56 Passenger Charter Bus
clovischarterbuscompany.com is a comparison and referral website, not a local company. We do NOT own or operate vehicles. Use our online quote form to view pricing and vehicle choices from independent transportation providers through a national booking platform. Read more: terms and referral details
Charter Bus Rentals in Merced, California
You deserve group transportation that's easy to find, easy to compare, and easy to book — and that's exactly what Clovischarterbuscompany.com delivers! Whether you're heading to Yosemite, shuttling guests across the Central Valley, or planning a big night out in downtown Merced, fill out one quick form and compare vehicles and prices from a network of charter bus companies serving Merced in seconds. Call 559-332-0640 or use the online quote tool right now!
Book Charter Bus Rentals in Merced in Under a Minute
With Clovischarterbuscompany.com, booking group transportation in Merced has never been simpler. You're not calling five different companies and waiting on callbacks. You're not settling for whatever one fleet happens to have open.
You fill out one quick form, and you instantly compare vehicles, photos, amenities, and prices from a large network of independently owned transportation companies serving Merced and the entire Central Valley — all in one place, with no account required.
Request the amenities you want — WiFi, onboard restrooms, reclining seats, LED lighting, a built-in bar — and compare pictures and prices side by side in seconds. Buses are available statewide for local trips around Merced and long-distance runs to Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond. Clovischarterbuscompany.com is not a local bus company. It's a quote-comparison and referral website that puts a huge network of buses at your fingertips.
Transportation is provided by independent operators, and booking is completed through a national booking platform right online. Call 559-332-0640 any time for a free quote, or use the 30-second online tool and see your options instantly!
Merced Charter Bus Rental Options
Give your group the ride it deserves! Through this website, you can find minibuses seating 15 to 35 passengers, party buses seating 15 to 50, full-size charter buses seating up to 56, sprinter vans for smaller groups, and school buses for field trips and student events. Whatever your headcount, there's a bus in the network ready for your Merced trip!
35 Passenger Minibus
30 Passenger Minibus
28 Passenger Minibus
25 Passenger Minibus
20 Passenger Minibus
18 Passenger Minibus
15 Passenger Minibus
15-50 Passenger Party Buses
Sprinter Van with Driver
Sprinter Limo
School Bus
Vehicles shown above are NOT the exact makes and models available for every trip. We are NOT a transportation company and do not own or operate vehicles. Photos are examples only and may show stock or typical vehicles, not the exact vehicle offered for your reservation. Fill out the online quote form or call 559-332-0640 to view current vehicle options, photos, availability, and pricing. Confirm the exact vehicle details and amenities before booking.
Merced Charter Bus Rentals With the Amenities You Need
Reclining Seats
Onboard Restroom
Individual Climate Control
Onboard Wi-Fi
Power Outlets
Overhead Storage
Under-Bus Luggage Storage
TV Monitors
PA System
Amenities listed above are common features that MAY be available on buses. Because we are a referral website and do NOT own or operate buses, exact features vary by vehicle, provider, and availability. After you submit your quote request, you can browse vehicle options, pricing, and available details on the results page. To confirm the exact amenities included with a specific vehicle offered for your trip, call 559-332-0640 before booking.
Get Bus Quotes So Much Easier!
Merced Charter Bus Pricing
Clovischarterbuscompany.com makes it possible to see bus rental pricing for Merced in under 30 seconds — no phone tag, no waiting for a callback, no account needed. Enter your pickup location, your date, your group size, and your destination, and you'll land on a results page showing available vehicles and prices from a network of transportation companies serving Merced and the surrounding San Joaquin Valley.
Pricing depends on the type of bus, how long you need it, the day of the week, and any amenities your group wants. A 15-passenger minibus for a quick airport run to Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE) prices differently than a 56-passenger charter bus for a full-day Yosemite excursion. The online tool accounts for your specific trip details so you see accurate, many options.
Want to talk it through? Call 559-332-0640 and a live agent will build a custom quote around your itinerary — any day, any time!
| Type of Vehicle | Cost Per Hour Weekdays | Cost Per Hour Weekends | Cost Per Day | Cost Per Mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 Passenger Charter Bus | $205 – $385+ | $225 – $410+ | $1,650 – $2,950+ | $6.20 – $8.95+ |
| 35 Passenger Minibus | $225 – $370+ | $255 – $385+ | $1,815 – $2,415+ | $6.20 – $8.95+ |
| 30 Passenger Minibus | $205 – $365+ | $240 – $380+ | $1,670 – $2,335+ | $5.90 – $8.60+ |
| 28 Passenger Minibus | $190 – $355+ | $220 – $370+ | $1,540 – $2,255+ | $5.65 – $8.25+ |
| 25 Passenger Minibus | $190 – $350+ | $195 – $365+ | $1,420 – $2,180+ | $5.40 – $7.90+ |
| 20 Passenger Minibus | $190 – $340+ | $190 – $355+ | $1,300 – $2,080+ | $5.15 – $7.50+ |
| 18 Passenger Minibus | $190 – $330+ | $190 – $350+ | $1,210 – $1,990+ | $5.00 – $7.25+ |
| 15 Passenger Minibus | $180 – $310+ | $180 – $330+ | $1,150 – $1,880+ | $4.75 – $6.95+ |
| 15-50 Passenger Party Bus | $248 – $426+ | $265 – $460+ | $1,827 – $2,954+ | $6.75 – $9.95+ |
| Sprinter Van with Driver | $190 – $373+ | $218 – $466+ | $1,395 – $2,848+ | $5.00 – $6.95+ |
| Sprinter Limo | $190 – $340+ | $190 – $355+ | $1,300 – $2,080+ | $5.15 – $7.50+ |
| School Bus | $205 – $365+ | $240 – $380+ | $1,670 – $2,335+ | $5.00 – $7.60+ |
| ABOVE PRICES ARE JUST EXAMPLES. Your final price and vehicle options depend entirely on your specific trip details. To get an instant price quote for your trip, request an online quote or call 559-332-0640. | ||||
Find and Compare Options From Providers Serving Merced
Find a Merced Charter Bus Built for Your Group Size
Clovischarterbuscompany.com is here to take the hassle out of group transportation in Merced, California! Instead of spending hours researching local bus companies, making call after call, and trying to compare quotes that never line up, you share your trip details once and review your options side by side. That's it.
One form. Multiple buses. Pricing. Done in minutes.
Because Clovischarterbuscompany.com is not a bus company and doesn't own any vehicles, you're never limited to a single fleet. The network includes independently owned transportation companies serving Merced, Atwater, Turlock, Modesto, Fresno, and destinations across California — which means you get TONS of different bus types, TONS of different amenities, and prices that actually fit YOUR budget. Whether you need a sprinter van for a small executive group or a full motorcoach fleet for a large convention transfer, the options are all right here.
And if the online results page doesn't show exactly what you need, a support team is available at 559-332-0640 every day of the year to put together a custom package just for you. Compare buses, find your price, and book with confidence — all in one place!
Bus Rentals Available For Any Event
Check Which Charter Bus Services Are Offered in Merced
For easy, stress-free group transportation in Merced, Clovischarterbuscompany.com has you covered across every occasion! From airport shuttles and concert runs to wedding transfers, school field trips, and long-distance charters to Yosemite and beyond — find the service that fits your group, compare your options, and book in minutes. Here's a look at everything you can find right here!
merced airport transportation Timely Airport Transportation for Merced Groups
With one form, you can compare airport shuttle buses for Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE) (26 Macready Dr, Merced, CA 95341), Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) (5175 E Clinton Way, Fresno, CA 93727) about 52 miles south via CA-99, and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) (6900 Airport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95837) roughly 100 miles north — all from the same quote tool. Instead of splitting your group across multiple rideshares or personal vehicles and juggling luggage on the way, one charter bus or minibus keeps everyone together from pickup to curbside drop-off.
At FAT, charter buses use the Ground Transportation Center on the Arrivals level on the north side of the terminal. At SMF, buses load and unload at the designated bus and van zones on the lower-level Arrivals curb at both Terminal A and Terminal B — confirm your terminal's exact zone on the Sacramento International ground transportation page before you travel. Build in 15 to 30 extra minutes on CA-99 during morning and afternoon commute windows.
Call 559-332-0640 to set up your airport transfer today!
merced concert transportation Show Up to Merced Concerts in a Charter Bus
Clovischarterbuscompany.com can connect you with the perfect bus for your next concert or live event in Merced! Whether your group is heading to a show at the Merced Theatre (301 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340) — a historic downtown venue — or making the run to a bigger arena show in Fresno, Modesto, or Sacramento, one bus keeps everyone together from the first pickup to the last song.
Downtown Merced parking fills fast on event nights, and rideshare surge pricing spikes right when your group wants to leave. A concert charter bus or party bus drops your group at the Main Street curbside white zone steps from the Merced Theatre entrance, then stages in the Canal Street surface lots or the Main Street Parking Structure at 655 W Main St nearby. For big arena shows further afield, a full-size motorcoach with reclining seats and WiFi makes the CA-99 run comfortable in both directions.
Compare buses, pick your amenities, and lock in your concert night transportation with 559-332-0640 or the online quote tool!
merced corporate transportation Easy Corporate Transportation with a Merced Charter Bus
Don't let logistics slow your team down! Clovischarterbuscompany.com makes it easy to find and book corporate transportation in Merced for client visits, team off-sites, conference shuttles, and multi-day business travel across the Central Valley. Whether you're moving a small executive group between downtown Merced and the UC Merced (5200 N Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95343) campus or shuttling a larger team to a conference in Fresno or Sacramento, one charter bus keeps your group on schedule and on budget.
Compare minibuses with WiFi and power outlets for productive rides, or full-size motorcoaches with reclining seats and climate control for longer runs on CA-99. Instead of reimbursing parking across a dozen personal cars, one flat transportation cost covers everyone. And because Clovischarterbuscompany.com pulls from a large network of independently owned transportation companies serving Merced, you're comparing more options than any single bus company can offer.
Call 559-332-0640 to build a custom corporate package today!
merced employee transportation Easy Transportation for Employees in Merced
Ready to make the daily commute easier for your team? Clovischarterbuscompany.com helps you find employee shuttle buses for recurring routes, temporary transportation during facility construction or lot closures, and event-day shuttles across Merced and the surrounding San Joaquin Valley. Instead of sending your staff into CA-99 traffic in separate cars every morning, a dedicated employee shuttle keeps everyone together, on time, and comfortable.
Compare minibuses for smaller teams and full-size motorcoaches for larger workforces — with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, and reclining seats that turn commute time into productive time. Whether your company is based in Merced, Atwater, Turlock, or anywhere across Merced County, the network of transportation providers can build a route around your schedule. Daily, weekly, or temporary — your shuttle runs when your team needs it.
Call 559-332-0640 to get started!
merced government military transportation Discreet Military and Government Shuttles for Your Group
With Clovischarterbuscompany.com, you get access to a large network of transportation companies equipped to handle government and military group travel in and around Merced. Whether you're coordinating personnel transfers, training event logistics, base transportation, or multi-day group travel for a government agency, the network includes buses sized to your headcount and your mission.
Compare 15-passenger minibuses for small team moves and 56-passenger motorcoaches for large-scale personnel transfers — with ADA-accessible vehicles available on request. Just mention your accessibility needs, your dates, and your passenger count when you submit your quote, and the results will reflect what's available for your specific trip. Government and military transportation has a lot of moving parts — let Clovischarterbuscompany.com make the bus the easy one.
Call 559-332-0640 any time for a custom quote!
merced long distance transportation Rent a Charter Bus for Your Long-Distance Merced Trip
We help you compare long-distance charter buses for trips from Merced to destinations across California and beyond! Whether your group is making the run up CA-99 to Sacramento, heading west on I-5 to the Bay Area, or taking a multi-day charter to Los Angeles, Las Vegas, or the Pacific Coast, a full-size motorcoach makes the distance comfortable for everyone on board.
Long-distance coaches come with reclining seats, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restrooms, and large undercarriage luggage bays — everything your group needs for a trip that goes the distance. One bus, one flat rate, and no one stuck in the middle seat of a personal car for four hours. Compare long-distance options from a network of transportation companies serving Merced and all of California, or call 559-332-0640 to build a custom multi-day package around your itinerary!
merced event transportation Private Event Transportation Services in Merced
Ready to compare buses for your next private event in Merced? Whether you're planning a family reunion at Lake Yosemite Regional Park (7200 N Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95340), a birthday celebration in downtown Merced, an anniversary dinner, or a group outing to the Merced County Fairgrounds (900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced, CA 95341) during the mid-June Merced County Fair, Clovischarterbuscompany.com makes finding the right bus fast and easy.
Instead of sending your guests hunting for parking in separate cars, one party bus or charter bus picks everyone up together, keeps the energy going between stops, and drops everyone off safely at the end of the night. Compare party buses with LED lighting, built-in bars, and Bluetooth sound systems, or minibuses for a more relaxed group ride — all from the same quick quote form. Call 559-332-0640 or use the online tool to find your private event bus today!
merced prom transportation Get Your Prom Group Moving with Merced Party Bus Rentals
It's one of the biggest nights of the year — make sure your group arrives in style! Clovischarterbuscompany.com makes it easy to find and compare prom party buses and minibuses for students across Merced, including groups from Merced Union High School, Golden Valley High School, El Capitan High School, and Livingston High School. A party bus keeps the whole friend group together from the first pickup to the last drop-off, with LED lighting, Bluetooth sound, and perimeter seating that makes the ride part of the celebration.
Prom season in April and May is one of the busiest stretches of the year for buses across the Central Valley — availability fills fast and prices go up the longer you wait. Book as early as you can to lock in the best price and the vehicle your group actually wants. Compare party buses and minibuses from a network of transportation companies serving Merced, or call 559-332-0640 to hold your date before it's gone!
merced church transportation Church & Religious Group Charter Bus Rentals in Merced
Cross the logistics off your list and focus on what matters most! Clovischarterbuscompany.com helps religious groups across Merced find and book charter buses and minibuses for weekly services, retreats, pilgrimages, and multi-day conference travel. Whether you're shuttling a small congregation across town or organizing a full motorcoach for a regional retreat, the network of transportation companies serving Merced has the right bus for your group.
Compare 15-passenger minibuses for smaller groups and 56-passenger motorcoaches when the whole congregation is coming along. ADA-accessible vehicles are available through the network — just mention your needs when you submit your quote. Religious group transportation should be the easy part of your planning, and with Clovischarterbuscompany.com, it is.
Call 559-332-0640 or use the online tool to find your bus today!
merced field trip transportation Charter Bus Rentals for Merced School Field Trips
You can count on Clovischarterbuscompany.com to make school field trip transportation in Merced simple! Instead of coordinating a long line of parent carpools, compare charter buses, minibuses, and school buses from a network of transportation companies serving Merced schools and the surrounding area. A field trip bus keeps your whole class together, on schedule, and accounted for from the first pickup to the final drop-off.
Popular Merced-area field trip destinations include Applegate Park & Zoo (1045 W 25th St, Merced, CA 95340) — one of the oldest free zoos in California, with bus drop-off on W 25th Street at the park entrance — and the Castle Air Museum (5050 Santa Fe Dr, Atwater, CA 95301), where buses park in the large paved lot off Santa Fe Drive. ADA-accessible vehicles are available on request. Just mention your student count, your destination, and your date, and compare your options in seconds.
Call 559-332-0640 to book your field trip bus today!
merced sporting event transportation Book Your Merced Sporting Event Charter Bus Rental
Your team deserves a ride that gets everyone there together — and Clovischarterbuscompany.com makes it easy to find one! Whether you're coordinating travel for a youth sports team heading to a regional tournament, organizing fan group transportation to a UC Merced Bobcats game at Bobcat Field on the UC Merced campus, or running a group to a game in Fresno, Modesto, or Sacramento, one charter bus keeps the whole squad on the same itinerary.
Full-size motorcoaches come with large undercarriage luggage bays for equipment, duffels, and gear — so athletes travel comfortably without cramming bags into overhead bins. Compare buses sized to your roster and your equipment needs, with amenities like climate control, reclining seats, and power outlets. Call 559-332-0640 or use the online quote tool to find sports transportation serving Merced today!
merced wedding transportation Efficient and Timely Transportation for Merced Weddings
Through a network of independently owned transportation companies serving Merced, Clovischarterbuscompany.com makes it easy to find wedding shuttle buses and charter buses for every part of your big day — from rehearsal dinner pickups to ceremony arrivals and reception send-offs. Instead of worrying whether your guests found parking or made it to the right venue, one shuttle keeps everyone together and on your timeline.
Whether you're celebrating at a venue in downtown Merced, a winery in the surrounding hills, or a destination wedding near Yosemite, the network has buses sized for every guest list. You can even request white, black, or silver vehicles to match your wedding colors — just mention it when you submit your quote. Compare minibuses for smaller wedding parties and full-size charter buses when the whole family is coming along.
Call 559-332-0640 to lock in your wedding transportation today!
merced wine tour transportation Timely Charter Buses for Merced Winery Tour Groups
This is the Central Valley — wine country is closer than you think! Clovischarterbuscompany.com helps you find and compare buses for winery tours, brewery crawls, and tasting-room road trips starting right here in Merced. Whether your group is exploring local Merced County tasting rooms or making the run toward the Sierra Foothills wine region, one party bus or minibus keeps everyone together between stops — with no one worrying about who's driving home.
Party buses with built-in bars, LED lighting, and Bluetooth sound systems are a natural fit for a day of tasting. Minibuses work well for smaller, more relaxed groups who want comfortable seating and a clean ride. You set the stops and the timing — the bus handles the rest.
Compare wine tour and brewery transportation from a network of companies serving Merced, or call 559-332-0640 to build a custom itinerary today!
Fast, Free Quotes
Book Your Merced Charter Bus Rentals in 3 Quick Steps
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01
Submit Your Request
Use the online quote tool to share your trip details, including the date, passenger count, and pickup/drop-off locations. It only takes a minute to fill out.
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02
Compare The Options
Your request goes to a national booking platform, where you compare pricing and vehicle photos of available buses to find the right fit for your group.
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03
Lock In Your Bus
Pick the vehicle that fits your group and complete your booking right on the platform. Now you can relax!
Charter Bus Service Near You in Merced & Beyond
You'll love that Clovischarterbuscompany.com covers Merced and every nearby city across the Central Valley! Whether you need a bus in Atwater, Livingston, Los Banos, Turlock, Modesto, Fresno, Stockton, Madera, Chowchilla, or Gustine — the network of transportation companies has you covered. Fill out one form and compare buses and pricing across the entire region in seconds!
Questions? We're Ready to Help You!
Frequently Asked Questions About Merced Charter Bus Rentals
Clovischarterbuscompany.com helps you compare buses rental options; it is not a transportation company and does not rent, own, or operate vehicles. When you submit the quote form, your trip details go through a booking company so you can review pricing and available vehicles for your date. You compare the options and book through the process shown with your quote.
Clovischarterbuscompany.com is a quote-comparison and referral website — not a local bus company and not a motor carrier. It's an easy way for anyone who needs group transportation to come on, fill out one quick form or make one call, and instantly compare vehicles, amenities, and prices from a large network of independently owned transportation companies serving Merced and the surrounding area. Transportation is provided by those independent operators, and booking is completed through a national booking platform.
No account required, and a free quote is always available online or by phone at 559-332-0640.
Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE) is the closest airport, offering limited regional service. For more flight options, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is approximately 52 miles south via CA-99 — about 50 to 60 minutes off-peak — and is the most commonly used major airport for Merced-area groups. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is roughly 100 miles north, about 1.5 to 2 hours via CA-99.
A charter bus or minibus from Clovischarterbuscompany.com's network can pick your group up at any of these airports and take you straight to your Merced destination.
Yes — and a charter bus is one of the smartest ways to get a group to Yosemite! Yosemite is approximately 65 to 75 miles east of Merced via CA-140, about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and season. During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), day-use reservations are required for private vehicles entering the park, and CA-140 through El Portal can see significant congestion.
Commercial motorcoaches with a valid Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) use the Arch Rock entrance on CA-140. Bus parking in Yosemite Valley is directed to designated commercial vehicle areas. Check current access requirements at Yosemite National Park before your trip.
Mention Yosemite as your destination when you request your quote!
The Merced County Fair typically runs in mid-June each year and draws large crowds to the fairgrounds. Bus availability across the Merced and Central Valley market tightens significantly during fair week. We strongly recommend booking at least two to three months in advance for fair-week transportation — and the earlier, the better for the best pricing and vehicle selection.
The same applies to UC Merced commencement in mid-May and peak Yosemite season. Waiting until the last minute almost always means higher rates and fewer options.
The right bus depends on your passenger count and your trip. A sprinter van fits up to 14 passengers and works well for small executive groups or airport transfers. A 15- to 35-passenger minibus is a great fit for school field trips, small wedding parties, and corporate outings.
A 15- to 50-passenger party bus is ideal for bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and wine tours. A 56-passenger charter bus handles large groups, long-distance travel, and trips requiring big undercarriage luggage bays for equipment. Not sure which fits your group?
Call 559-332-0640 and a live agent will help you match the right vehicle to your headcount and itinerary.
Absolutely! UC Merced hosts commencement ceremonies in mid-May, Bobcat Day, home athletic events at Bobcat Field, and a full calendar of academic and campus events throughout the year. Charter buses and minibuses for UC Merced events use the Visitor Services parking area near the Welcome Center — advance coordination with UC Merced Visitor Services is recommended for large groups.
Commencement weekend is one of the busiest bus-rental dates in Merced each spring, so book as early as possible. Use the quote tool or call 559-332-0640 to check availability for your date!
Yes — ADA-accessible vehicles, including buses with wheelchair lifts, wider aisles, and accessible onboard restrooms, are available through the network of transportation companies serving Merced. Availability varies by operator and date, so mention your accessibility needs clearly when you fill out the quote form or call 559-332-0640. The earlier you book, the more likely accessible vehicles will be available for your specific date and group size.
For most Merced trips, booking three to six months in advance gives you the best selection and the best pricing. For high-demand dates — Merced County Fair (mid-June), UC Merced commencement (mid-May), peak Yosemite season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), and prom season (April–May) — book six months or more in advance. The Central Valley bus market moves fast on busy weekends, and waiting until the last minute almost always means higher rates, fewer vehicle choices, or no availability at all.
Call 559-332-0640 right now to lock in your date!
Visit Any Destination in Clovis and Beyond!
Get Your Group to These Merced Destinations by Bus
With Clovischarterbuscompany.com, you'll have no trouble getting your group to Merced's best destinations! From the historic Castle Air Museum and the free Applegate Zoo to the UC Merced campus, the Merced County Fairgrounds, and the gateway to Yosemite National Park, a charter bus or party bus makes every trip easy, comfortable, and stress-free. Here are six great places your group can visit by bus!
Use the previous and next buttons, the left and right arrow keys, or swipe to browse six destinations.
Castle Air Museum
Castle Air Museum is one of the largest air museums on the West Coast, with more than 80 historic aircraft ranging from pre-World War II to modern fighters on static outdoor display. The museum sits just minutes north of Merced in Atwater and is a favorite for school field trips, veteran group outings, and aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Buses access the site off Santa Fe Drive, with a large paved parking area at the entrance accommodating oversized vehicles.
Advance coordination with the museum at (209) 723-2182 is recommended for large groups. The museum is open most days; check Castle Air Museum for current hours and admission pricing before your visit.
Address: 5050 Santa Fe Dr, Atwater, CA 95301 Phone: (209) 723-2182
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park (Arch Rock Entrance: CA-140, El Portal, CA 95318) is the crown jewel of any Central Valley group trip — and Merced is one of the closest gateway cities, roughly 65 to 75 miles east via CA-140. During peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, day-use vehicle reservations are required, and CA-140 through El Portal sees heavy congestion. Commercial motorcoaches with a valid Commercial Use Authorization enter via the Arch Rock or Big Oak Flat entrances, with bus parking directed to designated commercial vehicle areas in Yosemite Valley.
The Yosemite Valley Shuttle connects parking to El Capitan, Half Dome Village, and other major sites. Confirm current access requirements, reservation windows, and CUA details at Yosemite National Park well before your trip.
Address: Arch Rock Entrance, CA-140, El Portal, CA 95318 Phone: (209) 372-0200
Applegate Park & Zoo
Applegate Park & Zoo is one of the oldest free municipal zoos in California — a beloved Merced landmark that has welcomed school groups and families for generations. The zoo features native California wildlife and a variety of exotic animals in a park setting with picnic areas, a playground, and a creek. Bus drop-off is on W 25th Street at the park entrance, with adjacent street parking and nearby surface lots available for vehicle staging between drop-off and pickup.
Because admission is free, this is one of the most budget-friendly field trip destinations in the Central Valley. Contact Merced Parks & Community Services at (209) 385-6840 to coordinate large group visits.
Address: 1045 W 25th St, Merced, CA 95340 Phone: (209) 385-6840
UC Merced
UC Merced is California's newest University of California campus, opened in 2005 and growing rapidly on the northeastern edge of Merced. The campus hosts commencement ceremonies each May, Bobcat Day open house events, home athletic competitions at Bobcat Field, and a full calendar of academic conferences and public programs year-round. Charter buses and oversized vehicles are directed to the Visitor Services parking area near the Welcome Center; advance coordination with UC Merced Visitor Services is recommended for large groups.
Commencement weekend is one of the busiest bus-rental dates in Merced each spring — book early. See ucmerced.edu for the current events calendar.
Address: 5200 N Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95343
Merced County Fairgrounds
Merced County Fairgrounds is the heart of one of the Central Valley's most beloved annual traditions — the Merced County Fair, typically held in mid-June each year. The fairgrounds host concerts, livestock shows, carnival rides, local food vendors, and community events that draw large crowds from across Merced County. Large paved parking areas surrounding the fairgrounds accommodate buses and RVs; buses enter via MLK Jr Way and oversized vehicles use the outer lots.
For fair-week transportation, book your bus at least two to three months in advance — the market tightens quickly. Contact the fairgrounds at (209) 722-1506 or visit Merced County Fair for event dates and details.
Address: 900 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Merced, CA 95341 Phone: (209) 722-1506
Merced Theatre
Merced Theatre is downtown Merced's premier live entertainment venue, hosting concerts, comedy shows, performing arts productions, and community events throughout the year in a historic setting. On event nights, street parking on W Main St fills quickly and rideshare surge pricing spikes when the show lets out. A charter bus or party bus drops your group at the curbside white zone on Main Street steps from the entrance, then stages in the Canal Street surface lots or the Main Street Parking Structure at 655 W Main St — a short walk away.
For upcoming shows and ticket information, visit Merced Theatre or call the venue directly at (209) 381-0500.
Address: 301 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340 Phone: (209) 381-0500