by The Wayfarer
🎧 Explore Bakersfield with Wayfarer’s GPS Audio Tour: https://wayfarerjourney.com/bakersfield
📱 Turn your rental car into a storytelling machine
You know how it goes: you land at Meadows Field Airport or step off an Amtrak train at the Bakersfield station, and the next thing on your mind is wheels. This town isn’t built for the carless wanderer. If you want to get anywhere interesting, you’re going to need a set of keys.
But here’s the good news: renting a car in Bakersfield is easier, faster, and often cheaper than in big cities—and once you’ve got the vehicle, you’re in for a surprisingly scenic, story-rich drive.
Whether you’re here for work, passing through on a road trip, or using Bakersfield as a launchpad into the Sierra foothills, here’s everything you need to know about car rentals in Bakersfield—straight from someone who’s actually been behind the wheel.
Where to Rent: Airport vs. In-Town
If you’re flying into Meadows Field Airport (BFL), renting on-site is your most convenient option. All the major players are there: Enterprise, Budget, Hertz, Avis, and National. The rental counters are located right next to the baggage claim area, and the pickup lot is just steps outside the terminal—none of that 20-minute shuttle bus nonsense.
Pro tip: If you’re arriving late, double-check the hours. Some counters close earlier than you’d expect in a smaller airport.
If you’re already in town and just need a car for a day or two, downtown Bakersfield has several rental offices, especially along California Avenue and Truxtun Avenue. This can be a great option if you’re staying at a local hotel or arriving via train or bus.
Price Check: It’s Not L.A.—And That’s a Good Thing
Bakersfield’s rental prices are generally lower than major California metros. I’ve often paid $45–$65/day for a midsize, taxes included—especially when booking a couple of weeks in advance. You’ll also find more availability in off-peak months (read: not spring break or holidays).
Gas prices? Lower than Los Angeles, higher than Nevada, fair for California.
Parking? Gloriously easy. Most places in Bakersfield have free parking, including hotels, museums, and even downtown attractions. No valet lines or $35 hotel overnight fees here.
Driving in Bakersfield: What to Expect
Driving in Bakersfield is pleasantly uncomplicated. The roads are wide, the traffic is light, and the locals mostly follow the rules of the road. There’s the occasional pickup zipping across lanes, and you’ll want to watch for ag trucks out near the edge of town, but overall? This is a very drivable city.
A GPS is handy, but you won’t be navigating spaghetti interchanges or bumper-to-bumper stress like you would in L.A. or San Francisco. If you’ve got a rental, you’re in the driver’s seat both literally and figuratively.
Turn Your Car Into a Guided Tour
Now here’s the real travel hack: once you’ve picked up your rental car, fire up the Wayfarer GPS Audio Tour of Bakersfield. It’s a self-guided, location-aware tour that tells you stories about the very places you’re driving past—music history, murals, famous locals, oil fields, and food stops—all triggered automatically by your location.
🎧 It makes any rental car feel like a tour bus: https://wayfarerjourney.com/bakersfield
Think of it as your personal co-pilot, telling you not just where to go, but why it matters.
Where to Go in Your Rental
So you’ve got the car—now what? Here are a few easy and worthwhile drives to add to your itinerary:
- Panorama Drive: Take in sweeping views of the Kern River oil fields. There’s nothing else quite like it in California.
- The Kern River Parkway: Cruise along this greenbelt through parks and neighborhoods—ideal for a calm afternoon drive.
- Downtown Bakersfield: Park and explore the murals, the Fox Theater, the Padre Hotel, and the Bakersfield Museum of Art.
- Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace: A true local icon. Even if you’re not a country fan, it’s worth a stop.
- Day Trips: In under two hours you can be in Sequoia National Forest, the Mojave Desert, or on your way up the 395 to the Eastern Sierra. (Rental agreement permitting, of course.)
And yes, all of the above are on the Wayfarer tour route, with thoughtful commentary to enrich the ride.
Practical Tips
- Book early if you’re coming around major holidays or events—especially the Kern County Fair or Bakersfield Sound festivals.
- Check for local discounts—some hotels offer partner rates with in-town rental agencies.
- Inspect before you drive off. Bakersfield roads are fine, but some local agencies aren’t as fastidious as the big guys. Always snap a few quick photos.
- Returning your car at BFL Airport is a breeze—small lot, fast drop-off, and rarely a line.
Final Thoughts
Renting a car in Bakersfield isn’t just a convenience—it’s your ticket to discovering the authentic, fascinating, and often-overlooked corners of Central California. With a set of keys, an open mind, and the Wayfarer tour playing in the background, you’ll find more than just a way to get from A to B. You’ll find the stories in between.
📱 Get the GPS audio tour and turn your next rental car into a rolling storyteller
Bakersfield’s waiting. Take the wheel.
 by xotatech.com