How to Quickly Get to Bakersfield from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas

Bakersfield is a vibrant city nestled in California’s Central Valley, and while it may not have the fame of Los Angeles or Las Vegas, it certainly holds a charm and cultural significance that makes it worth visiting. The city is easily accessible from major West Coast cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. If you’re planning a visit, you have several transportation options to consider, but flying is often the most convenient and time-efficient.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the fastest ways to reach Bakersfield from these three major cities. I’ll also provide some practical tips on booking your flight, what to expect in terms of costs, and which platforms will help you secure the best deals.

1. Traveling from Los Angeles to Bakersfield

Flight Options

While Bakersfield is only about 110 miles north of Los Angeles, you might wonder if flying is really the best option. The drive via the I-5 freeway can take between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions, but for many, the hassle of navigating the busy roads is enough to consider alternative transportation. However, direct commercial flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Meadows Field Airport (BFL) are quite rare. Most travelers flying from Los Angeles to Bakersfield typically opt for connecting flights, though there are a few options to consider.

One of the more popular options is with United Airlines, which offers connecting flights with a layover in other major cities such as San Francisco or Phoenix. While these flights can take a bit longer, they often provide the best options for getting to Bakersfield quickly from LAX.

• United Airlines: Connecting Flights from LAX to BFL:
  United offers connecting flights from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, typically with a layover in cities like San Francisco (SFO) or Phoenix (PHX). These flights offer a bit more flexibility and frequency, though they are not as direct as one might hope. Most of the flights will take somewhere between 3 and 5 hours, including the layover. For example, a flight from LAX to San Francisco takes approximately 1 hour 25 minutes, followed by a layover, and then a final leg from San Francisco to Bakersfield that lasts around 1 hour 10 minutes.
• Flight Duration: The total time of travel, including layovers, typically ranges from 3 to 5 hours depending on the connecting city and the length of the layover.
• Cost: On average, you can expect one-way fares to be around $150–$200, although this may vary depending on the season, how early you book, and the availability of tickets.
• Booking Platform: You can book these flights easily through Expedia or Google Flights. Google Flights is particularly helpful if you need to compare options quickly, while Expedia may give you some added flexibility for package deals.
• Traveler Feedback: Travelers tend to appreciate the ease of booking through United, though many mention that the long layovers are a downside. The flights themselves, however, are typically smooth, and many passengers find United’s customer service to be helpful and efficient. If you want a comfortable flight with good in-flight services and enjoy the reassurance of a larger airline, United is a solid choice.

Booking Tips

• Early Booking: Flights from Los Angeles to Bakersfield can get quite expensive during peak seasons like the summer or during the holidays, so it’s essential to book as early as possible. In general, the earlier you book, the better chance you have of securing lower fares.
• Flexible Dates: Try using Google Flights to find more affordable options by tracking flexible travel dates. If you have a flexible schedule, you might find that adjusting your departure time by a few days or even a few hours can significantly impact the cost.
• Consider Alternative Airports: If you’re traveling into Bakersfield and you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, you might want to consider flying into Burbank (BUR) or Ontario (ONT), two airports located closer to the Los Angeles area than LAX. These smaller airports often have cheaper parking and fewer crowds, and they can save you some stress during your trip.

2. Traveling from San Francisco to Bakersfield

Flight Options

If you’re flying from San Francisco to Bakersfield, there are more direct flight options, making it a more straightforward journey. The distance from San Francisco to Bakersfield is about 280 miles, and flying is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to get there.

• United Airlines: Direct Flight from SFO to BFL:
  United Airlines offers a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in Bakersfield. This flight is perfect for anyone looking to get to Bakersfield quickly without the hassle of layovers.
• Flight Duration: The direct flight from SFO to BFL takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The short duration is a major draw for travelers, especially those who need to maximize their time in Bakersfield.
• Cost: The round-trip cost typically ranges from $150–$250, with one-way tickets available for as low as $150 if you book well in advance. The cost is relatively reasonable compared to other domestic flights, especially considering the convenience of a direct route.
• Booking Platform: You can book your flight through the United Airlines Official Website or Skyscanner. Skyscanner is particularly useful for comparing prices across multiple platforms.
• Traveler Feedback: Passengers generally appreciate the convenience of a direct flight, and many comment on how efficient United Airlines’ operations are. The shorter flight time is another highlight, though a few travelers have mentioned that the flight can sometimes feel a bit too short, as it leaves little time for in-flight entertainment.

Booking Tips

• Use Price Alerts: Setting up price alerts on Skyscanner or Kayak is a great way to track price changes and snag a great deal if fares drop.
• Booking During Off-Peak Hours: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider flying mid-week or during non-peak times. Flights on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to be cheaper, and early morning or late evening flights can offer lower prices.
• Check for Baggage Fees: While United is known for its service, make sure to account for baggage fees, which can increase the overall cost. Most basic fares will include a carry-on, but checked bags may come with an extra fee, especially for economy-class tickets.

3. Traveling from Las Vegas to Bakersfield

Flight Options

Las Vegas, being a major travel hub, offers a variety of flights to destinations across the country. However, if you’re heading to Bakersfield, most flights require a layover, though there are some convenient options with minimal layover time.

• American Airlines via Phoenix:
  American Airlines offers connecting flights from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) to Meadows Field Airport (BFL), with a layover in Phoenix (PHX). While this may not be the most direct option, the overall travel time is still manageable, and you have the opportunity to explore another city during your layover.
• Flight Duration: The first leg of the flight, from LAS to PHX, takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. After a brief layover of 1 hour, you’ll continue on the second leg from Phoenix to Bakersfield, which takes about 1 hour. Altogether, expect a total travel time of 3 to 4 hours, including the layover.
• Cost: Depending on when you book, one-way fares range from $180 to $250. Like many domestic flights, booking well in advance can save you money, but last-minute deals can also sometimes pop up, especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates.
• Booking Platform: You can book your flight through American Airlines Official Website or Expedia. Expedia often offers package deals, and you can frequently find bundled offers that include both flight and hotel.
• Traveler Feedback: Although the layover in Phoenix adds time to the journey, many passengers appreciate American Airlines’ smooth transitions and excellent customer service. The inflight experience is often praised, and travelers appreciate the options for in-flight entertainment, especially on longer layovers.

Booking Tips

• Last-Minute Deals: Las Vegas is a popular travel hub, so if you’re flexible, booking last-minute flights via Expedia or Priceline can help you find some excellent deals.
• Traveling During Off-Peak Days: As with most domestic flights, flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tends to offer cheaper tickets. Avoid weekends and holidays, as prices tend to spike during these times.

These flight options from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas offer the best ways to quickly reach Bakersfield. Whether you’re traveling for business, a quick getaway, or a family trip, each of these routes provides a balance of convenience, cost, and comfort.

4. General Flight Booking Tips

While you may find direct flights convenient, sometimes layovers are unavoidable. Regardless, here are some additional tips for securing the best deals:

• Use Price Comparison Tools: Sites like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to compare prices across various airlines and booking platforms.
• Sign Up for Airline Newsletters: Most airlines send exclusive deals and promotions to their subscribers.
• Book Flights in Advance: The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing the lowest price, especially if you’re traveling during a peak period.

5. Recommended Flight Booking Platforms

When it comes to booking your flights, these platforms are reliable and user-friendly:

• Expedia: A one-stop platform for booking flights, hotels, and rental cars.
• Google Flights: Ideal for flexible travel plans, Google Flights offers a seamless experience for comparing multiple airlines.
• Skyscanner: Known for finding hidden gems and providing a variety of options.
• Kayak: Offers competitive pricing, and its price alerts ensure you never miss a deal.

Reaching Bakersfield from Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Las Vegas can be easy and efficient if you know where to look. By following the tips provided, you can ensure a smooth and affordable journey to this unique California city.