- Must visit
Kern County Museum
Large history museum with pioneer buildings, oil industry interpretation, and exhibits on life in Kern County. One of the city’s signature heritage attractions.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 56 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
342 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 11 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Bakersfield, CA on Sun, Jul 12, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct buses cover the 342 km distance in an average of 5 h 56 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest buses will take 6 h 35 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.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a train costs an average of $58.
Distance: 212 miles (342 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price |
6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA costing on average $60 (€49).
Other travel options to Bakersfield, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 8m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:01AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 7h44 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:55 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 6h55 | 11:50 AM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:40 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 6h10 | 11:50 AM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:40 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 6h50 | 3:30 PM Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:40 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 7h20 | 4:00 PM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 6h05 | 3:30 PM Bakersfield, McKee Road / South H Street (Kern Delta Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 6h35 | 4:00 PM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:45 AM San Diego, CA | 4h45 | 3:30 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:40 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 8h25 | 9:05 PM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 7h55 | 9:05 PM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 6h50 | 2:00 AM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:55 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 6h05 | 2:00 AM Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 25 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 212 miles (342 km) distance in 6h 5m.
Distance 212 miles (342 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€29) |
Buses per day 25 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 6h 5m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Bakersfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bakersfield trip today.
Large history museum with pioneer buildings, oil industry interpretation, and exhibits on life in Kern County. One of the city’s signature heritage attractions.
Regional art museum in Mill Creek Park with rotating exhibitions, California art, and community programs. A solid cultural stop in central Bakersfield.
Local natural history museum featuring geology, fossils, anthropology, and science exhibits tied to Kern County and California.
Popular waterside park with walking paths, lakes, and broad open space. One of Bakersfield’s best areas for a relaxed stroll and sunset views.
Long multi-use trail corridor following the Kern River, popular for cycling, jogging, and open-air recreation.
Major nature preserve southwest of Bakersfield with scenic drives, trails, wildflower seasons, and expansive valley landscapes.
A Bakersfield classic rooted in the city’s Basque heritage, with multiple communal courses such as soup, beans, salad, pickled tongue, pasta, fries, and a meat entrée.
A traditional Basque boarding-house starter commonly served in Bakersfield, featuring thin slices of cured and pickled beef tongue with a tangy, savory flavor.
A hearty soup long associated with Bakersfield Basque restaurants, valued for its rich broth and slow-cooked meat, often served as part of a set meal.
An established Italian-American favorite in Bakersfield, known for classic pastas, sandwiches, and a casual, bustling local atmosphere.
Historic Basque restaurant famous for family-style set dinners, classic boarding-house dishes, and a lively old-school atmosphere.
Long-running downtown Basque spot known for hearty traditional meals, strong local character, and generous portions.
Generally affordable by California standards. Hotels and casual dining are moderate, while upscale dining costs more.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants before tax; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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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