Merced City Car Hire

Merced in San Joaquin Valley is the gateway to Yosemite National Park, located about 120 km to the east on CA-140 – approximately 1.5 hours' drive. With 2 car rental companies in the center, you have a basic but sufficient selection to plan your excursion. Merced is also home to University of California Merced, which gives the town a vibrant campus life.

Merced Center revolves around Main Street with local restaurants and shops, about 3 km from the rental car offices. Lake Yosemite Regional Park is just 8 km northeast of the center and offers picnicking and kayaking. Fresno is reachable about 80 km to the south on CA-99 for larger shopping options.

Book a rental car early during summer – Yosemite tourists quickly deplete Merced's limited car fleet. Drive CA-140 along the Merced River to Yosemite for the most scenic route. Fuel up in Merced before heading to Yosemite, as fuel prices rise significantly along the mountain road.

How far is it from Merced Center to Yosemite Valley? It's about 120 km and approximately 1 hour 40 minutes via CA-140, depending on traffic at the park entrance. Are there parking fees in Yosemite for a rental car?

Yes, Yosemite requires a vehicle entry fee of about 35 USD per car (7 days). A rental car counts as a private vehicle and pays the same fee. What types of cars are available in Merced Center?

With 2 rental companies, the selection is limited to economy cars and compact cars. If you want an SUV, booking at least 2 weeks in advance is recommended.

We compare prices from all major providers at Merced Center so you can see the total cost upfront — including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.