Fastest way from Bakersfield to Los Angeles: Flight, about 1h 4min (from €204). Cheapest: Bus, from €21 (about 1h 50min – 2h 50min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound, Tufesa Internacional; main departure point: Bakersfield Train Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Bakersfield to Los Angeles
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Bakersfield Train Station | €21 | 13 |
| Greyhound | Bus | Bakersfield Train Station | €25 | 8 |
| Tufesa Internacional | Bus | Bakersfield Tufesa Central | €46 | 5 |
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Practical tips
For a hop this short, the bus is usually the smarter choice. Once you add airport transfers and security, the plane rarely saves real time. Keep it for tight connections to an international or long-haul flight.
In the US, a bus stop can be a street corner rather than a station. Read the departure address on your confirmation and look it up on a map the day before, so you do not wait at the wrong place.
Los Angeles is huge, and the arrival stop may be far from your accommodation. Check where you are dropped off and plan the last leg by metro, rideshare or taxi before you travel.
Do not book the final departure of the day if you can help it. A delay or a missed bus could leave you stranded. Choose an earlier service to keep a safety margin, especially with a flight afterwards.
Fares are lowest when you book ahead, and the e-ticket arrives instantly. Save it on your phone, with a screenshot in case of poor signal, and arrive at the stop a little early.
The journey experience
Bakersfield to Los Angeles is one of the most common hops in Southern California, and you can sort out the best option in a minute. Two choices are realistic here: the bus and the plane. The page shows durations and price ranges side by side, so you can compare them at a glance before booking.
The bus is the straightforward option for most independent travellers. It runs along the Central Valley and over the mountains into the Los Angeles basin, with reclining seats, luggage space under the bus and often Wi-Fi and power outlets on board. It drops you in the city, so there is no airport transfer to organise. A flight is much faster in the air, but you still need to get to the airport, arrive early for security and then reach your final neighbourhood in Los Angeles, which eats into the advantage.
Our advice: for most trips the bus is the sensible, budget-friendly choice, and the plane only makes sense if you are already connecting to a long-haul flight. Always check the exact departure stop and the arrival stop on your e-ticket, because Los Angeles has several drop-off points. Book early for the best fares, keep your confirmation on your phone and you will arrive without surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Bakersfield → Los Angeles
For most travellers the bus is the best balance of price and simplicity: it takes you from city to city with no airport procedures. The plane is much quicker in the air, but once you add the airport transfers and security, it mainly makes sense if you are connecting to another flight.
By bus, the journey takes about 1 h 50 to 2 h 50 depending on the departure, traffic and the stops on the route. The flight is about 1 h 05 in the air, but this does not include getting to the airport, check-in and security, so the real gap is smaller.
Bus tickets start from €21, and typically go up to €32 depending on the date and how early you book. Flights start from €204. For a trip this short, the bus is clearly the budget option, and booking ahead helps you secure the lowest fares.
The departure and arrival points depend on the operator and the service you choose, and in the US a stop can be a street corner rather than a station. The exact addresses are shown on your booking and e-ticket, so check them and locate both on a map before travelling.
It depends on the service you pick. Your booking shows whether a departure is direct or includes a connection, so check this before paying. If a change is listed, leave yourself a comfortable margin between the two buses rather than choosing a very tight transfer.
Why visit Los Angeles?
- ✓ Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame and take in the view of the Hollywood Sign from Griffith Observatory
- ✓ Spend a sunset on Santa Monica Pier and cycle the beachfront path to Venice Beach
- ✓ Tour a film studio at Universal Studios Hollywood or Warner Bros. Studio
- ✓ Explore the Getty Center for world-class art, gardens and panoramic city views
- ✓ Browse the Grand Central Market and the street art of the Arts District in Downtown LA
When to visit Los Angeles?
MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE
March to May and September to November — warm sunny days, mild evenings and fewer crowds than in summer
What to do in Los Angeles?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Los Angeles?
Plan 4 to 5 days to cover the essentials: Hollywood, Santa Monica and Venice, Griffith Observatory, Getty Center and a studio tour. With 3 days, stick to two or three areas to limit time lost in traffic. Rent a car or budget for rideshares, as distances are huge, and avoid driving between 4 and 7 pm.
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