5.0
Pros: Had interesting and nice people to visit with. Cons: The head rests are too firm. Tips: Follow the rules.
5.0
Pros: A whole new experience. Cons: Food car was closed. Tips: Not really.
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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Bakersfield to Modesto. The train trip from Bakersfield to Modesto is usually about 3 hours and 48 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak San Joaquins train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 43 minutes.
| Distance | 191 mi (308 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 43m |
| Lowest price | $20.00 |
| Trains per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak San Joaquins |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Bakersfield to Modesto
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
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 $24.29. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $8.19 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
The price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Modesto remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost $28 throughout the year.
Prices as travel date approaches
The average price of train tickets from Bakersfield to Modesto is pretty stable year-round. However, we still suggest buying your train tickets at least 48 hours prior to departure to avoid unexpected price hikes and the possibility of the train being sold out.
Which train should you take from Bakersfield to Modesto?
2 train services operate from Bakersfield to Modesto. Amtrak San Joaquins usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 31m | $28.29 |
| Amtrak San Joaquins | 6 | 3h 48m | $27.05 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Bakersfield to Modesto every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $26.
After becoming a permanent Amtrak rail route in 1974, the San Joaquins 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 San Joaquins 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
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Bakersfield to Modesto. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
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 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 43 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.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Bakersfield to Modesto. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 6 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.
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
Image credit: Tom Hilton
Link to image attributionModesto 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 San Joaquins 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
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