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Cheap train tickets from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe

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Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe. Traveling by train from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe usually takes 8 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 18 minutes.

Distance252 mi (406 km)
Fastest train8h 18m
Lowest price$92.63
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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What is the price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe was $92.63. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to South Lake Tahoe if you book your train tickets at least 24 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $20.59.

Monthly avg. prices

$105$84$63$42$21JFMAMJJASOND
You can find the lowest prices on this route during January. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe, with the average price at just $98. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in November, when the average price goes up to $105. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Which train should you take from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak28h 28m$113.44
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $93.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe

While the train is the main method of transportation from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Bakersfield and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 252 miles, or 406 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 18 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Bakersfield twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield.

City Information

Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.

As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.

On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favorite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.

To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Bakersfield?

Main departure station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

There is one train station in Bakersfield.

All train stations in Bakersfield:

  • 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Where is the train station in South Lake Tahoe?

Main arrival station: South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd

South Lake Tahoe receives travelers from Bakersfield at its two active train stations.

Train stations in South Lake Tahoe:

  • South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd

  • Transp Ctr

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