Once you have obtained the J-1 Visa stamp, you can make arrangements to travel to the U.S. You can arrive up to 30 days before the start date listed on your DS-2019.
Traveling to Merced
Merced is located two to three hours away from several major international airports. Students coming to the area often fly in to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno or other smaller but international airports such as San Jose and Sacramento. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) has compiled a list of methods that students can use to get to Merced from some of these major airports.
The information is compiled to give you an understanding of the options available but is not comprehensive of all the methods and prices available. Prices vary depending on which method of transportation you choose, the day of the week (weekends are typically more expensive) and which airport you are traveling from. Please note prices may have changed since we created this report. We advise you to research the many websites and contacts provided in the report and make arrangements before you arrive in the U.S.
Below is a chart that shows a summary of the price ranges identified by OIA. We hope this will be helpful to you in making your travel plans.
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|
From San Francisco (SFO)
|
From Los Angeles (LAX)
|
From Sacramento (SMF)
|
From Fresno (FYI)
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|
Car Rental
|
$163
|
$175
|
$63
|
$137
|
|
Greyhound Bus
|
$30-35*
|
$35-45*
|
$30-35*
|
$15*
|
|
Amtrak
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$30-40
|
$35-40
|
$20*
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$13*
|
|
Taxi
|
$145-340
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$500-900
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$300-350
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$125-150
|
*Does not include cost of taxi or pubic transportation cost to Greyhound or Amtrak station.
A breakdown of travel options from major airports closest to Merced.
San Francisco (SFO): Website - Directions
| Price* | Company | Travel Info | Additional Comments | |
| Train |
$30-$40 (on way, includes BART ticket*) |
AMTRAK 1-800-872-7245 |
Take BART from the Intl' Terminal to Coliseum/Oakland Airport (will transfer once), cross Pedestrian Bridge to board AMTRAK for Merced |
Some traveling on AMTRAK will require train-to-bus transfers. Approximate travel time: 4 hours 10 minutes |
| Bus |
$30-$40 (one way) |
Greyhound Bus 1-800-231-2222 |
Will have to take either a taxi or BART from the airport to the SF Greyhound Station | There are, on average, only 2 buses that leave for Merced daily. Approximate travel time: 4 hours |
| Taxi |
$145-$340 Prices vary depending on company |
1-415-282-4141 1-650-755-1234 |
Additional fees may apply for gas, traffic time, etc. | Approximate travel time: 2.5 hours |
| Car Rental |
$163-$222 Prices vary depending on company |
Additional fees may apply. Will have to pick car up at SFO and drop off at office in Merced |
Approximate travel time: 2.5 hours | |
| Limo/Town Car | Cost depends on type of vehicle ordered |
1-800-632-1212
|
Additional fees may apply, gratuity is usually included | Approximate travel time: 2.5 hours |
*BART: Bay Area Rapid Transit - A train system only active within the Bay Area.
Los Angeles (LAX): Website - Directions
| Price* | Company | Travel Info | Additional Comments | |
| Train |
$35-$46 (one way, includes shuttle ticket) |
AMTRAK 1-800-872-7245 |
Take the FLYAWAY shuttle from LAX to Union Station, board AMTRAK there. AMTRAK from LA to Merced will depart from the bus terminal. |
Some traveling on AMTRAK will require train-to-bus transfers. Approximate travel time: 7 hours |
| Bus |
$35-$45 (one way, not including taxi) |
Greyhound Bus 1-800-231-2222 |
Will have to take a taxi from the airport to the LA Greyhound Station | There are, on average, 6 buses that leave for Merced daily. Approximate travel time: 4 hours |
| Taxi |
$500-$850 Prices vary depending on company |
1-877-733-3305 |
Additional fees may apply for gas, traffic time, etc. | Approximate travel time: 5 hours |
| Car Rental |
$175 |
Additional fees may apply. Will have to pick car up at LAX and drop off at office in Merced |
Approximate travel time: 5 hours |
Fresno (FYI): Website - Directions
| Price* | Company | Travel Info | Additional Comments | |
| Train |
$13 (one way, not including taxi) |
AMTRAK 1-800-872-7245 |
Will need to take a taxi from the airport to the AMTRAK station in Fresno |
Some traveling on AMTRAK will require train-to- bus transfers. Approximate travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes |
| Bus |
$15 (one way, not including taxi) |
Greyhound Bus 1-800-231-2222 |
Will have to take a taxi from the airport to the Fresno Greyhound Station | Approximate travel time: 1 hour, 13 minutes |
| Car Rental |
$136 |
Additional fees may apply. Will have to pick car up at FYI and drop off at office in Merced |
Approximate travel time: 1 hour | |
| Limo/Town Car | Cost depends on type of vehicle ordered |
1-866-537-5566
|
Additional fees may apply, gratuity is usually included | Approximate travel time: 1 hour |
Sacramento (SMF): Website - Directions
| Price* | Company | Travel Info | Additional Comments | |
| Train |
$20 (one way, not including taxi) |
AMTRAK 1-800-872-7245 |
Will need to take a taxi from the airport to the AMTRAK station in Sacramento |
Some traveling on AMTRAK will require train-to- bus transfers. Approximate travel time: 2 hours, 30 minutes |
| Bus |
$30-$35 (one way, not including taxi) |
Greyhound Bus 1-800-231-2222 |
Will have to take a taxi from the airport to the Sacramento Greyhound Station | Approximate travel time: 3 hours |
| Car Rental |
$63-$147 Prices vary depending on company |
Additional fees may apply. Will have to pick car up at SMF and drop off at office in Merced |
Approximate travel time: 2 hours | |
| Limo/Town Car | Cost depends on type of vehicle ordered |
1-916-361-5466 1-800-757-6093 |
Additional fees may apply, gratuity is usually included | Approximate travel time: 2 hours |
* Prices at time of publication (2022) - prices are subject to change.
