- Must visit
Kern County Museum
Well-curated local history museum with exhibits on oil, agriculture, and community life in Kern County.
Cheapest price on Oct 01
CHF40
Average ticket price on Oct 01
CHF40
Fastest journey on Oct 01
3 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 01
3 h 55 m
Buses on Oct 01
2
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA will cost around CHF40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF40.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 2 buses from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct buses cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Thu, Oct 01 the slowest buses will take 4 h 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 08:05AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF40 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF40 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:05 AM Santa Monica, CA | 3h50 | 11:55 AM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:55 AM Santa Monica, CA | 4h00 | 3:55 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.
Take a bus from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, 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 Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, 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.

Most Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA buses use the Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union 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 Santa Monica, CA and Bakersfield, 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.
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