How far is Van Nuys, CA from Bakersfield, CA?
The driving distance from Van Nuys, CA to Bakersfield, CA is about 100.4 miles (161.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 56m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 88.1 miles (141.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 53m 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 56m.
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
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Van Nuys and Bakersfield.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Van Nuys and Bakersfield.
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1
Start on Victory Boulevard
1.4 mi · 3 min · Victory Boulevard
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2
Take the ramp right toward I 405 North: San Diego Freeway
899 ft · 24 sec
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3
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
7.5 mi · 9 min · San Diego Freeway
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4
Merge slight right
1.6 mi · 2 min
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5
Keep slight right to continue on I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
1.5 mi · 2 min
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6
Keep slight left
36.1 mi · 42 min
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7
Keep slight left to continue on Golden State Freeway
22.3 mi · 25 min · Golden State Freeway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Golden State Freeway
25.3 mi · 28 min · Golden State Freeway
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9
Take the exit slight right toward California Avenue
1301 ft · 36 sec
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10
Turn right onto California Avenue
1.2 mi · 2 min · California Avenue
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11
Turn left onto Chester Avenue
1765 ft · 39 sec · Chester Avenue
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12
Turn right onto Truxtun Avenue
6 m · 1 sec · Truxtun Avenue
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Truxtun Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Van Nuys 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.
I 5 Truck North
Keep slight left
36.1 mi · 00h 42m
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.
Sunny leaving Van Nuys 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 Van Nuys to Bakersfield?
The road trip is about 100.4 miles (161.5 km) and usually takes 01h 56m 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 48.9 miles from Van Nuys and 51.4 miles from Bakersfield.
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 12.3 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 2:36 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $20.42 one way or $40.84 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 31.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Van Nuys and Mostly Sunny near Bakersfield.
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 Van Nuys and Bakersfield. Straight-line distance: 88.13 mi (141.83 km).
#1 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 |
#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: 161 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 00m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $20.42 | $40.84 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $21.47 | $42.95 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $22.10 | $44.20 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $26.79 | $53.57 |
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.