How far is Bakersfield, CA from Indian Wells, CA?
The driving distance from Bakersfield, CA to Indian Wells, CA is about 102.5 miles (165 km), with a travel time of about 02h 00m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 67.5 miles (108.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 00m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 00m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Desert in southwestern United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bakersfield and Indian Wells.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bakersfield and Indian Wells.
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1
Start on Truxtun Avenue
670 ft · 20 sec · Truxtun Avenue
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2
Turn right onto L Street
1710 ft · 49 sec · L Street
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3
Turn left onto California Avenue
1.2 km · 1 min · California Avenue
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4
Turn right onto Union Avenue
1.1 mi · 1 min · Union Avenue
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5
Take the exit slight right toward CA 58 East: Mojave
1111 ft · 27 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Bakersfield Tehachapi Highway
53.5 mi · 1 hr 2 min · Bakersfield Tehachapi Highway
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7
Continue on Barstow–Bakersfield Highway
2.2 mi · 3 min · Barstow–Bakersfield Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward CA 14: Bishop, Mojave
2375 ft · 56 sec
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9
Merge slight right onto Aerospace Highway
17.1 mi · 20 min · Aerospace Highway
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10
Continue on Midland Trail
22 mi · 25 min · Midland Trail
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11
Continue on Aerospace Highway
4.4 mi · 5 min · Aerospace Highway
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12
Take the exit left
48 m · 12 sec
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13
Turn left onto Aerospace Highway
1162 ft · 15 sec · Aerospace Highway
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Aerospace Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bakersfield and Indian Wells.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Bakersfield Tehachapi Highway
Merge slight left onto Bakersfield Tehachapi Highway
53.5 mi · 01h 02m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Bakersfield and Mostly Sunny near Indian Wells.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bakersfield to Indian Wells?
The road trip is about 102.5 miles (165 km) and usually takes 02h 00m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Mojave is a useful midpoint, sitting about 51.3 miles from Bakersfield and 51.3 miles from Indian Wells.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 67.5 miles (108.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 35 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 2:30 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.88 one way or $41.77 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Bakersfield and Mostly Sunny near Indian Wells.
Stop Ideas Near Mojave
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mojave.
Mojave, California
Tehachapi, California
Lancaster, California
Palmdale (Amtrak Thruway), California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bakersfield and Indian Wells. Straight-line distance: 67.51 mi (108.64 km).
#1 Bakersfield
The fifth most populous city in California and the center of the Bakersfield metropolitan area.
| Population | 385,725 |
| Coordinates | 35.3732900, -119.0187100 |
| Altitude | 123 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Indian Wells
Town in California
| Population | 5,544 |
| Coordinates | 35.6652300, -117.8731200 |
| Altitude | 841 |
| Country | United States |
End: Indian Wells (-117.87312, 35.66523)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 165 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 03m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 27m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $20.88 | $41.77 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $21.96 | $43.92 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $22.60 | $45.20 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $27.39 | $54.79 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in California · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.