- Must visit
Kern County Museum
Well-curated local history museum with exhibits on oil, agriculture, and community life in Kern County.
Take a train from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA and enjoy the approximately 201 miles (324 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 16:02.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Bakersfield, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA trains use the Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center to Bakersfield Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Cruz, CA and Bakersfield, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court with various options available.
Free WiFi available throughout the station. ATMs are several ATMs available near ticket counters.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center.
Available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Station is fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
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.
Check train stations information for Santa Cruz, CA and Bakersfield, CA, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.