- Must visit
Kern County Museum
Large local history museum with dozens of historic buildings, regional exhibits, and a strong introduction to Kern County’s oil, agriculture, and pioneer past.
Flights from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA depart on average 26 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $242 (€199) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.
There are 1 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:10, the last at 23:56. The fastest flight covers the 251 miles (404 km) distance in 1h 17m. August is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 251 miles (404 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $242 (€199) |
Flights per day 26 |
Direct flights 1 |
Fastest flight 1h 17m |
First flight 12:10 AM |
Last flight 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Cheapest price
$441
Average price
$582
Fastest journey
1 h 17 m
Average duration
6 h 45 m
Flights per day
4
Distance
404 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA will cost around $582 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $441.
Of the 4 flights that leave San Francisco, CA for Bakersfield, CA onThu, Jul 02, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct flights cover the 404 km distance in an average of 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 1 h 17 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the longest flights will take 14 h 28 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $242.
Distance: 251 miles (404 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$499 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $71 Average price | $57 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 56m Average total duration 6h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration 6h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA:
A train is $0.41 (€0.34) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA costing on average $71 (€58).
A train is $429 (€353) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA costing on average $499 (€411).
Other travel options to Bakersfield, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 26m.
Bus takes on average 6h 51m.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA flights for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UA1596 · UA1322 | 2:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h28 | 8:48 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
UA1430 · UA4668 | 4:10 PM San Francisco International Airport | 20h50 | 1:00 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
UA1430 · UA1322 | 4:10 PM San Francisco International Airport | 28h38 | 8:48 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
UA1214 · UA4668 | 5:30 PM San Francisco International Airport | 19h30 | 1:00 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
UA1214 · UA1322 | 5:30 PM San Francisco International Airport | 27h18 | 8:48 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
UA2436 · UA1322 | 6:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 25h52 | 8:48 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
AA2544+ AA3804 | 6:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 14h05 | 9:01 AM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
UA2436 · UA4668 | 6:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 18h04 | 1:00 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
UA2019 · UA4668 | 7:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 17h04 | 1:00 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
UA2019 · UA1322 | 7:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 24h52 | 8:48 PM Meadows Field | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:00 AM San Francisco, CA | 14h28 | 5:28 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 1 | |||||
UA4737 | 10:35 PM San Francisco International Airport | 1h24 | 11:59 PM Meadows Field | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2278 · UA526 · UA4668 | 10:38 PM San Francisco International Airport | 14h22 | 1:00 PM Meadows Field | 2 transfers | |
UA2278 · UA1217 · UA4668 | 10:38 PM San Francisco International Airport | 14h22 | 1:00 PM Meadows Field | 2 transfers | |
UA2278 · UA2806 · UA4668 | 10:38 PM San Francisco International Airport | 14h22 | 1:00 PM Meadows Field | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 5:27 PM San Francisco, CA | 1h17 | 6:44 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:45 PM San Francisco, CA | 1h22 | 7:07 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:10 PM San Francisco, CA | 9h53 | 5:03 AM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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.
Discover the best of Bakersfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bakersfield trip today.
Large local history museum with dozens of historic buildings, regional exhibits, and a strong introduction to Kern County’s oil, agriculture, and pioneer past.
Family-friendly museum focused on geology, paleontology, fossils, and regional natural history, including hands-on displays popular with children.
Well-regarded art museum in Mill Creek Park featuring rotating exhibitions, California art, sculpture, and a compact but attractive campus.
The city’s main historic and cultural district, with theaters, murals, civic landmarks, nightlife, and some of Bakersfield’s most walkable blocks.
Popular waterfront park with lakeside paths, broad lawns, and sunset views; one of the city’s most photogenic and relaxing public spaces.
Scenic bluff-top walking area with sweeping views over the Kern River corridor and city, especially popular for sunrise and sunset walks.
Central California barbecue staple featuring beef tri-tip seasoned simply and grilled over red oak. It is closely tied to the region and commonly enjoyed at local steakhouses and barbecue spots.
A traditional multi-course meal reflecting Bakersfield's strong Basque heritage, often including soup, beans, salad, pickled tongue, fries, and a meat main course served family-style.
Hearty soup long associated with Bakersfield Basque restaurants. Rich, slow-cooked, and comforting, it is one of the city's most recognizable heritage dishes.
Long-running Basque restaurant serving hearty traditional meals in a classic, no-frills setting. Known for communal dining and strong local character.
Established Italian-American favorite known for sandwiches, pasta, and a bustling old-school deli atmosphere. A Bakersfield institution with loyal local following.
Popular casual spot for breakfast and comfort food, valued for friendly service and generous portions in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Costs are generally lower than in major California cities, with moderate prices for meals, transport, and hotels.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants before tax. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 for helpful service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA by flight. 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 flight, 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 San Francisco, CA to Bakersfield, CA flights use the San Francisco International Airport to Meadows Field airport pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Bakersfield, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
San Francisco International Airport is 1 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, Lounge, and Lost and Found Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San Francisco International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco International Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need