- Recommended
California Heritage Museum
Contemporary art museum on Main Street with rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and a strong local cultural role near the beach.
Cheapest price on Oct 01
$23
Average ticket price on Oct 01
$27
Fastest journey on Oct 01
2 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Oct 01
2 h 17 m
Buses on Oct 01
3
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Monica, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Monica, CA will cost around $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 3 buses from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Monica, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct buses cover the 158 km distance in an average of 2 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 5 m .
On Thu, Oct 01 the slowest buses will take 2 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
The table below shows live departures for Bakersfield, CA to Santa Monica, CA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, October 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:55 AM Bakersfield, CA | 2h05 | 2:00 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Bakersfield, CA | 2h25 | 6:55 PM Santa Monica, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Take a bus from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Monica, CA and enjoy the approximately 98 miles (158 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45.
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Santa Monica, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Monica, CA trip today.
Contemporary art museum on Main Street with rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and a strong local cultural role near the beach.
Compact history museum in a landmark home and library. It explores Santa Monica's development through photographs, archives, and local stories.
Bergamot gallery showing changing exhibitions of contemporary art by established and emerging artists in a relaxed setting.
Lively pedestrian shopping street with performers, public art, and easy access to downtown Santa Monica's shops and entertainment.
Broad sandy beach with bike path, volleyball courts, and iconic coastal views. A top place for walking, relaxing, and watching sunsets.
Oceanfront bluff park with walking paths, sculptures, and sweeping Pacific views. Ideal for an easy stroll above the beach and pier.
A Japanese rice bowl loaded with fresh sea urchin from the nearby coast. It reflects Santa Monica's strong seafood culture and Japanese dining influence.
Fresh Pacific oysters served raw or simply dressed. They are a classic coastal choice that highlights the city's access to high-quality shellfish.
A fish taco made with local-style grilled or fried fish, cabbage, salsa, and crema. It reflects Southern California beach food and Mexican influence.
Casual Japanese spot specializing in fresh sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls. A reliable choice for sea urchin and other seafood favorites.
Elegant seafood restaurant near the beach serving oysters, crudo, and refined coastal plates in a polished but relaxed room.
Popular all-day café known for organic breakfast, salads, and market-driven California dishes in a bright, casual setting.
Santa Monica is pricier than many US beach cities, with high hotel rates, dining costs, and parking; transit is cheaper than rideshares.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee if service is notable.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bakersfield, CA to Santa Monica, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Monica, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bakersfield, CA to Santa Monica, CA buses use the Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bakersfield, CA and Santa Monica, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal. ATMs are available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal.
Available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal: Wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park) is 11 km from Bakersfield city centre. Public transport options include:
Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park). ATMs are available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park).
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park).
Available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park): Limited accessibility for disabled passengers.
Bakersfield has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available for all passengers. ATMs are available at Bakersfield.
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield.
Available at Bakersfield: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need