transportation center bus stop, Greyhound bus stop, Amtrak Station, and hotels along Motel Drive and Parsons Ave.
 * The Bus provides several routes in and around Merced.

See
The University of California's newest campus,, opened in 2005. The campus, on Lake Road to the northeast of the city, is open to the public.

Go next

 * Yosemite National Park - Less than two hours east along State Route 140 by car.
 * Merced National Wildlife Refuge - Located about southwest of Merced, this refuge hosts huge numbers of cranes, geese and other waterfowl during winter months.