Merced to Phoenix: Road Trip Guide & Distance

543.1 miles 874.1 km · straight line
643.7 miles actual route 1036 km · driving distance
11h 46min estimated drive time
$62 - $76 estimated fuel cost
~1h 36min flight time
117° ESE bearing direction

How far is Merced from Phoenix?

The distance from Merced to Phoenix is 543.1 miles (874.1 km) as the crow flies. Phoenix is located ESE of Merced. By car, the driving distance is approximately 643.7 miles, taking about 11h 46min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 36min. Both are located in United States — Merced in California and Phoenix in Arizona.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Merced and Phoenix. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Merced to Phoenix

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 11h 46min $62 - $76 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 36min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~14h 7min $51–$97* Budget
Train ~15h 18min $77–$225* Comfort

Flying saves significant time. Driving is better if you want flexibility and stops.

* Estimated range. Actual prices vary by date and provider.

Suggested Stops Between Merced & Phoenix

Quick Facts

Merced
37.30°N, 120.48°W
America/Los_Angeles
52m elevation
Phoenix
33.45°N, 112.07°W
America/Phoenix
331m elevation

From Merced

From Phoenix

Explore more routes from Phoenix

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 181 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 45 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 45.8 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM