- 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
$46
Average price
$85
Fastest journey
4h 45m
Average duration
6h 43m
Buses per day
11
Distance
326 km
Omio 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)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$60 Average price | $55 Average price Cheapest |
5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 5h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus 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.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:10 AM San Diego, CA | 6h30 | 5:40 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:10 PM San Diego, CA | 6h30 | 6:40 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
![]() | 12:10 AM San Diego, CA | 5h20 | 5:30 AM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:01 AM San Diego, CA | 7h39 | 12:40 PM Bakersfield, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train 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.
Trains from San Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 (€47) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 23:20. The fastest train covers the 212 miles (342 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 212 miles (342 km) |
Average train duration 5h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€47) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 5h 20m |
First train 4:01 AM |
Last train 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
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 train. 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 train, 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 Diego, CA to Bakersfield, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Bakersfield Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Bakersfield, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Bakersfield Station is 1 km from Bakersfield city centre. Public transport options include:
Bakersfield Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: 24th Street Cafe, Wool Growers Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Bakersfield Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bakersfield Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bakersfield Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Padre Hotel, Marriott Bakersfield.
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