- Must visit
Kern County Museum
Well-curated local history museum with exhibits on oil, agriculture, and community life in Kern County.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA will cost around $236 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $229.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA without transferring at least 3 times.
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Buses from Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 49h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $252 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1741 miles (2802 km) distance in 44h 55m.
Distance 1741 miles (2802 km) |
Average bus duration 49h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $252 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 44h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 09:35AM | Duration 76h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $241 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 58h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $239 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 49h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $229 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 53h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $234 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 52h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $234 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 58h55 | 7:10 PM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 49h25 | 11:50 AM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 53h05 | 3:30 PM Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Bakersfield, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bakersfield, CA trip today.
Well-curated local history museum with exhibits on oil, agriculture, and community life in Kern County.
Museum on the Bakersfield Sound and country music history, with costumes, instruments, and artist memorabilia.
Hands-on museum for children with interactive science, art, and role-play exhibits suited to families.
Lively downtown street with historic buildings, murals, theaters, and an easy base for walking Bakersfield's core.
Large urban park with lakes, walking paths, art museum access, and open space for a relaxed local outing.
Linear park and trail through downtown, useful for walking and biking between museums, murals, and civic spaces.
Tri-tip barbecue is a Central California staple: beef bottom sirloin seasoned and grilled over red oak, often sliced for sandwiches or plates.
Basque oxtail stew reflects Bakersfield's Basque boardinghouse tradition, with slow-braised oxtail in a rich savory sauce served family-style.
Pickled tongue is a classic Basque appetizer in Bakersfield, cured and sliced thin with vinegar and spices, common at traditional Basque restaurants.
Historic Basque restaurant known for family-style meals, steaks, tongue, beans, and classic boardinghouse atmosphere.
Upscale steakhouse for dry-aged beef, seafood, and cocktails, suited for a polished dinner in central Bakersfield.
Long-running Basque dining room serving oxtail, fried chicken, soups, and hearty set meals in a traditional setting.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Los Angeles, but car use and limited transit can raise overall visitor costs.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Bakersfield, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Bakersfield, CA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal station pair, with some services arriving at Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Bakersfield, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station is 21 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Wheelchair accessible with elevator service.
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.
Check bus stations information for Chicago, IL and Bakersfield, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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