How far is Bakersfield, CA from Van Nuys, CA?
The driving distance from Bakersfield, CA to Van Nuys, CA is about 98.3 miles (158.2 km), with a travel time of about 01h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 88.1 miles (141.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 51m 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 01h 55m.
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.
City in California, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Bakersfield and Van Nuys.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bakersfield and Van Nuys.
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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 · 51 sec · L Street
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3
Turn right onto California Avenue
1.5 mi · 2 min · California Avenue
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4
Take the ramp slight right toward CA 99 South
1049 ft · 26 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto Golden State Freeway
24.7 mi · 27 min · Golden State Freeway
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6
Keep slight left to continue on Golden State Freeway
58.2 mi · 1 hr 7 min · Golden State Freeway
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Golden State Freeway
4.1 mi · 5 min · Golden State Freeway
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8
Keep slight right to continue on I 405 South
1354 ft · 18 sec
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9
Keep slight right
7.1 mi · 8 min
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Van Nuys, Victory Boulevard
105 m · 29 sec
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11
Continue on Van Nuys
158 m · 29 sec
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12
Turn left onto Haskell Avenue
1017 ft · 29 sec · Haskell Avenue
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13
Turn left onto Victory Boulevard
1.5 mi · 3 min · Victory Boulevard
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Victory Boulevard
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Bakersfield and Van Nuys.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Golden State Freeway
Keep slight left to continue on Golden State Freeway
58.2 mi · 01h 07m
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 Sunny near Van Nuys.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Bakersfield to Van Nuys?
The road trip is about 98.3 miles (158.2 km) and usually takes 01h 55m 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?
Lebec is a useful midpoint, sitting about 49.2 miles from Bakersfield and 49.1 miles from Van Nuys.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 88.1 miles (141.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.2 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 2:38 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.02 one way or $40.04 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 30.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Bakersfield and Sunny near Van Nuys.
Stop Ideas Near Lebec
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 Lebec.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Bakersfield and Van Nuys. Straight-line distance: 88.13 mi (141.83 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 Van Nuys
Located in the central San Fernando Valley, this Los Angeles neighborhood is a densely populated area.
| Population | 136,443 |
| Coordinates | 34.18667, -118.44897 |
| Altitude | - |
| Country | United States |
End: Van Nuys (-118.44897, 34.18667)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 158 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 16m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 38m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $20.02 | $40.04 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $21.05 | $42.10 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $21.66 | $43.33 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $26.26 | $52.51 |
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 · May 02, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.