Travel

 

Find travel and hotel information below to plan your visit to Merced.

Getting to Merced

From efficient routes to scenic roads, explore ways to travel here.

  • Fresno International Airport (FAT) is the closest major airport to UC Merced and is highly recommended, with an approximate one-hour drive to campus. From the airport, we highly recommend that you rent a car and drive. Some other transport options include:

    • Amtrak: You may take an Amtrak train from Fresno to Merced. Note that train service is limited, and you will need to arrange transportation to the Fresno Amtrak Station from the airport.
    • Ride-share: These services may be available but are often limited during the summer months. Availability cannot be guaranteed, and wait times may be significant.

     

    UC Merced is located several hours away from other major airports. The following options are viable, but require additional travel time:

  • Amtrak is a nation-wide passenger rail system, offering services across California. Plan your route to Merced Station (MCD) on the Amtrak Golden Runner line. If coming from the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, take the Northbound train from Fresno Station (FNO) to Merced. On arrival, use a rideshare service to reach campus.

  • If you’re driving, Merced is best reached via Highway 99, which runs through the heart of California’s Central Valley. Below, see driving directions to UC Merced at 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343.

    Starting LocationDriving Directions to UC Merced
    From Northern California
    1. Head southeast on CA-99 South.
    2. Take Exit 187B toward Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
    3. Turn left onto CA-59 North/Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
    4. Take the third right onto West 16th Street.
    5. Take the third left onto G Street.
    6. Turn right onto East Bellevue Road.
    7. Turn left at Lake Road.
    8. Arrive at the main entrance to the UC Merced campus.
    From Southern California
    1. Head northwest on CA-99 North.
    2. Take exit 187A for G Street.
    3. Turn right onto G Street.
    4. Turn right onto East Bellevue Road.
    5. Turn left at Lake Road.
    6. Arrive at the main entrance to the UC Merced campus.

Booking Your Hotel

View highly recommended hotels near downtown and UC Merced campus parkway, below.

You are welcome to contact the hotel directly before conference booking links are issued. Please mention the UC Tech Conference.