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Cheap bus tickets from Riverside to Bakersfield

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Riverside to Bakersfield Bus Schedule

Bus from Riverside to Bakersfield: Journey Information

There are 6 intercity buses per day from Riverside to Bakersfield. Traveling by bus from Riverside to Bakersfield usually takes around 5 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Thruway bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance135 mi (217 km)
Shortest duration4h 15m
Cheapest price$29.00
Trips per day2
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines2

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Riverside to Bakersfield

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Tanya

October 6, 2025- Visiting friends

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: I love track I love the seats I love the drivers and I love my trip I don't like the Greyhound I love Amtrak and anywhere I go I take Amtrak I can't stand Greyhound. Cons: Nothing well well yeah okay we didn't have no plugs for our chargers on that on that bus but it was okay. Tips: No just ask questions that's all.

5.0

Luis

January 4, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: I felt safe and comfortable enough to fall asleep for the first time. The driver of friendly awoke in me. When we were arrived in Bakersfield, it was excellent. Cons: Who would be nice if you could purchase water aboard a bus? Tips: Yes, it good to be bring a pillow and a light blanket makes it very good to sleep.

5.0

Kristin

September 19, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: Secur6was present and pleasant in Riverside, very comfortable...first bus trip pleastly supprised. Cons: Maybe seat back a little hard. Tips: Travel by bus.

How much is a bus ticket from Riverside to Bakersfield?

Bus tickets for a trip from Riverside to Bakersfield cost $36.47 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15DJFMAMJJASON
Taking the bus from Riverside to Bakersfield is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $40. If you're planning to take the bus from Riverside to Bakersfield during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $61. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $22.75 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Riverside to Bakersfield?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Riverside to Bakersfield that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway24h 20m$30.85
FlixBus US56h 10m$54.98

  • Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Riverside to Bakersfield start at $29. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 5 trips per day from Riverside to Bakersfield, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Riverside to Bakersfield

The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 58 minutes to cover the 135 miles from Riverside to Bakersfield. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 15 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Bakersfield. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

The first bus leaves at 7:00am and the last bus leaves at 1:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Riverside to Bakersfield, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 6 scheduled buses that travel from Riverside to Bakersfield every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Riverside to Bakersfield; ticket prices start at $32.00.

City Information

Riverside

Riverside, CA - RIV-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside, CA - RIV-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside, CA - RIV-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and the birthplace of the local citrus industry. One of the most popular buildings in the city is the Mission Inn, a historic landmark that is also the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country. The building is now a popular local hotel and spa, offering top-notch hospitality services. While nearby, don't forget to check out the Mission Inn Museum as well. If you are looking to enjoy a great panoramic view of the entire city, take a short hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux, and you will not be disappointed!

Riverside boasts a generally vibrant food scene with plenty of establishments to choose from. The Mission Inn itself offers incredible traditional Spanish dishes and a fabulous open-air patio dining spot. For seasonal produce and local dishes, check out Salted Pig!

Riverside is served by Amtrak trains and several bus companies that operate routes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition, there are three major airports in Riverside's general area: Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John Wayne Orange County Airport.

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 does the bus leave from in Riverside?

Main departure station: UC Parking Lot 30 - 900 Martin Luther King BLVD

Riverside has two bus stations with service to Bakersfield.

All bus stations in Riverside:

  • UC Parking Lot 30 - 900 Martin Luther King BLVD

  • Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St

Where does the bus arrive in Bakersfield?

Main arrival station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Bakersfield.

All bus stations in Bakersfield:

  • 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

  • McKee Park & Ride Bus Stop

Get around town with Moovit

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