- Must visit
Kern County Museum
Open-air history museum with dozens of restored buildings, regional exhibits, and Pioneer Village showcasing Kern County heritage.
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
5 h 39 m
Average duration
5 h 39 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
149 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Luis Obispo, 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 Luis Obispo, CA to Bakersfield, CA will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
Of the 2 buses that leave San Luis Obispo, CA for Bakersfield, CA on Sat, Jun 20, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 149 km distance in an average of 5 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 39 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 5 h 39 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 Amtrak | Departure Time 04:00AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:11PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 9h34 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:39PM | Duration 5h39 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 10:39PM | Duration 5h39 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $67 |
The table below shows live departures for San Luis Obispo, CA to Bakersfield, CA buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:00 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 5h39 | 9:39 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:00 PM San Luis Obispo, CA | 5h39 | 10:39 PM Bakersfield, 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.
Buses from San Luis Obispo, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $66 (€54) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 16:30. The fastest bus covers the 92 miles (149 km) distance in 5h 39m.
Distance 92 miles (149 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€54) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 5h 39m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 4:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
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.
Open-air history museum with dozens of restored buildings, regional exhibits, and Pioneer Village showcasing Kern County heritage.
Leading local art museum featuring rotating contemporary and regional exhibitions, sculpture garden, and community programs in Mill Creek Park.
Family-friendly museum focused on geology, paleontology, fossils, and natural sciences with hands-on displays in downtown Bakersfield.
The city's main historic and cultural core with theaters, murals, civic landmarks, and a growing arts and nightlife scene.
Popular lakeside park with walking paths, bridges, and sunset views, frequently featured in local social media content.
Scenic bluff-top walking area with sweeping city and Kern River views, especially popular at sunrise and sunset.
A Bakersfield classic rooted in the city’s Basque community, usually served in boardinghouse restaurants with soup, salad, beans, pickled tongue, fries, pasta, and a grilled meat main.
Central California barbecue favorite featuring seasoned beef tri-tip grilled over red oak or similar wood. It is widely loved in Bakersfield and across the San Joaquin Valley.
Bakersfield is known for strong Mexican food culture, and simple street-style tacos with carne asada, carnitas, onion, cilantro, and salsa are a local staple.
A Bakersfield institution blending Italian American comfort food with local tradition. Known for ravioli, sandwiches, and a bustling, historic atmosphere.
Iconic Basque restaurant known for classic family-style meals, cocktails, and a historic boardinghouse atmosphere. One of Bakersfield’s signature dining experiences.
Long-running downtown Basque spot serving hearty family-style dinners and traditional specialties in a casual, old-Bakersfield setting.
Generally cheaper than major California cities. Hotels and dining are moderate, while car travel and some attractions add costs.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants; 20% for strong service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 where helpful.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Luis Obispo, 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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