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 sits in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley.

Please note that the campus is far from major airports. The nearest airport, Fresno Yosemite International Airport, is approximately one hour away by car. Therefore, you will need to arrange reliable secondary transportation in advance of your arrival. 

We strongly recommend renting a car at the airport, as ride-share services may be limited, particularly during the summer months when the conference takes place.

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 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 require additional travel time:

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 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.

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.

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.