Major Highways & Driving Tips in Bakersfield, California, United States
1. Highway 99
Key north-south route through Bakersfield connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. Known for heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Peak Traffic Hours: Avoid travel on Highway 99 between 7 am - 9 am and 5 pm - 7 pm for lighter traffic
- Toll Roads: No toll roads on Highway 99, but consider alternate routes with Express Lanes for faster travel during peak hours
- Rest Stops: Fewer rest stops along Highway 99 compared to interstate highways; plan ahead for fuel and restroom breaks
2. Highway 43
East-west route connecting Bakersfield with Fresno and Visalia. Offers scenic views of the agricultural countryside.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the picturesque California countryside and agriculture along Highway 43
- Truck Traffic: Expect heavy truck traffic on Highway 43, especially near the city limits of Bakersfield
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas
3. Highway 178
Crucial north-south connector between Bakersfield and Tehachapi Pass. Provides stunning mountain views and a scenic driving experience.
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Tehachapi Mountains along Highway 178
- Altitude Changes: Prepare for altitude changes as Highway 178 climbs up to Tehachapi Pass
- Wind Conditions: Be aware of strong winds, especially at higher elevations on Highway 178
4. Highway 155
East-west route connecting Bakersfield with Highway 99 in the north and Highway 46 in the south. Provides easy access to local attractions.
- Local Attractions: Discover nearby attractions such as Kern River Valley, Sequoia National Forest and Lake Isabella
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on Highway 155
- Truck Traffic: Expect heavy truck traffic on Highway 155, especially near intersections with major highways
5. Highway 46
Historic route connecting Bakersfield and Paso Robles. Known for wineries, agriculture, and scenic views.
- Wineries: Stop by local wineries for tastings and tours along Highway 46
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on Highway 46
- Cyclists: Watch for cyclists, especially during weekends and warm weather months
6. Highway 58
East-west route connecting Bakersfield and Ridgecrest. Offers a unique desert landscape and access to national parks.
- Desert Landscape: Enjoy the stunning desert vistas along Highway 58
- Altitude Changes: Prepare for altitude changes as Highway 58 passes through mountainous areas
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on Highway 58
7. Highway 166
North-south route connecting Bakersfield and Santa Maria. Offers a variety of landscapes including farmland, mountains, and the Pacific Coast.
- Scenic Drive: Experience the diverse landscapes along Highway 166, from farmland to mountains and the coast
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on Highway 166
- Truck Traffic: Expect heavy truck traffic on Highway 166, especially near intersections with major highways
8. Highway 43S
Southbound continuation of Highway 43 from Bakersfield. Connects to Highway 166 and offers easy access to the Pacific Coast.
- Pacific Coast Access: Reach the Pacific Coast via Highways 43S and 166
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on Highway 43S
- Truck Traffic: Expect heavy truck traffic on Highway 43S, especially near intersections with major highways
9. Highway 58W
Westbound continuation of Highway 58 from Bakersfield. Connects to Highway 166 and offers easy access to the Pacific Coast.
- Pacific Coast Access: Reach the Pacific Coast via Highways 58W and 166
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on Highway 58W
- Truck Traffic: Expect heavy truck traffic on Highway 58W, especially near intersections with major highways
10. Highway 33
East-west route connecting Bakersfield and Fresno. Offers scenic views of the agricultural countryside and access to local attractions.
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the picturesque California countryside along Highway 33
- Truck Traffic: Expect heavy truck traffic on Highway 33, especially near intersections with major highways
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on Highway 33
11. Highway 178 Alternate
Alternate route connecting Bakersfield and Tehachapi Pass. Offers a unique and challenging off-road driving experience.
- Off-Road Driving: Experience an exciting off-road adventure on the Highway 178 Alternate
- Altitude Changes: Prepare for altitude changes as the Highway 178 Alternate climbs up to Tehachapi Pass
- Weather Conditions: Be aware of potential weather conditions, especially during winter months when the pass can be snowy and slippery
12. Highway 58 Truck Route
Truck-only route parallel to Highway 58, designed to reduce truck traffic in Bakersfield.
- Reduced Traffic: Avoid heavy truck traffic by taking the Highway 58 Truck Route
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on the Highway 58 Truck Route
- Rest Stops: Fewer rest stops along the Highway 58 Truck Route; plan ahead for fuel and restroom breaks
13. Highway 46 Alternate
Alternate route connecting Bakersfield and Paso Robles. Offers a unique and scenic driving experience through the rural countryside.
- Scenic Drive: Experience a beautiful and peaceful rural drive on the Highway 46 Alternate
- Speed Limits: Maintain speed awareness as speed limits can change rapidly between urban and rural areas on the Highway 46 Alternate
- Truck Traffic: Expect less truck traffic compared to the main route of Highway 46
14. Highway 178 Spur
Spur road connecting Highway 58 and Tehachapi Pass. Offers a unique and challenging off-road driving experience.
- Off-Road Driving: Experience an exciting off-road adventure on the Highway 178 Spur
- Altitude Changes: Prepare for altitude changes as the Highway 178 Spur climbs up to Tehachapi Pass
- Weather Conditions: Be aware of potential weather conditions, especially during winter months when the pass can be snowy and slippery
15. Bakersfield Bike Trails
Network of bike trails throughout Bakersfield offering scenic routes and easy access to local attractions.
- Scenic Rides: Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through Bakersfield's beautiful parks, gardens, and waterways
- Accessibility: Find multiple access points for the bike trails around Bakersfield
- Rush Hour Traffic: Avoid rush hour traffic by using the bike trails to travel within the city