- Must visit
Kern County Museum
A major local history museum with historic buildings, exhibits on Kern County, and the well-known Black Gold oil exhibit. Good for understanding Bakersfield’s regional identity.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chula Vista, CA to Bakersfield, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a train costs an average of $55.
Distance: 218 miles (352 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$47 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration Fastest 5h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chula Vista, CA to Bakersfield, CA:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chula Vista, CA to Bakersfield, CA costing on average $55 (€44).
Other travel options to Bakersfield, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 15m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $47 |
Compare bus and train 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.
Buses from Chula Vista, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 24 times per day, taking around 7h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) if you book in advance.
There are 10 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:01, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 218 miles (352 km) distance in 7h 15m.
Distance 218 miles (352 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Buses per day 24 |
Direct buses 10 |
Fastest bus 7h 15m |
First bus 4:01 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Bakersfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bakersfield trip today.
A major local history museum with historic buildings, exhibits on Kern County, and the well-known Black Gold oil exhibit. Good for understanding Bakersfield’s regional identity.
A family-friendly museum focused on fossils, geology, archaeology, and regional natural history. Especially strong for dinosaur and Ice Age displays.
The city’s main art museum, featuring California art, rotating exhibitions, and a sculpture garden in a pleasant park setting.
The city’s main historic and cultural core, known for theaters, murals, civic buildings, and walkable blocks with the strongest concentration of sights.
A popular lakeside park with paths, bridges, lawns, and sunset views. It is one of the city’s favorite casual walking and photo spots.
A scenic natural area with trails and river-edge habitat. A strong pick for a quieter local outdoor experience.
A Bakersfield classic rooted in the city’s Basque community, typically including soup, beans, salad, pickled tongue, fries, bread, and a hearty meat main served in generous shared courses.
Central California’s signature beef cut, seasoned simply and grilled over red oak or similar hardwood. It is especially popular across Bakersfield for casual cookouts and steakhouse meals.
A regional Mexican favorite widely loved in Bakersfield, made with pork simmered in a roasted green chile sauce. It reflects the city’s strong Mexican and Central Valley food culture.
A well-known local breakfast and lunch spot serving generous American comfort food in a lively, welcoming diner atmosphere.
A landmark Basque restaurant famous for traditional family-style meals, classic cocktails, and a historic old-school dining atmosphere.
A long-running downtown Basque favorite known for hearty set dinners, friendly service, and a casual historic setting.
Costs are moderate by California standards. Dining is fairly affordable, while hotels and cars can add up.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20% for strong service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chula Vista, CA 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.

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