San Diego, CA, USA to Bakersfield, CA, USA from $16: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Diego to Bakersfield: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$16 - Train, BusBest price
343 kmDistance
3h 55m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Bakersfield with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
San Diego - Bakersfield operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Diego and Bakersfield, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Bus from Santa Fe Depot, CA to Bakersfield
Average Duration
6h 30mEstimated price
0-0Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield
Average Duration
2h 50mEstimated price
0-0Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to Bakersfield Train Station
Average Duration
6h 10mEstimated price
$22-82Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield Train Station
Average Duration
2h 10mEstimated price
$239-1400Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://www.flixbus.com/
Bus from San Diego to Bakersfield Train Station
Average Duration
6h 5mEstimated price
$234-1404Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Bakersfield Train Station
Average Duration
3h 30mEstimated price
$1403-13480Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553Website
https://tufesainternacional.com/
Bus from San Fernando to Bakersfield
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$1405-40Bus from Los Angeles - Pacoima to Bakersfield, CA
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$232-40Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from San Diego to Los Angeles
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
$16-134Website
https://www.united.com/
Plane from San Diego Airport to Bakersfield Airport
Average Duration
3h 56mEstimated price
$1341-1340Website
https://www.aa.com/
Plane from San Diego Airport to Bakersfield Airport
Average Duration
5h 32mEstimated price
$166-165San Diego to Bakersfield: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Diego and Bakersfield offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from sunny San Diego to the vibrant city of Bakersfield, covering a distance of 233 miles in just under 4 hours.
💰 Discover budget-friendly travel options ranging from $40 to $65 for your journey by car, allowing you to explore the scenic beauty of the California landscape without breaking the bank.
Average price
$40 - $65
🛫 Traveling from San Diego to Bakersfield by plane will involve a journey with a stopover, as there are no direct flights available between the two cities. The quickest flight option takes approximately 3 hours and 57 minutes.
🌍 Airlines such as Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines operate flights from San Diego Airport to Bakersfield Airport, providing travelers with options for their journey. The total duration of the flight from San Diego to Bakersfield is around 5 hours and 22 minutes.
💰 Prices for flights between Bakersfield and San Diego can vary, ranging from $228 to $590, making it essential for travelers to compare fares and plan their trip accordingly to find the best deal for their journey.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
Bakersfield Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 57m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Be prepared for at least one layover on your flight from San Diego to Bakersfield; common layover cities include Los Angeles and San Francisco, so check your itinerary for potential longer wait times.
• Upon arrival at Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in Bakersfield, the airport is small and easy to navigate, but allow extra time for baggage claim as the process can take longer than expected with fewer staff on hand.
• Taxi fares from Meadows Field Airport to downtown Bakersfield range from $20 to $30; consider using ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft for potentially lower prices and faster service options.
🚌 The journey from San Diego to Bakersfield by bus takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes with a direct service operated by Amtrak. Services depart once daily from Santa Fe Depot in San Diego.
🛤️ The route involves a transfer in Los Angeles, with the first leg lasting about 3 hours and 35 minutes on a Greyhound bus from San Diego to Los Angeles. The second leg from Los Angeles to Bakersfield is about 2 hours and 25 minutes on another Greyhound bus.
🌄 Enjoy the scenic views along the 263-mile journey from San Diego to Bakersfield, with the convenience of a comfortable bus ride provided by Amtrak and Greyhound for a seamless travel experience.
Departure Point
Santa Fe Depot, CA station
Arrival Point
Bakersfield station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to check the Amtrak schedule in advance for the direct bus from Santa Fe Depot to Bakersfield, as it only departs once daily; you can find the latest information at Amtrak's website.
• While the bus trip is a scenic journey of approximately 6 hours 30 minutes, consider downloading entertainment, such as podcasts or e-books, beforehand, as Wi-Fi may not be reliable throughout the trip.
• Upon arrival at Bakersfield Station, expect a straightforward layout with clear signage; grab a local map at the station to help you navigate your next destination, and check out nearby dining options such as 'The Hungry Hunter' for a meal before heading out.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Diego to Bakersfield.
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The distance between San Diego and Bakersfield is approximately 342.8 km by road. Travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a train and then a bus via Los Angeles typically takes around 6 hours and 12 minutes. Flying from San Diego to Bakersfield takes about 5 hours and 3 minutes. Driving by car from Bakersfield to San Diego takes approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes. Finally, taking a bus directly from San Diego to Bakersfield typically takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes.
For cost-effective transportation, taking the bus from San Diego to Bakersfield is a good option, with prices ranging from $21 to $80. However, this can take around 7 hours and 31 minutes. If time efficiency is a priority, driving is the quickest option, taking approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes. Though it may be slightly more expensive, costing between $40 and $65 for fuel and any tolls along the way, driving offers more flexibility and convenience in terms of travel times.
To travel from San Diego to Bakersfield without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 375.0 km, and it typically takes around 3 hours and 55 minutes to drive. Prices for renting a car for this journey can range from $40 to $65, depending on the rental company and type of vehicle chosen.
The best way to travel from San Diego to Bakersfield without a car is to take a train and then a bus via Los Angeles. This option takes approximately 6 hours and 12 minutes and can cost anywhere from $17 to $130 depending on the specific train and bus options chosen.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Diego and Bakersfield. Amtrak operates a daily bus service from San Diego Santa Fe Depot to Bakersfield, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes.
The flight between San Diego and Bakersfield typically takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight available, so travelers will have to make a connecting flight. The cost of the flight can vary between $218 and $640, depending on the airline and time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Bakersfield. With over 99 hotels to choose from, there is something for every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Bakersfield start at $54 per night, making it accessible for a variety of travelers.