Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Lincoln, CA to Bakersfield, CA

Data updated 4 hours ago

Drive Time

5h 43m

Distance

303.3 mi

488 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$70

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 39 min
4 AM
5h 30m ★
6 AM
5h 43m
8 AM
6h 9m
10 AM
5h 52m
12 PM
5h 50m
3 PM
5h 54m
5 PM
6h 8m
8 PM
5h 35m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
Downtown Lincoln, CA, CA

Lincoln, CA

Stephen Leonardi

city and county seat of Kern County, California, United States

Bakersfield, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 303.3-mile drive from Lincoln to Bakersfield, California, is designed for a single day, clocking in at about 5 hours and 43 minutes of pure travel time. You'll primarily be on CA 99, also known as the Golden State Highway and the South Sacramento Freeway, which accounts for 76% of the journey. With an estimated fuel cost of $70, it's a straightforward trip with one recommended stop. This highway-focused route is a practical option for getting from the Pacific Coast region of Northern California to its southern counterpart without extensive detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

151.7 miles from Lincoln, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 55m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience for most of this 303.3-mile journey. The drive is largely on CA 99, a major artery that connects many of the Central Valley's agricultural hubs. You'll encounter stretches of fast-moving highway, including one uninterrupted segment of 150.3 miles. While the profile is predominantly highway, its character is defined by its efficiency in covering distance across the state. This route prioritizes direct travel over scenic byways, making it a functional choice for reaching your destination.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
CA 99 is the longest continuous segment at about 150.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on CA 99 and Golden State Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 9.6 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 303.3 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 9.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.4 miles (I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 25.3 miles (I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

7
9.6 mi into trip | ~12m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 80 West: Sacramento

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 80 West: Sacramento
8
20.4 mi into trip | ~25m in | I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway toward I 80 Business West: Sacramento

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 95 Toward I 80 Business West: Sacramento
6
25.3 mi into trip | ~30m in | I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
29.1 mi into trip | ~34m in | Capital City Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto Capital City Freeway toward CA 99 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward CA 99 South
8
300.2 mi into trip | ~5h 38m in | CA 204; CA 99 BUS / Golden State Avenue

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 204; CA 99 BUS / Golden State Avenue toward CA 204 South: Golden State Avenue

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 27 Toward CA 204 South: Golden State Avenue

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
CA 99 150.3 mi 2h 49m
Golden State Highway 58.6 mi 1h 2m
South Sacramento Freeway 56.8 mi 1h 5m
Capital City Freeway 9 mi 9m
CA 65 7.4 mi 8m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 7.1 mi 8m
Golden State Freeway 5.2 mi 5m
Alan S. Hart Freeway 3.3 mi 3m
Longest stretch: CA 99 — 150.3 mi, about 2h 49m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lincoln, CA and Bakersfield, CA.

1

Start on Lincoln Boulevard

2.1 mi · 3 min · Lincoln Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
2

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 21 sec
Toward CA 65 South: Roseville
3

Merge onto CA 65

7.4 mi · 8 min · CA 65
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Keep slight right at fork

0.5 mi · 47 sec
Toward I 80 West: Sacramento Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Merge onto I 80

3.3 mi · 3 min · Alan S. Hart Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Continue on I 80

7.1 mi · 8 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 Business

4.9 mi · 5 min · Capital City Freeway
Exit 95 Toward I 80 Business West: Sacramento Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 Business

3.7 mi · 4 min · Capital City Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto Capital City Freeway

0.3 mi · 20 sec · Capital City Freeway
Toward CA 99 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on South Sacramento Freeway

57 mi · 1 hr 5 min · South Sacramento Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99

109 mi · 2 hr 5 min · CA 99
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99

41 mi · 44 min · CA 99
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99

59 mi · 1 hr 2 min · Golden State Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on CA 99

5.2 mi · 5 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 204; CA 99 BUS

1.9 mi · 2 min · Golden State Avenue
Exit 27 Toward CA 204 South: Golden State Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

475 ft · 13 sec
17

Continue on Golden State Road

0.1 mi · 11 sec · Golden State Road
18

Enter roundabout onto Chester Avenue

193 ft · 3 sec · Chester Avenue
19

Continue on Chester Avenue

0.9 mi · 1 min · Chester Avenue
20

Turn left onto Truxtun Avenue

122 ft · 7 sec · Truxtun Avenue
21

Arrive at destination

Truxtun Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 43-minute duration, this route is comfortably manageable as a single-day trip, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Plan for one stop to break up the 303.3 miles, perhaps midway through the longest stretch of 150.3 miles on CA 99. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you pass through the more rural sections of the Central Valley, where services can be spread out. The estimated fuel cost is around $70, so budget accordingly to avoid any surprises on this highway-focused drive.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 151.7 miles from Lincoln, CA, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 150.3 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 80 miles or 1h 33m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 151.7 miles or 2h 55m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 43m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bakersfield, CA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lincoln, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Lincoln, CA

This is one driving day of about 303.3 miles and 5h 43m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lincoln, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on CA 99 for about 150.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 151.7 mi from Lincoln, CA · 2h 55m into the drive

city in Stanislaus County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Turlock, CA

152 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Stockton, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Turlock, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 151.7 miles from Lincoln, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before CA 99 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 150.3 miles.

Arriving in Bakersfield, CA

The final approach into Bakersfield, CA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Bakersfield, CA.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

César E. Chávez National Monument

César E. Chávez National Monument

National Monument

Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the twentieth century, Cesar Chavez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's...

28 mi from route ~69 min detour Free near mile 303.3
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$69.71 one way

$139.42 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 106 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $71.84 $143.67
premium $6.18 $73.76 $147.52
diesel $5.61 $66.96 $133.93

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$70

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$95–$120

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 106.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $32 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 91 1 $31.85 $14.56
Efficient EV 75.8 0 $26.54 $12.13
EV Truck/SUV 121.3 1 $42.46 $19.41

Gas CO2

106 kg

EV CO2

35 kg (67% less)

Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast data refreshed 5 days ago

Origin

Lincoln, CA

Evening in Lincoln on Tuesday

Local time

6:24 PM

PDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Bakersfield, CA

Evening in Bakersfield on Tuesday

Local time

6:24 PM

PDT

Current temp

53°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

4 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

5h 43m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Lincoln, CA to Bakersfield, CA covers 303.3 miles and takes about 5h 43m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are CA 99, Golden State Highway, South Sacramento Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 151.7 miles from Lincoln, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $69.71 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 303.3 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 9.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 20.4 miles (I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 25.3 miles (I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Lincoln, CA to Bakersfield, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From Bakersfield, CA

Willow Creek, CA 537.4 mi · 10h 7m Susanville, CA 464.9 mi · 9h 13m Tahoma, CA 382.2 mi · 7h 37m Windsor, CA 338.9 mi · 6h 23m

More from Lincoln, CA

Chula Vista, CA 541.6 mi · 10h 11m San Diego, CA 534.5 mi · 10h 2m Fontana, CA 459.2 mi · 8h 30m Anaheim, CA 439.5 mi · 8h 10m Los Angeles, CA 413.5 mi · 7h 39m San Jose, CA 145 mi · 2h 53m

More trips to Bakersfield, CA

Willow Creek, CA 536.9 mi Susanville, CA 464.9 mi Redding, CA 437.9 mi Portola, CA 436.1 mi Chico, CA 365.4 mi Berry Creek, CA 363.9 mi

Explore more options from Lincoln, CA or browse trips ending in Bakersfield, CA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CA road trips.

Explore maps for Lincoln, CA or Bakersfield, CA on MapSof.net.