Airports near Bakersfield

BFL・VNY・ONT・SBA・SMX

What airports are closest to Bakersfield?

Meadows Field Airport (BFL) is the nearest gateway to the city, sitting just 7.78 km away, with taxi service reaching the center in 10 minutes. For travelers exploring beyond the immediate vicinity, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is located 129.22 km away, with an average transit time of 170 minutes by car. Van Nuys Airport (VNY) lies 138.22 km from the city, and ground travel typically takes around 106 minutes. Similarly, Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) serves the neighboring coastal region 140.92 km from Bakersfield, requiring roughly 165 minutes to traverse the distance. Finally, Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the furthest at 195.74 km, with ground transport options generally requiring 160 minutes or more. Search for flights to Bakersfield and book hotels in Bakersfield, or scroll down for more details.
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Airports near Bakersfield: BFL, VNY, ONT, SBA and SMX.

Closest

Meadows Field Airport (BFL)

Distance: 7.8 km

Fastest transport option: Taxi service

Duration: 10 minutes - 15 minutes

Van Nuys Airport (VNY)

Distance: 138.2 km

Fastest transport option: Taxi

Duration: 1 hour 46 minutes - 2 hours

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Distance: 195.7 km

Fastest transport option: Taxi service

Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes - 3 hours

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

Distance: 129.2 km

Fastest transport option: Private taxi

Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes - 3 hours 20 minutes

Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX)

Distance: 140.9 km

Fastest transport option: Private taxi

Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours 10 minutes

Overview of all nearby airports

Airports Near Bakersfield: Key Information

Number of airports in Bakersfield

1

Closest airport to the city center

Meadows Field Airport (BFL)

Distance

7.8 km

Fastest arrival time

10 minutes - 15 minutes

Airport with the cheapest transport

Meadows Field Airport (BFL)

Compare domestic and international airports near Bakersfield.

Meadows Field Airport

BFL
Distance: 7.8 km
Transport option Est. duration Est. fare Features/best for
Local bus service Cheapest 20 minutes - 30 minutes USD 2-5 Budget
Taxi service Fastest 10 minutes - 15 minutes USD 25-40 Balanced
Rideshare 10 minutes - 15 minutes USD 20-35 Comfort
Rental car 10 minutes - 15 minutes USD 50-100 Comfort

Van Nuys Airport

VNY
Distance: 138.2 km
Transport option Est. duration Est. fare Features/best for
Intercity coach Cheapest 2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours USD 35-50 Budget
Taxi Fastest 1 hour 46 minutes - 2 hours USD 200-350 Comfort
Rental car 1 hour 46 minutes - 2 hours USD 60-150 Balanced

Ontario International Airport

ONT
Distance: 195.7 km
Transport option Est. duration Est. fare Features/best for
Intercity coach Cheapest 3 hours 40 minutes - 4 hours 10 minutes USD 25-70 Budget
Taxi service Fastest 2 hours 40 minutes - 3 hours USD 300-500 Comfort
Rental car 2 hours 40 minutes - 3 hours USD 70-180 Balanced

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

SBA
Distance: 129.2 km
Transport option Est. duration Est. fare Features/best for
Intercity coach Cheapest 4 hours 50 minutes - 5 hours 30 minutes USD 30-80 Budget
Private taxi Fastest 2 hours 50 minutes - 3 hours 20 minutes USD 250-400 Comfort
Rental car 2 hours 50 minutes - 3 hours 20 minutes USD 60-150 Balanced

Santa Maria Public Airport

SMX
Distance: 140.9 km
Transport option Est. duration Est. fare Features/best for
Regional shuttle Cheapest 6 hours - 8 hours 15 minutes USD 20-50 Budget
Private taxi Fastest 2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours 10 minutes USD 200-350 Comfort
Rental car 2 hours 45 minutes - 3 hours 10 minutes USD 50-120 Balanced
Compare 5 airports near Bakersfield
Compare 5 airports near Bakersfield
Airport Guide

Compare 5 airports near Bakersfield

Choosing the right arrival point for Bakersfield depends on your origin and priorities. Meadows Field Airport (BFL) is the only airport located within Bakersfield itself, making it the most practical choice for those focused on speed and convenience. For travelers coming from southern hubs, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) serves the private aviation market in the San Fernando Valley, and while not in Bakersfield, it offers efficient ground routes. Ontario International Airport (ONT) serves the Riverside-San Bernardino area and is often used for international and larger domestic flights, though it requires a significant drive to reach Kern County. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) and Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) are located in neighboring cities along the coast. These are generally less convenient for direct access to Bakersfield and are typically only selected if you already have plans on the Central Coast. For a balance of cost and time, renting a car is usually superior to public transit at the outlying airports.

Hotels near Bakersfield airport

Breakfast

8.9/10Very Good61 Reviews
Bakersfield|1.97km from city center
I noticed this was a newly remodeled Hampton Inn location that you can see a few years ago on Google Maps that has now become Spark by Hilton. This stay was great. Room was clean, quiet and cozy. Everything worked and was functional. My only complaints are, I don’t remember there being a microwave. The fridge was a little small. Lastly, the shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and soap were all really low and I ran out after just one use of the shower so I had to use their amenities very sparingly. Luckily I packed my own travel size shampoos and soaps. However this could be a major inconvenience to some who rely on these things to pack lighter or don’t want the risk of the messy shampoo bursting in their luggage when traveling. Breakfast was surprisingly really good but basic. Everything was really fresh and tasty. Bagels were soft, muffins were moist, eggs boiled perfectly, fruit was ripe, oatmeal consistency was perfect and delicious! Wish I could’ve had some scrambled eggs or sausage or bacon and this breakfast would’ve been next level. I can’t remember if they had waffles or not but I don’t think they did because the breakfast area was very small and cramped. Waffles would be a great addition as well or some danish pastries. The elevator did feel really old, however it was nice that the maintenance permits were clearly posted and in visible sight of when it was inspected. The location was a busy street area. Not too far from everything. About a 10 min drive to downtown Bakersfield and other places to shop and eat. It overall felt safe. Check in and out were quick and easy and the room closely resembled the appealing advertised photos.
FromUS$90
9.2/10Great101 Reviews
Bakersfield|0.36km from city center
Good breakfast, short stay
FromUS$146
8.6/10Very Good118 Reviews
Bakersfield|2.7km from city center
The biggest advantage of passing by here is that it is not near the expressway, so it is very quiet. It is very convenient to get on the expressway. There is a Costco across the street. The hotel is old, it's a decent first-generation courtyard, but the sanitation and other aspects are pretty good, which is okay for this small town. Prices on Ctrip are pretty good, even cheaper than those on American websites.
FromUS$119
8.9/10Very Good105 Reviews
Bakersfield|0.65km from city center
Wakesfield Convention Center Marriott Hotel, this hotel is located in the city center. The hotel has a large parking lot. The hotel's sanitary environment is not bad, and the hotel's service attitude is also quite good.
FromUS$169
6.6/10109 Reviews
Bakersfield|2.05km from city center
Hi, I have stayed many nights over the years and have always had a very good and safe stay. They have a new hire at the front desk. When I think of excellence,this young man is excellent when it comes to customer service he is a great asset for this Travelodge. We need more a lot more people like him in the service industry. Thanks
FromUS$51

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Family friendly

8.7/10Very Good107 Reviews
Bakersfield|2.64km from city center
Very nice hotel. The location is very close to the high-speed exit. Eat next to it, the market is close at hand. Breakfast free is simple and convenient. Juice coffee burger bread.
FromUS$108
8.5/10Very Good107 Reviews
Bakersfield|2.82km from city center
Clean and tidy, there are several hotels around. It's good to stay one night while traveling. This city seems to have nothing to do with it. It's an industrial city, so it's hard to have a chance to come again?
FromUS$128
8.5/10Very Good111 Reviews
Bakersfield|3.94km from city center
This hotel is very quiet, you can’t hear threw the walls, the pool is beautiful, the staff is very friendly, the ice machine works! (Can’t tell ya how many places don’t have working ice machines! The king suite is huge !
FromUS$110
9.1/10Great106 Reviews
Bakersfield|2.78km from city center
We had a 1king + 2queen bed suite for a family of 5. The room is very clean and spacious. The hotel has a nice outdoor pool which the kids love. It is also close to several restaurants. IHop was an 8 min walk. We love it and will definitely book again.
FromUS$101
9/10Great92 Reviews
Bakersfield|2.63km from city center
This hotel is AMZING! The whole place feels like like an apar**ent! We rented a double room sweet and it had an oven a 4 burner range, a dishwasher two bathrooms and a tv in each room. I love this hotel so much! I would defiantly recommend it to anyone who wants to stay in luxury. Well worth the money
FromUS$161

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5 star

9/10Great128 Reviews
Bakersfield|2.71km from city center
It's very convenient, just off the interchange. The outdoor area not only has a swimming pool but also a heated jacuzzi. I saw many people soaking their feet and chatting there in the evenings – quite nice! However, please note that the hotel only provides ice, not water.
FromUS$112
8.6/10Very Good111 Reviews
Bakersfield|0.86km from city center
Bed and towels were good and clean. There was a faint smoke smell in the room and the heat/AC unit was very loud. Otherwise good hotel with good small touches. 15 minute walk from the center.
FromUS$98
8.6/10Very Good109 Reviews
Bakersfield|2.91km from city center
This hotel is located in the perfect location to access the freeway, very convenient. Hotel is definitely one of the cleaner hotels I’ve ever been to, it seems as though they do take pride in everything that they do. They have a wonderful breakfast with plenty of choices and options. And my little one especially loves the indoor swimming pool
FromUS$124
8.1/10Very Good102 Reviews
Bakersfield|3.05km from city center
There is no parking. The room is quite big and the bed is big. Free tea and capsule coffee are provided. It is very common to try coffee. It is better than nothing. The room rate does not include breakfast. The only downside is that the deposit is very slow and it is said that the US hotel deposits are very slow.
FromUS$105
8.3/10Very Good138 Reviews
Bakersfield|6.55km from city center
The front desk lady at the hotel looked decent but had a sleazy face. She was very cold and discriminated against Chinese people. We arrived at the hotel a few hours early and it was empty but we had to wait until 3pm to check in. When we checked out, she asked us to print a receipt and was very reluctant to print a receipt when she saw that we were Chinese. She said that it was impossible to print a receipt for Ctrip booking, but her attitude towards Americans was completely different. This was the hotel with the worst front desk staff attitude during my trip to the United States.
FromUS$96

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FAQs

  • Which airport is the closest to Bakersfield?

    The nearest airport to Bakersfield is Meadows Field Airport (BFL), about 7.8 km away.Van Nuys Airport (VNY) (138.2 km), Ontario International Airport (ONT) (195.7 km), Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) (129.2 km) and Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) (140.9 km).

  • How long does it take to get from Bakersfield to the airport?

    Getting from Bakersfield to Meadows Field Airport (BFL) takes about 10 minutes - 15 minutes.

  • How do I get to Bakersfield?

    We recommend flying into Meadows Field Airport (BFL), which is approximately 7.8 km away. The fastest mode of transportation is Taxi service, reaching downtown in about 10 minutes - 15 minutes.

  • How many airports does Bakersfield have?

    Bakersfield has 5 airports: Meadows Field Airport (BFL), Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Ontario International Airport (ONT), Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) and Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX).

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