Cheap train tickets from Bakersfield to Modesto

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Bakersfield to Modesto. Traveling by train from Bakersfield to Modesto usually takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Gold Runner train can make the trip in 3 hours and 42 minutes.

Distance: 191 mi (308 km)
Fastest train: 3h 42m
Lowest price: $38.00
Trains per day: 7
Most frequent service: Gold Runner
Train lines: 1

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Bakersfield to Modesto Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Bakersfield to Modesto (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Janette

November 27, 2021 - Solo travel

Amtrak San Joaquins

Pros: Had interesting and nice people to visit with Cons: The head rests are too firm Tips: Follow the rules

5.0

Eric

August 2, 2021 - Business

Amtrak San Joaquins

Pros: A whole new experience. Cons: Food car was closed. Tips: Not really.

There are several train options that can take you from Bakersfield to Modesto:

Gold Runner tickets: $38 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Modesto?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Modesto was $38.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $1.31 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Modesto by travel date

The cost of a one-way train trip from Bakersfield to Modesto is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $38 for your ticket.

Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Modesto by month

Taking the train from Bakersfield to Modesto usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $38 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

The price of train trips from Bakersfield to Modesto doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Bakersfield to Modesto?

Gold Runner is the one and only train line which connects Bakersfield to Modesto. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Gold Runner	7	3h 45m	$38.53

After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the Gold Runner has offered train services throughout California and the San Joaquin Valley. The line runs daily from the San Francisco Bay Area to Bakersfield, with many stops in between, including Martinez and Modesto. Although Amtrak Gold Runner is one of the nation's busiest routes, it is renowned for being impeccably clean and safe, with passenger comfort remaining the carrier's highest priority. Most of the trains on this line are equipped with lavatories, onboard WiFi, disabled access, and personal power outlets, ensuring a comfortable journey for every passenger.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Bakersfield to Modesto

There are 7 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Bakersfield to Modesto. You can also take a train for your return trip from Modesto to Bakersfield. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Bakersfield to Modesto for $34.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Bakersfield and Modesto is approximately 191 miles, or 308 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 42 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.

Distance (mi)

191

Distance (km)

308

The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 4:58am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:02pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

4:58am

Last train

6:02pm

Trains from Bakersfield to Modesto are the most crowded on Thursday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Thursday

Least crowded

Sunday

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.

Modesto

Modesto is a city in Central Valley, California. The city is known for its large agricultural industry and number of museums. Modesto is home to museums, natural history sites, and planetariums, like the Great Valley Museum and McHenry Museum. It also has different amusement and recreational centers offering playgrounds, rides, go-cart, and more, like Funworks Modesto and Graceada Park. As for nature lovers, Modesto features places for sports, hiking, camping, fishing, and picnics, like Jacob Myers Park and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. The city is also a fun place for arts with the Graffiti Summer and the Gallo Center for the Arts.

The CA city is ideal for all craft beer and wine lovers, as it has several breweries and wineries to visit. Modesto also has a vibrant nightlife, with different nightclubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, and is always brimming with pool parties, trance festivals, DJ nights, and more. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and parties.

Modesto features several train and bus lines for those in and around the city. The city is easily accessible by Amtrak and Amtrak Gold Runner for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers bus services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transportation.

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 Modesto?

Main arrival station: 1700 Held Dr

Modesto has one train station.

All train stations in Modesto:

1700 Held Dr

Need a return trip from Modesto to Bakersfield?

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