TRAVEL GUIDELINES
Getting to Merced from the Nearest Major Airports
From San Francisco (SFO)
AMTRAK Train
http://www.amtrak.com
San Francisco (SFO) to Merced (MCD) via AMTRAK and BART
-Price: AMTRAK from SFO to MCD (including a BART ticket to Oakland) range from $30 to $40
-Check the BART schedule and pricing at http://www.bart.gov/
-Travelers coming from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Merced via train will have to purchase tickets with two separate train companies, AMTRAK and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). From SFO travelers will have to board the BART, with trains arriving at SFO airport every fifteen minutes. The departure station can be found in the international terminal; also tickets can be purchased near the BART departure site.
-From SFO travelers will want to purchase a BART ticket destined for Coliseum/Oakland Airport, this line is color coordinated Yellow.
BART
From SFO airport the BART operates at these hours:
BART Weekday Service Hours
4:09 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
BART Weekend Airport Service Hours
Sat: 5:54 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Sun: 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Telephone: 415 989-2278
-Traveling on this route will require a train transfer at the Balboa Park station, at this station travelers will switch from the Yellow line to the Green line destined for Coliseum/Oakland Airport.
-When arriving at the Coliseum/Oakland Airport station travelers will then have to depart from the BART and cross the Pedestrian Bridge in order to board the AMTRAK.
-From the AMTRAK station travelers will either take the San Joaquin line from Oakland (OKJ) to Merced via train or the take an AMTRAK bus from Oakland (OKJ) to Merced. Travelers taking the bus will make a required stop in Stockton (SKT) where they will then board the San Joaquin line destined for Merced.
-Total travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Greyhound Bus
www.greyhound.com
San Francisco to Merced
-Travelers seeking bus transportation from San Francisco to Merced will have to depart from the San Francisco Greyhound station at this address:
SAN FRANCISCO GREYHOUND STATION
425 MISSION TRANSBAY STATION
FLOOR 3
San Francisco, CA 94105
Hours of operation:
Monday-Sunday: 12:00 am-1:00 am, 5:30 am-11:59 pm
Holiday: 12:00 am-1:00 am, 5:30 am-11:59 pm
Telephone number: 415-495-1569
-Passengers arriving at SFO airport will either have to take a taxi or the BART to the Greyhound station.
-Passengers who wish to take the BART (not recommended for people with a lot of luggage) will have to buy tickets in the International Terminal at SFO airport and take the Yellow, Red or Blue line destined for the Embarcadero station.
-Once at the Embarcadero station there is a short walk involved, roughly one city block. Once at ground level from the BART terminal you will need to proceed down Market St. towards Fremont St., once at Fremont you will take a left towards Mission St. At the corner of Mission and Fremont is the Greyhound station.
-Once in the Bus Terminal you can purchase tickets destined for Merced, you can also purchase them ahead of time online. Ticket prices range from $30-$35.
-On average there are two buses that leave for Merced daily
-Total trip time: 4 hours
Taxi
Taxi’s maybe a more comfortable alternative to a bus or train ride but may cost much more. Additional fees may be applied for driving time, driver return time, gas, waiting time, extra stops, and pick-up fees, etc. Expect a possible fee for being transported outside of the major cities also. These prices should be used as a reference only and should be confirmed with the companies vie email or phone. Prices are subject to change without notice.
From SFO:
Taxi Company 1: Luxor Cabs
How to reserve: Call, order through the website, or request a Luxor cab at the airport
Contact information:
Website: www.luxorcab.com
Phone: 415-282-4141
Website: none listed
Costs from SFO: A taxi only has quotes to Modesto, which would cost about $327. If you request a car service (only for CA drivers license holders) the cost quote is $145, all-inclusive (gas, gratuity, etc.)
Taxi Company 2: Yellow Cab Cooperative
How to reserve: Call or request at the airport
Contact information:
Website: www.yellowcabsf.com
Phone: 415-333-3333
Email:
Costs from SFO: From SFO to Merced would cost around $344.
Taxi Company 3: Airport Taxi Cab
How to reserve: Call, email, or fill out a form on the website. Or you can request Airport Taxi Cab at the airport.
Contact information:
Website: www.airporttaxicabservices.com
Phone: 650-755-1234
Email: or
Costs from SFO: If the taxi driver uses the meter to calculate costs, it will cost around $340, but if asked the driver could give a flat rate of about $260.
Car Rental
Additional fees may apply. These prices should be used as a reference only and should be confirmed with the companies vie email or phone. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Car Rental Company 1: Hertz
Contact Info:
Website: hertz.com
San Francisco Address:
SFO, 780 McDonnell Rd.
San Francisco, CA
Phone: 650-624-6600
Hours: Sun-Sat 24hrs
Merced Address:
1710 West Hwy 140
Merced, CA
Phone: 209-722-4200
Hours: Sun Closed, Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-12pm
From SFO: If you choose the cheapest car (Hyundi Accent or similar = $164.99 USD/day) you can pick up at SFO and drop off the next day in Merced for a total of $221.87 USD.
Car Rental Company 2: Avis
Contact Info:
Website: avis.com
San Francisco Address:
SFO, 780 McDonnell Rd.
San Francisco, CA 94128
Phone: 650-877-6780
Hours: Sun-Sat 24hrs
Merced Address:
20 Macready Drive
Merced, CA 95340
Phone: 209-724-9114
Hours: Sun 9am-3pm, Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-3pm
From SFO: If you choose the cheapest car (Chevrolet Aveo or similar = $159.99 USD/day) you can pick up at SFO and drop off the next day in Merced for a total of $215.70 USD.
Car Rental Company 3: Budget
Contact info:
Website: budget.com
San Francisco Address:
SFO, 780 McDonnell Road
San Francisco, CA 94128
Phone: 650-877-0998
Hours: Sun-Sat 24hrs
Merced Address:
1599 W 16th St.
Merced, CA 95340
Phone: 209-383-3804
Hours: Sun 9am – 1pm, Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm
From SFO: If you choose the cheapest car (Full-size pass van or similar = $122.99 USD/day) you can pick up at SFO and drop off the next day in Merced for a total of $162.84 USD.
Limousines and Towncars
Additional fees may apply for driving time, driver return time, gas, and pick-up fees, etc. Expect a possible fee for being transported outside of the major cities also. These prices should be used as a reference only and should be confirmed with the companies vie email or phone. Usually a gratuity fee will be included in the overall price. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Limo Company: SF Limo (From SFO to Merced)
How to reserve: Fill out a form online at sflimo.net/reservation.php
Contact Information:
Website: sflimo.net
Phone number: 1-800-632-1212 or 415-682-0537
Email:
How many people with luggage can be transported: Depends on the vehicle ordered (Lincoln towncar (sedan), stretch limo (8 passengers), SUV, or van)
Note: Additional fees may apply for pick-up type, late cancellation, waiting time, extra stops, etc.
Rates: To take a Lincoln town car from SFO to UC Merced costs approx. $527.11. To take a stretch limo (8 passengers) costs approx. $702.81. To take a SUV costs approx. $702.81. To take a van costs $702.81
Limo Company: San Francisco Limousine
How to reserve: Fill out a form online at sanfrancisco.lxlimo.com
Contact Information:
Website: sanfrancisco.lxlimo.com
Phone number: 1-877-LIMO-414 (1-877-546-6414) or 415-738-7661
Email:
How many people with luggage can be transported: Depends on the type of vehicle ordered (Executive sedan, SUV (6 passengers), Escalade (7 passengers), stretch limousine (6-10 passengers).
Rates: Based on an hourly rate: 2 hour minimum rental of Executive Sedans (town car) goes for $65/hour. 2 hour minimum rental of SUVs and vans go for $85-$95/hour. 3 hour minimum rental of stretch limos go for $85-$110/hour.
From Los Angeles (LAX)
AMTRAK Train
http://www.amtrak.com
From Los Angeles (LAX) to Merced (MCD)
-Price: AMTRAK from LAX to MCD range from $35- $40. Check the Amtrak website for upto date pricing and schedules
-Travelers arriving at LAX seeking transportation via AMTRAK to Merced will have to depart from Union Station in the city of Los Angeles.
Union Station Hours of Operation
Monday- Sunday: Open 24 hours
-From the international terminal at LAX travelers will have to take the FLYAWAY bus shuttle service from LAX to Union Station, the shuttle arrives at LAX every half hour daily.
-The FLYAWAY shuttle service is a 24-hour service
-Tickets for the FLYAWAY shuttle can be purchased inside the terminals and are priced at $6 for a one-way ticket; children under the age of 2 ride free. The FLYAWAY shuttle with take passengers directly to Union Station Bus terminal, passenger will have to cross under the tracks to the train terminal.
-On the weekdays Amtrak leaves on average 5 times a day with trips to Merced. Most of the departure times are in the morning, and the last one of the day leaves Los Angeles, Union Station during the 1pm hour.
-All departures from LA Union Station due in Merced will not depart from the train terminal, but rather from the Bus Terminal (although you will have purchased a ticket for the Amtrak Train). All lines from Los Angeles to Merced depart via bus to Bakersfield, CA (BFD). In Bakersfield passengers continuing to Merced will have to board the AMTRAK train listed on their AMTRAK travel ticket or receipt.
-Total travel time: 7 hours
Greyhound Bus
www.greyhound.com
Los Angeles to Merced
-Travelers seeking bus transportation from Los Angeles to Merced will have to depart from the Los Angeles Greyhound station at this address
LOS ANGELES GREYHOUND STATION
1716 E 7TH ST
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Hours of operation:
Monday-Sunday: 24 hours
Holiday: 24 hours
Telephone: 213-629-8401
-Those arriving at LAX will find the easiest route to the Greyhound station is via taxi service.
-At the station or ahead of time you can purchase tickets for Merced
-Prices range from $35-45 depending on time of purchase before trip
-On average there are six buses that are bound for Merced daily
-Total trip time: 7 hours
Taxi
Taxi’s maybe a more comfortable alternative to a bus or train ride but may cost much more. Additional fees may be applied for driving time, driver return time, gas, waiting time, extra stops, and pick-up fees, etc. Expect a possible fee for being transported outside of the major cities also. These prices should be used as a reference only and should be confirmed with the companies vie email or phone. Prices are subject to change without notice.
From LAX:
Taxi Company 1: San Gabriel Transit, Transportation Services
How to reserve: Call, order online at their website, or request at the airport.
Contact information:
Website: www.sgtransit.com
Phone: 1-800-340-8294 (1-800-340-TAXI)
Email:
Costs from LAX: To take a taxi from LAX to Merced will cost about $900.
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Taxi Company 2: A Yellow Cab Taxi
How to reserve: Call, fill out a form online at their website, or request at the airport.
Contact information:
Website: www.ayellowcab.com
Phone: 562-927-0707
Email:
Costs from LAX: The lowest cost to take a taxi from LAX to Merced is about $500.
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Taxi Company 3: Yellow Cab Co. Los Angeles
How to reserve: Call, fill out a form online at their website, or request at the airport.
Contact information:
Website: layellowcab.com
Phone: 1-877-733-3305
Email: none listed
Costs from LAX: The lowest cost to take a taxi from LAX to Merced is about $850.
Pick-Up from Merced
Company 1: City Express, Yellow Cab
How to Reserve: Call enough hours ahead of time to reserve a pick-up
Contact Info:
Phone: 209-723-0000
Address:
782 Newton Ct.
Merced, CA 95348
From Merced to SFO and back: $300-$400
From Merced to LAX and back: $500-$550
Car Rental
Additional fees may apply. These prices should be used as a reference only and should be confirmed with the companies vie email or phone. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Car Rental Company 1: Hertz
Contact Info:
Website: hertz.com
Los Angeles Address:
LAX, 9000 Airport Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Phone: 310-568-5100
Hours: Sun-Sat 24hrs
Merced Address:
1710 West Hwy 140
Merced, CA
Phone: 209-722-4200
Hours: Sun Closed, Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-12pm
From LAX: If you choose the cheapest car (Hyundi Accent or similar = $132.99 USD/day) you can pick up at LAX and drop off the next day in Merced for a total of $174.74 USD.
Limousines and Towncars
Additional fees may apply for driving time, driver return time, gas, and pick-up fees, etc. Expect a possible fee for being transported outside of the major cities also. These prices should be used as a reference only and should be confirmed with the companies vie email or phone. Usually a gratuity fee will be included in the overall price. Prices are subject to change without notice.
From LAX:
Limo Company: AceTrans
How to reserve: fill out a form online at their website.
Contact Information:
Website: acetrans.net
Phone: 866-823-8380 or 703-823-8380
Email:
How many people with luggage can be transported: You can reserve anything from a Lincoln Towncar Sedan to a 26 passenger Limobus.
Rates: Rates are hourly, a standard Lincoln towncar has an hourly rate of $40.00 with a two hour minimum rental time, the 8 passenger Krystal Lincoln has an hourly rate of $60.00 with a three hour minimum rental time, a 24 passenger minibus has an hourly rate of $95.00 with a four hour minimum rental time, and a 26 passenger Limobus has an hourly rate of $175.00 with a four hour minimum rental time. There are several other options as well.
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Limo Company: Luxury Transportation
How to reserve: Fill out a form online at their website.
Contact Information:
Website: www.luxury-transportation.com
Phone: 310-645-2001
Email:
How many people with luggage can be transported: Cars range from 4 passenger Lincoln towncar to 6 or 8 passenger Lincoln Limousine to 21 passenger Mini-Coach to 45 passenger Coach, and more.
Rates: Rates vary from Sunday-Thursday and from Friday to Saturday. Sun-Thurs the towncar is $45/hour and Fri-Sat it is $50/hour. Sun-Thurs the 6 passenger limousine is $65/hour and Fri-Sat it is $75/hour. Sun-Thurs the 21 passenger mini-coach is $135/hour and Fri-Sat it is also $135/hour. Sun-Thurs the 45 passenger limousine is $200/hour and Fri-Sat it is also $200/hour. There is a minimum of 3 hour rental and a $15 charge if the customer is being picked up at LAX for an international flight and a 2 hour rental if being picked up from a domestic flight.
From Fresno (FYI)
AMTRAK Train
http://www.amtrak.com
Fresno (FYI) to Merced via AMTRAK
-From Fresno Yosemite International (FYI) airport passengers can take the AMTRAK to Merced for $13 not including a taxi ride from the airport to the AMTRAK station.
-Upon arrival travelers will need to take a taxi from the airport to the AMTRAK station located at:
2650 Tulare Street
Santa Fe Station
Fresno, CA 93721
- Total travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Greyhound Bus
www.greyhound.com
Fresno (FYI) to Merced
-From arrival at Fresno FYI travelers will have to take a taxi to the Greyhound Bus Station located at:
FRESNO GREYHOUND STA