How far is San Diego, CA from Bakersfield, CA?
Fastest route
The distance from San Diego, California to Bakersfield, California is approximately 232 miles (374 kilometers). The fastest route, considering current traffic conditions, is via I-5 N. Here are some tips and suggestions for the journey:
Directions
- Head west on Broadway toward 3rd Ave.
- Turn right onto First Ave.
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left to merge onto I-5 N toward Los Angeles.
- Follow I-5 N and CA-99 N to California Ave in Bakersfield. Take exit 25 from CA-99 N.
- Continue onto San Diego Fwy, and then onto I-5 N/San Diego Fwy. Please note that parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days.
- Keep right to stay on I-5 N.
- Keep left at the fork to stay on I-5 N, following signs for Santa Ana.
- Keep right to stay on I-5 N.
- Keep right at the fork to stay on I-5 N, following signs for Interstate 5 N/Sacramento.
- Keep left at the fork to stay on I-5 N. Please be aware that parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days.
- Keep left at the fork to continue on CA-99 N, following signs for Bakersfield/Fresno.
- Please note that parts of this road may be closed at certain times or days.
- Take exit 25 toward California Ave.
- Continue on California Ave. Drive to Chester Ave.
- Turn right onto California Ave.
- Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto Chester Ave.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Before starting your journey, make sure to check the traffic conditions on the route to adjust your travel time accordingly.
- ⛽ It's a good idea to fill up your gas tank before hitting the road to ensure you have enough fuel for the entire journey.
- 🚧 Keep an eye out for any road closures or construction work along the way, as they may affect your travel time.
- 📱 Consider using a navigation app or GPS device to help you stay on the correct route and navigate through any detours or traffic congestion.
- 🍴 If you're planning to make a stop for a meal, look for restaurants or rest areas along the route to take a break and refuel yourself.
- 🚘 Remember to obey traffic laws and speed limits for a safe and smooth journey.
- 📅 Check the weather forecast before your trip to be prepared for any potential weather conditions that may impact your drive.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 03h 46m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Census-designated place in Los Angeles County, California, 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 San Diego and Bakersfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Diego and Bakersfield.
-
1
Start on Front Street
8 m · 6 sec · Front Street
-
2
Turn left onto West Broadway
88 m · 12 sec · West Broadway
-
3
Turn left onto 1st Avenue
3072 ft · 1 min · 1st Avenue
-
4
Take the ramp left toward I 5 North: Los Angeles
1017 ft · 25 sec
-
5
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
13.5 mi · 16 min · San Diego Freeway
-
6
Keep slight left to continue on San Diego Freeway
36.3 mi · 43 min · San Diego Freeway
-
7
Keep slight right to continue on San Diego Freeway
18.1 mi · 21 min · San Diego Freeway
-
8
Keep slight left to continue on San Diego Freeway
7.4 mi · 9 min · San Diego Freeway
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on Bake Parkway
1.6 mi · 2 min
-
10
Keep slight right
6 mi · 7 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward Jamboree Road
1266 ft · 17 sec
-
12
Continue straight
527 ft · 11 sec
-
13
Turn right onto Jamboree Road
760 ft · 18 sec · Jamboree Road
-
14
Turn left onto El Camino Real
2.2 mi · 5 min · El Camino Real
-
15
Turn left onto Newport Avenue
109 m · 14 sec · Newport Avenue
-
16
Take the ramp right toward I 5 North: Los Angeles
1127 ft · 17 sec
-
17
Merge slight left onto Santa Ana Freeway
1.3 mi · 1 min · Santa Ana Freeway
-
18
Keep slight right to continue on Santa Ana Freeway
1.7 mi · 2 min · Santa Ana Freeway
-
19
Keep slight right to continue on Santa Ana Freeway
9.4 mi · 11 min · Santa Ana Freeway
-
20
Keep slight right to continue on Santa Ana Freeway
18 mi · 21 min · Santa Ana Freeway
-
21
Keep slight right to continue on Golden State Freeway
25.5 mi · 30 min · Golden State Freeway
-
22
Keep slight left to continue on Golden State Freeway
2.2 mi · 3 min · Golden State Freeway
-
23
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
1.5 mi · 2 min
-
24
Keep slight left
36.1 mi · 42 min
-
25
Keep slight left to continue on Golden State Freeway
22.3 mi · 25 min · Golden State Freeway
-
26
Keep slight left to continue on Golden State Freeway
25.3 mi · 28 min · Golden State Freeway
-
27
Take the exit slight right toward California Avenue
1301 ft · 36 sec
-
28
Turn right onto California Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · California Avenue
-
29
Turn left onto Chester Avenue
1765 ft · 41 sec · Chester Avenue
-
30
Turn right onto Truxtun Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · Truxtun Avenue
-
31
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Truxtun Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between San Diego and Bakersfield.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
San Diego Freeway
Keep slight left to continue on San Diego Freeway
36.3 mi · 00h 43m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Mostly Sunny leaving San Diego and Mostly Sunny near Bakersfield.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from San Diego to Bakersfield?
The road trip is about 238 miles (383.1 km) and usually takes 03h 46m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
East Los Angeles is a useful midpoint, sitting about 115.9 miles from San Diego and 122 miles from Bakersfield.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 212.1 miles (341.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 25.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:28 AM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $48.46 one way or $96.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 74.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around San Diego and Mostly Sunny near Bakersfield.
Stop Ideas Near East Los Angeles
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Bell Gardens Inn Los Angeles
City of South El Monte City Hall
City of Los Angeles
City Of El Monte Public Works Department
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to East Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Union Station
Pasadena, California
Glendale Transportation Center
Westchester, CA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between San Diego and Bakersfield. Straight-line distance: 212.08 mi (341.31 km).
#1 San Diego
The eighth most populous city in the United States and the center of the San Diego metropolitan area.
| Population | 1,422,420 |
| Coordinates | 32.7157100, -117.1647200 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| Country | United States |
#2 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 |
End: Truxtun Avenue (-119.01871, 35.373244)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 383 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 07h 55m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 05h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 04h 45m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 58m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $48.46 | $96.92 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $50.95 | $101.91 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $52.44 | $104.88 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $63.56 | $127.13 |
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 22, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.