The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA
Cheapest price
$0
Average price
$-0
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
3 h 55 m
Buses per day
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.
Of the 2 buses that leave Santa Monica, CA for Bakersfield, CA on Fri, Jan 02, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 02 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 Fri, Jan 02 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.




Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $30 |
Live departures
Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA buses for tomorrow, Friday, January 2. 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. | |||||
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Compare prices and tickets Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA by bus
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA
Buses from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) if you book in advance.
There are 13 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 20m.
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 13 |
Fastest bus 2h 20m |
First bus 00:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Bus providers: FlixBus from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA with FlixBus for as low as $37 (€30). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA
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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Kern County Museum, a historical museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits from the region's past
- Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, a music venue and restaurant dedicated to the legacy of country music star Buck Owens
- California Living Museum (CALM), a zoo and botanical garden focusing on native California wildlife and plants
- Bakersfield Museum of Art, featuring a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional artworks
- Hart Memorial Park, a large public park offering picnic areas, fishing spots, and scenic views along the Kern River.
- Explore the vibrant downtown Bakersfield area, with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues
- Attend a live performance at the historic Fox Theater, known for its stunning architecture and diverse lineup of shows
- Enjoy a day of hiking or biking at the Panorama Vista Preserve, offering beautiful trails and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Visit the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, featuring fascinating exhibits on paleontology, geology, and anthropology
- Experience local flavors at the Bakersfield Farmers Market, where you can find fresh produce and artisanal goods.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Santa Monica, CA to Bakersfield, CA
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