Car Rental at Meadows Field Airport (BFL) from $38

Reasons to book a car rental at Bakersfield Airport

Renting a car at Bakersfield Airport is an excellent choice for road trippers, adventurers, and business travelers seeking the freedom to explore the surrounding area at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and enjoy flexible travel plans. The convenience of having a car allows you to visit key attractions like the Dignity Health Arena, located just 4 miles away, and the historic Bakersfield College, also 4 miles from the airport. You can immerse yourself in culture at the Kern County Museum, situated only 3 miles away. Additionally, the neighborhoods surrounding Bakersfield offer exciting destinations such as Downtown Bakersfield, 4 miles from the airport, featuring the Bakersfield Museum of Art and Kern County Fairgrounds, and Oildale, just 2 miles away, where you can find both the Dignity Health Arena and Kern County Museum. Families and budget-conscious travelers will find this option particularly appealing, as it provides an opportunity to explore local gems with ease and flexibility. Renting a car ensures you won’t miss out on the unique experiences Bakersfield has to offer while enjoying the comfort of your own transportation.

Most popular car rentals near Bakersfield Airport

• Midsize: The midsize car is a popular choice at Bakersfield airport, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for couples and families looking to explore the Bakersfield area comfortably and with ease. With a midsize vehicle, you can enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace while managing your luggage effortlessly.
• Fullsize: For families or groups, the fullsize car is a top pick at Bakersfield airport, offering seating for 5 travelers along with capacity for up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This car type provides ample space for everyone’s belongings, making it ideal for those planning longer road trips or adventures. With a fullsize vehicle, you can travel with comfort and convenience.
• Compact: If you're traveling solo or as a couple, the compact car is an excellent option at Bakersfield airport. It fits 5 travelers and allows for up to 3 medium suitcases, making it suitable for smaller groups or families on a budget. The compact size also enhances maneuverability, particularly in urban settings, providing a smooth and efficient travel experience while allowing for easy luggage management.

Top rated car suppliers near Bakersfield Airport

• National Car Rental: National Car Rental is a popular choice among travelers at Bakersfield airport, located only 0.9 miles away. Known for its efficient service and short wait times, it offers a hassle-free experience for those renting vehicles. The most booked options include Midsize and Fullsize SUVs, making it an excellent choice for families or groups looking for comfort and space while exploring the area.
• Hertz: Hertz is conveniently situated 0.7 miles from Bakersfield airport, making it easy to access for travelers. Renowned for its wide selection of vehicles, Hertz primarily sees bookings for Midsize and Fullsize cars, catering to a variety of preferences and needs. This supplier’s reputation for reliability and quality ensures that you can embark on your journey with confidence.
• Avis: Avis, located 0.8 miles away from Bakersfield airport, is another great option for car rentals. With a focus on Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, Avis provides choices that suit both leisure and business travelers. Its close proximity and commitment to customer satisfaction make it a solid choice for those looking to explore the attractions around Bakersfield at their own pace.

Where to go near Bakersfield Airport

• Downtown Bakersfield: Located 4 miles away from the airport, Downtown Bakersfield offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly entertainment and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the Dignity Health Arena for arena entertainment, the Bakersfield Museum of Art for a taste of local culture, and the Kern County Fairgrounds for outdoor activities. The area sees peak visitor numbers in March to April and July, making it an ideal time to experience the lively atmosphere.
• Oildale: Situated 2 miles from the airport, Oildale is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and family experiences. Key attractions include the Dignity Health Arena for entertainment, the Kern County Museum for cultural insights, and Bakersfield College, a historic university. The best times to visit Oildale are February to March and July, when the area enjoys a surge in traveler arrivals.
• West Park Community: This neighborhood is located 4 miles away from the airport and offers a blend of outdoor scenery and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy the Dignity Health Arena for entertainment and the Kern County Fairgrounds for outdoor fun. Peak seasons for West Park Community are in March, July, and October, making these months ideal for experiencing its welcoming atmosphere.

9 tips to save on your Bakersfield Airport car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for extra luggage, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It's generally advisable to reserve your BFL car rental as early as possible to secure lower rates and a wider selection. Booking 1-3 months in advance is ideal, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—like SUVs or luxury models—might have limited availability. This can also impact renters over the age of 70. Always verify age requirements before finalizing your reservation.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Compact or economy cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most economical choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can help you prevent unexpected costs and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It's easy to add insurance when booking through Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend a lot of time on the road, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid extra charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Bakersfield Airport

The best time to rent a car from Bakersfield Airport is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February follows closely with similar pricing and demand patterns. Moving into March and April, prices remain average while demand dips slightly, making these months a good option as well. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, characterized by high demand and elevated rates. June also sees higher prices and demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	49.5°F (9.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	50.5°F (10.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	61.0°F (16.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
June	77.2°F (25.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	84.0°F (28.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	82.2°F (27.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	76.6°F (24.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	65.7°F (18.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
December	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average