Bakersfield

The questions people ask first about Bakersfield, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
• SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
• Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
• TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
• SafetyBakersfield is a normal mid-size US city: the main risks are summer heat, winter tule fog on the highways, and quiet downtown blocks after dark.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee$4–6
• Sit-down mealBasque dinner (family-style, per person)Mostly set menus; wine extra.$30–50
• BeerDraught beer at a brewery$7–9
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or rideshare3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or rideshare$12–18
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Kern County Museum, BMoA, Buena Vista)check current prices$8–10 adult
• Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
• Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$140
• High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$220

A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$150 · High US$260

Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

BFL Meadows Field (About 18 km (11 mi) north of downtown off Hwy 99; American Eagle to Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth, United Express to Denver and San Francisco. Rental cars on site; no public bus to the terminal.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About 190 km (120 mi) south; the main alternative for more airlines. Direct shuttle buses run to Bakersfield (check current operators and times).)BFL Meadows Field (About 11 mi (18 km) north of downtown off Hwy 99; American Eagle to Phoenix and Dallas-Fort Worth, United Express to Denver and San Francisco. Rental cars on site; no public bus to the terminal.) · LAX Los Angeles International (About 120 mi (190 km) south; the main alternative for more airlines. Direct shuttle buses run to Bakersfield (check current operators and times).)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

$70–110 excl. bed

Mid

$110–190 excl. bed

High

$190+ excl. bed

• Summer heat is real: 35–38°C (95–100°F) days and little shade downtown — carry water and plan indoor stops midday.Summer heat is real: 95–100°F (35–38°C) days and little shade downtown — carry water and plan indoor stops midday.
• Winter tule fog can cut visibility on CA-99 and CA-58; drive with lights on and allow extra time.
• Biking is not a safe default: most lanes sit on fast arterial roads.
• Some downtown blocks are quiet after dark; stick to the 19th & Eye area and use a rideshare after 22:00.Some downtown blocks are quiet after dark; stick to the 19th & Eye area and use a rideshare after 10:00 PM.