Traveling by Amtrak to Bakersfield, California is one of the easiest and most scenic ways to explore California’s Central Valley or to connect between Northern and Southern California. Bakersfield is a key transportation hub in Amtrak’s system—especially for travelers using the San Joaquins route, one of Amtrak’s busiest in the state.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through which Amtrak routes go to Bakersfield, current schedules, typical ticket prices, and tips for booking your trip. Whether you’re traveling from Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, or even Los Angeles (via thruway bus), this post will help you plan your Amtrak journey to Bakersfield with confidence.
Why Choose Amtrak to Bakersfield?
There are several great reasons to take Amtrak when traveling to Bakersfield:
- 🚆 Comfortable travel: Spacious seats, onboard restrooms, and air conditioning make it a more relaxing experience than driving.
- 🌄 Scenic views: Ride through farmland, orchards, and small towns along the Central Valley.
- 💰 Affordable pricing: Competitive fares, especially when you book early or travel off-peak.
- 🚌 Seamless connections: Through Bakersfield Station, you can continue south to Los Angeles and beyond with Amtrak’s Thruway Bus Service.
Amtrak Routes That Serve Bakersfield
🚉 1. Amtrak San Joaquins Route
The Amtrak San Joaquins is the primary train service that stops in Bakersfield. This route runs between Oakland or Sacramento in the north and Bakersfield in the south, covering over 400 miles through California’s heartland.
Key cities on the route include:
- Oakland (Jack London Square)
- Sacramento
- Stockton
- Modesto
- Merced
- Fresno
- Hanford
- Wasco
- Bakersfield
This route is used by both commuters and long-distance travelers, and Bakersfield serves as a major terminus station for the San Joaquins.
Connecting to Southern Californi
While there is no direct Amtrak train service south of Bakersfield, Amtrak provides dedicated Thruway Bus connections that are timed to meet the trains. These buses can take you to:
- Los Angeles Union Station
- Van Nuys
- Hollywood
- Long Beach
- San Diego
- Santa Ana
The Bakersfield-to-Los Angeles Thruway Bus segment is one of the busiest in the country and is included when you book your Amtrak trip as a whole itinerary.
Amtrak Bakersfield Schedule (San Joaquins)
Amtrak San Joaquins operates seven daily trains in each direction, running from early morning to early evening.
General Daily Schedule:
- Southbound (To Bakersfield): Depart from Sacramento or Oakland as early as 6:00 AM with final trains leaving in the early evening.
- Northbound (From Bakersfield): First departures begin around 4:30 AM, with final departures by 6:30 PM.
Travel time varies depending on where you’re coming from:
- Oakland to Bakersfield: ~6 hours
- Sacramento to Bakersfield: ~5.5 hours
- Fresno to Bakersfield: ~2 hours
👉 Tip: Always check the latest schedule on the Amtrak website or app, as times can change seasonally or due to track work.
How Much Does It Cost to Take Amtrak to Bakersfield?
Amtrak ticket prices are based on a flexible pricing system, so fares can change depending on availability, travel dates, and how far in advance you book.
🎟️ Sample One-Way Ticket Prices:
- Fresno to Bakersfield: $18 – $25
- Merced to Bakersfield: $25 – $30
- Sacramento to Bakersfield: $40 – $55
- Oakland to Bakersfield: $45 – $65
- Los Angeles to Bakersfield (via bus): ~$60 total including bus connection
To get the lowest fares, book your ticket in advance and look for Saver or Value fares on Amtrak’s website or app.
Where to Buy Amtrak Tickets to Bakersfield
Booking a trip on Amtrak is simple and can be done through multiple channels:
- ✅ Online: Amtrak.com
- 📱 Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android
- 🏢 In Person: Ticket kiosks or staffed stations
- 📞 By Phone: Call Amtrak’s customer service
Most travelers find that booking online is the fastest and easiest way to reserve seats and view schedule info.
Bakersfield Amtrak Station: What to Know
Bakersfield Station (Station Code: BFD) is located in downtown Bakersfield and offers easy access to local transportation, dining, and hotels.
📍 Address:
601 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301
🕒 Station Hours:
Approx. 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (check current hours before travel)
🧳 Amenities at the station:
- Comfortable waiting area
- Ticket counter
- Clean restrooms
- Short-term parking
- Bus connections (right outside the station)
Whether you’re arriving or departing, Bakersfield’s Amtrak station is safe, modern, and traveler-friendly.
Helpful Travel Tips for Taking Amtrak to Bakersfield
If this is your first time traveling to Bakersfield by train, here are a few useful tips:
- 💡 Arrive 30 minutes early, especially if you have baggage to check or are taking a Thruway bus connection.
- 🎒 Carry-on bags are free (limit applies), and you can check luggage on some San Joaquins trains.
- ☕ Bring snacks or grab something from the onboard café car (available on most trains).
- 🚲 Bringing a bike? You can reserve a bike slot when booking.
- 📅 Holiday travel fills fast! Book early for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and long weekends.
Final Thoughts: Amtrak is a Great Way to Reach Bakersfield
Taking Amtrak to Bakersfield is a smart, stress-free alternative to driving or flying. With frequent service, affordable fares, and convenient bus connections to Los Angeles and beyond, Amtrak’s San Joaquins route makes exploring California simple and scenic.
Whether you’re a first-time rider or a regular Amtrak traveler, Bakersfield is a major gateway worth knowing about.