$244 Cheap Flights to Bakersfield, CA

Flights to Bakersfield at a glance

Traveling to Bakersfield is easy, thanks to a range of flight options provided by full-service airlines. Evaluate journey times and choose the flight that best aligns with your itinerary, allowing you to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport in Bakersfield: Meadows Field Airport (BFL)
• Flights per week: 800+ flights arriving at Bakersfield airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Bakersfield: around 2 carriers

Popular airport in Bakersfield

Bakersfield is a vibrant city ideal for outdoor family adventures and vacations. Visitors flock to this metropolis for its diverse offerings in entertainment, culture, and breathtaking scenery. A major airport serves the area, making travel convenient for those seeking fun experiences.

• Meadows Field Airport (BFL): Situated in Kern County, California, this airport provides access to around 100 domestic locations and 8 international destinations. Travelers can opt for first-class service for an enhanced flying experience, subject to the specific routes and airlines. Major carriers operating here include American Airlines and United, making it a vital hub for both local and international flights.

Top routes to Bakersfield

• Denver (DEN) to Bakersfield (BFL), with one-way airfare from around $100
• Dallas (DFW) to Bakersfield (BFL), with one-way airfare from around $140
• Phoenix (PHX) to Bakersfield (BFL), with one-way flight options from around $170
• Houston (IAH) to Bakersfield (BFL), with one-way airfare from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Bakersfield (BFL), with one-way flight options from around $120

Cheapest routes to Bakersfield

• San Francisco (SFO) to Bakersfield (BFL), with affordable one-way prices from around $85
• Portland (PDX) to Bakersfield (BFL), with affordable one-way prices from around $95
• Salt Lake City (SLC) to Bakersfield (BFL), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $95
• Spokane (GEG) to Bakersfield (BFL), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $95
• Medford (MFR) to Bakersfield (BFL), with budget one-way fares from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Bakersfield

• American Airlines: Operating flights to Meadows Field Airport (BFL), American Airlines represents about 55% of the arrivals in Bakersfield. The typical one-way fare is around $270, and premium service options may include first-class depending on the route.
• United: Also servicing Meadows Field Airport (BFL), United accounts for roughly 45% of arrivals to Bakersfield. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $290, with first-class available as a premium cabin option based on the route.

Best time to fly to Bakersfield

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Bakersfield are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Bakersfield can reach up to 61°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 76.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $262), roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? May, August, and February offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $264 to $282, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Bakersfield

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Bakersfield is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Bakersfield hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Bakersfield flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Bakersfield

Bakersfield welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Bakersfield efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Meadows Field Airport, Bakersfield Station, a train station, is located about 5.9 miles away by car, providing convenient access to rail services.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bakersfield, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Bakersfield is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Bakersfield on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in Bakersfield

• Lamont: Located in the area of Bakersfield, Lamont is a vibrant city that offers a mix of family-friendly entertainment and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local centers, unwind at parks, or explore attractions like the Kern County Fairgrounds and the Dignity Health Arena, both ideal for outdoor family vacations. For those looking for a fun night out, Bowlero Bakersfield provides a lively bowling experience. Lamont is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a diverse array of activities suitable for all ages.
• Oildale: Oildale is located around the area of Bakersfield and is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking adventure. With its parks and recreational spaces, this neighborhood offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and education. Nearby attractions include the Kern County Museum, which delves into local history, and Bakersfield College, a historic institution that showcases the area’s educational heritage. Whether you’re looking to hike, learn, or simply enjoy the outdoors, Oildale caters to a variety of interests.
• Riviera - Westchester: Situated around the area of Bakersfield, Riviera - Westchester is an inviting neighborhood that combines family fun with outdoor activities. The area features various entertainment venues, including the Dignity Health Arena and the Kern County Fairgrounds, which are great for family outings. Additionally, the Kern County Museum offers cultural insights into the region’s history. With its blend of recreational areas and local attractions, Riviera - Westchester is an appealing destination for travelers of all interests.

Tips for short-haul flights to Bakersfield

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often the more economical choice. Save space by packing mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This also helps you avoid waiting at baggage claim when you arrive.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself occupied, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and don't forget to bring a book. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to get to the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Bakersfield

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may offer seat selection even earlier than that.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take a moment to browse the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by setting your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your arrival location to help mitigate jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Bakersfield

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Bakersfield on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Bakersfield. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Bakersfield. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Bakersfield, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Bakersfield

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Bakersfield in 2026 starts from $259, while one-way tickets start from from $244. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Bakersfield. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Bakersfield

United, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Bakersfield. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Bakersfield and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Bakersfield, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Bakersfield. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Bakersfield plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Bakersfield

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Bakersfield.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Bakersfield are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Bakersfield. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Bakersfield for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Bakersfield. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Bakersfield flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Bakersfield. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.