uc merced catcrawl bus on campus taking students to their housing

Your Route to Merced

UC Merced is located eight miles northeast of the city of Merced's downtown area and hotels. Therefore, we highly recommend you arrange reliable secondary transportation in advance of your arrival. 

We strongly recommend renting a car, either from the airport or in Merced, as ride-share services may be limited, particularly during the summer months when the conference takes place. Use ConnexUC to make your car rental reservation with UC discounted rates.

Getting to Merced

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

By Air

Fresno Yosemite 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 recommend that you rent a car and drive. Use ConnexUC to make your car rental reservation with UC discounted rates. 

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.

By Rail

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 you're coming to the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, take the Northbound train from Fresno Station (FNO) to Merced. On arrival, use a rideshare service to reach your hotel or a car rental option in Downtown Merced.

By Road

If you’re driving, Merced is best reached via Highway 99. Below, see driving directions to UC Merced at 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343.

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.