San Francisco, CA, USA to Bakersfield, CA, USA from $16: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Francisco to Bakersfield: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$16 by trainBest price
407 kmDistance
2h 56m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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 Francisco - Bakersfield operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Bakersfield, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
united.com
Plane from San Francisco (SFO) to Bakersfield (BFL)
Average Duration
2h 56mEstimated price
$215-455Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Richmond to Bakersfield
Average Duration
7h 42mEstimated price
$16-135Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Bakersfield Train Station
Average Duration
8h 5mEstimated price
$30-85Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from San Francisco to Bakersfield
Average Duration
6h 50mEstimated price
$27-90Other from San Francisco to Bakersfield
Average Duration
4h 43mEstimated price
$50-2150San Francisco to Bakersfield: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Francisco 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.
🚗 Begin your scenic road trip from San Francisco to Bakersfield, covering a distance of 284 miles through beautiful California landscapes. Enjoy the smooth drive that takes approximately 4 hours and 43 minutes.
💰 The cost of journeying by car from San Francisco to Bakersfield ranges from $50 to $75, providing an affordable and convenient way to explore the diverse attractions along the route. Consider budget-friendly pit stops for meals and gas along the way.
Average price
$50 - $75
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from San Francisco to Bakersfield with Amtrak. Although there's no direct route, you'll transfer at Richmond during the 7-hour 42-minute trip.
🌉 Enjoy the 324-mile route passing through picturesque landscapes and urban hubs. Board the BART Subway towards Dublin/Pleasanton from Montgomery St, then transition to the Amtrak train at Oakland Jack London station.
💰 Ticket prices range from $16 to $135 for this adventure, offering a convenient and comfortable way to explore the diverse landscapes of California between these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Richmond station
Arrival Point
Bakersfield station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary based on the operator, but Amtrak typically offers a cafe car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. You might want to plan ahead and bring your own food, especially if you prefer specific dietary options, as selection can be limited.
• The train journey from San Francisco to Bakersfield can be serviced by Amtrak with Economy and Business Class options available. Business Class offers more spacious seating and complimentary beverages, while Economy is more budget-friendly but less spacious. If comfort is a priority, consider opting for Business Class for a more pleasant ride.
• For this trip, Amtrak is the primary operator. You can visit their website at amtrak.com for schedules and ticket booking. Additionally, you can check for local transit options in Bakersfield by visiting the local transit website at bakersfieldtransit.org, which provides bus schedules and routes.
🛫 The quickest flight from San Francisco Airport to Bakersfield Airport is a direct flight lasting 1h 16m, making it a convenient option for travelers.
💸 The prices for flights between Bakersfield and San Francisco typically range from $215 to $455, offering flexibility for travelers with different budget preferences.
Departure Point
San Francisco Airport
Arrival Point
Bakersfield Airport
🕒 This relaxing bus ride takes approximately 8 hours and 5 minutes, offering a comfortable way to travel between these two vibrant cities in California. Services operate daily, providing flexibility for your travel plans.
💵 Ticket prices for the San Francisco to Bakersfield bus route range from $30 to $85, making it an affordable option for exploring the diverse landscapes and attractions along the way.
Departure Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Arrival Point
Bakersfield Train Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Bakersfield.
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The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco to Bakersfield is by taking a night bus. The bus tickets usually range from $26 to $90, depending on the type of bus and the time of booking. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes, allowing you to save money on accommodation by traveling overnight.
The fastest way to travel from San Francisco to Bakersfield is by flying. There are multiple daily flights available from San Francisco International Airport to Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. Prices for flights can vary between $180 and $440, depending on the airline and timing of booking.
The distance from San Francisco to Bakersfield is approximately 407 kilometers. If you prefer to travel by road, the total distance is about 458 kilometers. This can be covered by car or bus in around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and the route you choose.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to Bakersfield without a car is by train. Amtrak offers a convenient and comfortable train service that takes approximately 7 hours and 42 minutes. The ticket prices range from $16 to $140, depending on the class and type of reservation.
The journey from San Francisco to Bakersfield takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes, including transfers. The most convenient and fastest way to travel between the two cities is by plane, with multiple daily flights available. Another option is to drive, which takes around 4-5 hours depending on traffic conditions. Train travel is also possible, but it takes longer, with an average travel time of around 6-7 hours.
The quickest and most convenient way to travel from San Francisco to Bakersfield is by flying. There are several airlines that offer direct flights, with a travel time of around 2 hours and 48 minutes. However, if you prefer a more scenic route, you can take a train, which takes approximately 7 hours and 42 minutes. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 8 hours and 5 minutes. The bus is typically the most cost-effective option, with fares ranging from $30 to $85.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Bakersfield. Currently, there are over 99 hotels available to choose from. Prices for hotels start at $54 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly and luxury options. Whether you prefer a cozy bed and breakfast, a comfortable motel, or a modern hotel, Bakersfield has a variety of choices to suit your needs.
Yes, you can drive from San Francisco to Bakersfield. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 457 km, and it takes about 4 hours and 43 minutes to complete the journey. The route involves taking Interstate 5 South for most of the drive.
Yes, there is a direct bus between San Francisco and Bakersfield. The bus departs from San Francisco Bus Station and arrives at Bakersfield Train Station. The service operates once daily and runs every day. The journey on the bus takes approximately 8 hours and 5 minutes.
To catch the bus from San Francisco to Bakersfield you will need to go to the San Francisco Bus Station. This is where the Greyhound USA bus services depart from. The San Francisco Bus Station is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for travelers.
The bus from San Francisco to Bakersfield arrives at Bakersfield Train Station. This is the designated stop for Greyhound USA buses traveling between the two cities. Bakersfield Train Station is a convenient location for those looking to explore the city or transfer to other modes of transportation.
United Airlines offers flights between San Francisco and Bakersfield. They operate flights from San Francisco International Airport to Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport. You can check the United Airlines website or other travel booking platforms for available flight options, schedules, and prices.
The fastest way to get from San Francisco to Bakersfield is by taking a direct flight. United Airlines offers flights from San Francisco Airport to Bakersfield Airport with a travel time of 1 hour and 8 minutes. The total travel time between the two cities by plane is approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes. The prices for flights between Bakersfield and San Francisco can range from $185 to $435.
The flight from San Francisco to Bakersfield takes approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes. This is the quickest and most convenient option for travel between the two cities. San Francisco Airport offers direct flights to Bakersfield Airport, making it a straightforward journey.
Trains from San Francisco to Bakersfield arrive at Bakersfield station. Bakersfield station is conveniently located near the downtown area, making it easy to access various amenities and transportation options.
Yes, there is a direct train connection between San Francisco and Bakersfield. Amtrak operates the San Joaquin train service, which offers a direct route between the two cities. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, providing a comfortable and convenient way to travel between San Francisco and Bakersfield.
To catch the train from San Francisco to Bakersfield, you will need to go to the Richmond station. This station is located in Richmond, which is about 26 miles northeast of San Francisco. Amtrak operates train services between these two cities, and Richmond is one of the departure points for this route. Make sure to check the train schedule and allow yourself enough time to travel to Richmond before your departure time.
The cost of a flight from San Francisco to Bakersfield typically ranges from $185 to $435.
The cost of a train ticket from San Francisco to Bakersfield ranges from $16 to $135, depending on the type of ticket and class of service.
The cost of a bus ticket from San Francisco to Bakersfield ranges from $30 to $85.
The cost of driving from San Francisco to Bakersfield can range from $50 to $75, depending on factors such as the gas prices and the type of vehicle being used. This estimate includes the cost of fuel for the approximately 290-mile journey, as well as any tolls or parking fees that may be incurred along the way.