5.0
I like that there are plugs and places to charge phones. Staff at all stations and on train was super nice and helpful.
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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield per day. The average train journey from South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield takes 9 hours and 38 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 9 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 252 mi (406 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 2m |
| Lowest price | CA$100.76 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Price trends for trains from South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 9h 38m | CA$104.08 |
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 South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CA$101.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the train is the main method of transportation from South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield, 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 South Lake Tahoe and Bakersfield is approximately 252 miles, or 406 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 2 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from South Lake Tahoe to Bakersfield. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday 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.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves South Lake Tahoe at 1:00pm and arrives in Bakersfield around 9 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Bakersfield to South Lake Tahoe.
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 South Lake Tahoe?
Main departure station: South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
There are two stations in South Lake Tahoe where you can board the train to Bakersfield.
All train stations in South Lake Tahoe:
South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
Transp Ctr
Where is the train station in Bakersfield?
Main arrival station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
Bakersfield has one train station.
All train stations in Bakersfield:
601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
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