Getting to UC Merced is fairly straightforward, but like most regional travel, it rewards a bit of planning. This guide is particularly useful for attendees flying in and renting a car, as additional travel time is required to reach Merced. However, all participants should review it for key conference times and optional post-conference activities. Note that these times are tentative and may be adjusted.
That said, flights into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) tend to arrive in a few concentrated windows throughout the day rather than continuously, so aligning your itinerary with those windows can make your trip smoother and help you get the most out of the conference experience.
Arriving on Wednesday
Our program begins Wednesday evening with:
- Birds of a Feather sessions at 4:00 PM
- Registration Check-In and Opening Ceremonies at 6:30 PM
To comfortably make these events, we recommend selecting flights that arrive into Fresno between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM.
This window aligns with the primary inbound flight periods from major UC-connected regions (San Diego, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area), and provides:
- Time for baggage claim and ground transportation
- Approximately 1 hour travel time to Merced
- A buffer for delays or rental car pickup
- A more relaxed arrival before evening programming begins
Arrivals after ~2:30–3:00 PM are still workable, but begin to compress your margins. If you arrive later in the afternoon, we recommend planning for direct transit to campus or your hotel to ensure you can join opening events.
Arrivals after 4:00 PM are not recommended if your goal is to participate in the full opening experience.
Arriving on Thursday or Friday
Day 2 and Day 3 of the conference starts with:
- Registration Check-In and Breakfast at 7:00 AM
- Keynote Address at 8:30 AM
- Sessions at 9:30 AM
The UC Tech Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday from 5:00–7:00 PM in downtown Merced.
Departing on Friday
The conference concludes at 3:00 PM on Friday, with optional post-conference activities immediately following.
Flights departing Fresno tend to cluster in the late afternoon and early evening. To balance participation and travel, we recommend booking return flights that depart between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
This window allows you to:
- Attend closing sessions without interruption
- Travel back to Fresno without rushing
- Catch the most reliable outbound flight bank
Earlier departures (before ~5:00 PM) may require leaving the conference before it concludes.
Extending Your Stay
If your schedule allows, we encourage you to take advantage of what the region offers beyond the formal program. More information about the following activities will be provided once finalized.
Friday Afternoon & Evening — Lake Yosemite
Following the conference, we’ll host a casual gathering at Lake Yosemite from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This is a chance to continue conversations, connect informally, and decompress after the conference.
Saturday All-Day — Yosemite National Park
For those with additional flexibility, consider extending your trip with a visit to Yosemite National Park located approximately 2 hours from Merced.
Join our organized all-day outing from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You'll want to plan your own activities and sightseeing, as guided options are pending. Tickets are $50 per person, covering round-trip transportation and park entrance fee. For UC participants, this travel extension is a self-paid expense. Non-UC participants (i.e. sponsors, friends, family) are also welcome to purchase tickets. A link to make purchases will be provided as soon as it's ready.
Whether you come with us or plan your own visit, this is a rare opportunity to experience one of California’s most iconic landscapes while you’re already in the region.
A Note on Travel Patterns
Fresno is a well-connected regional airport, but it operates differently than larger hubs (like LAX, SAN, or SFO). Flights arrive and depart in distinct clusters, and there are fewer late-day recovery options if plans change.
In practice, this means:
- Midday arrivals on Wednesday are the most reliable
- Early evening departures on Friday offer the most flexibility
- Building in a bit of buffer time goes a long way
In Short
If you’re looking for the simplest, most reliable plan:
- Arrive: Wednesday between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM
- Depart: Friday between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM
- Optional: Stay Friday evening (or through Saturday) to extend the experience
If you have questions about travel timing or logistics, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help you find an itinerary that works well with the conference schedule. See our General Schedule for a high-level overview of important activities to know about when planning and budgeting your travel.
Optional Travel Extension
Attendees may choose to extend their return travel to allow time for personal activities in the region, including visiting nearby destinations such as Yosemite.
Under the University of California’s travel policy (UCOP BFB G-28 Travel Regulations), airfare reimbursement is based on the business purpose of the trip. If you elect to extend your stay beyond the conference dates, the University will reimburse up to the cost of a standard round-trip itinerary aligned with conference travel.
Any additional costs associated with a personal extension are the responsibility of the traveler, including:
- Lodging beyond the conference (e.g., Friday night)
- Meals and incidental expenses during personal travel days
- Any increase in airfare above the cost of a comparable business-only itinerary
Travelers should retain a comparison showing the cost of airfare for the business-only dates, as reimbursement is typically based on the lower-cost option when personal travel is included.