How to get to Bakersfield

Located in the southern part of the fertile San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield is often referred to as the state's energy hub and the West Coast capital of country music. This Californian city offers travellers convenient transport accessibility and serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the region's nature parks. When planning how to get to Bakersfield, you will discover a multitude of options: from direct flights and trains to scenic drives along American highways.

The fastest way to arrive in the city is to use the services of the local Meadows Field Airport (BFL), which accepts regular flights and is located just a few kilometres from the central districts. The airport boasts modern infrastructure and ensures a comfortable arrival, eliminating the need for long overland transfers.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into neighbouring resort-town Santa Barbara or the city of Lemoore. From there, it is easy to reach your final destination by rented transport, enjoying the views of central California.

Contrary to outdated information, Bakersfield is an important railway hub and the terminus of the popular San Joaquins line by Amtrak. It is convenient to get here on comfortable trains from Northern California, including Oakland and Sacramento, while enjoying the valley scenery.

For travellers heading from the south (for example, from Los Angeles), connections are provided via Amtrak Thruway buses, which coordinate with the railway schedule. It is also possible to get to nearby cities, such as Santa Barbara, and continue the journey by ground transport.

Bus services connect Bakersfield with many settlements in the region, offering an affordable way to travel. For instance, a trip from the city of Mojave will take about 1.9 hours, covering a distance of approximately 85 km across characteristic desert landscapes.

For those travelling from the coast, the route from Santa Barbara will be longer — about 7.6 hours on the road. There is also a convenient route from the city of Lemoore, which allows you to cover 155 km in approximately 3.1 hours.

Travelling by car is one of the most comfortable ways to reach the city, giving you complete freedom in choosing stops. A short and fast route from the city of Mojave, about 99 km long, will take just around 1 hour, which is ideal for transit travellers.

If you are heading from the ocean, the road from Santa Barbara, spanning 236 km, will take approximately 2.5 hours. The route from the city of Lemoore is also popular: the distance of 152 km can be comfortably covered in 1.5 hours, enjoying views of the valley.

Before travelling to sunny California and the heart of Kern County, it is worth considering a few important nuances that will make your stay comfortable and safe.

1. Clothing and Climate. It can be very hot here in summer, so bring light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, sunglasses, and a head covering. In winter, the weather is mild, but evenings can be cool — a light jacket or sweater will come in handy.
2. Transport. Bakersfield is a city of motorists. Although public transport exists, for maximum convenience and visiting the surroundings, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but having some cash for tips or small purchases at farmers' markets is useful.
4. Health. The sun is very active here — be sure to use high SPF cream and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
5. Communication. The main language is English, however, due to the proximity to Mexico and a large Spanish-speaking community, Spanish is also very common.
6. Tipping. In the USA, it is customary to leave tips of 15–20% of the bill in restaurants, taxis, and cafes, as this makes up a significant part of the staff's earnings.
7. Safety. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit outskirts at night. As in any large city, keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded places.
8. Musical Heritage. Do not miss the chance to visit local music venues — the city is famous for its unique subgenre of country music known as the Bakersfield Sound.

Following these simple recommendations will help you enjoy the atmosphere of the city and avoid everyday inconveniences during your journey.