Redlands to Bakersfield is 172.4 miles and takes about 3 hours 20 minutes via Golden State Freeway, Foothill Freeway, and I-5 Truck, with a fuel budget near $40 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within California, beginning in the Pacific Coast region and ending in the same diverse area. Expect a highway-focused journey that's straightforward and efficient. It’s a solid option if you need to get between these two points without much fuss. Given the relatively short duration, it’s easily manageable as a single-day trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
86.2 miles from Redlands, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 41m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 20m. Total distance: 172.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This drive is overwhelmingly a highway-focused experience, with 93% of the journey utilizing major freeways. You'll spend most of your time on the Golden State Freeway, Foothill Freeway, and I-5 Truck. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 47.5 miles on the Golden State Freeway, offering a consistent pace. While primarily interstate driving, the transition between these freeways is generally smooth, keeping you moving efficiently toward 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 27 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Golden State Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 47.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Golden State Freeway and Foothill Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 21.4 miles in near I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 172.4 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 21.4 miles (I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.1 miles (I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
21.4 mi into trip|~25m in|I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
34.1 mi into trip|~39m in|I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
36.9 mi into trip|~43m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CA 57 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward CA 57 North
8
60.2 mi into trip|~1h 11m in|I 210 / Foothill Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210 / Foothill Freeway toward I 210 West: Sacramento
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 26A
Toward I 210 West: Sacramento
7
170.6 mi into trip|~3h 17m in
Take the exit toward California Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 25
Toward California Avenue
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Golden State Freeway
47.5 mi
52m
Foothill Freeway
43.9 mi
50m
I 5 Truck
37.1 mi
42m
San Bernardino Freeway
19.9 mi
22m
I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
9.3 mi
9m
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
6.9 mi
7m
CA 57
3.4 mi
3m
California Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Golden State Freeway
— 47.5 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Redlands, CA and Bakersfield, CA.
1
Start on East Citrus Avenue
19 ft·4 sec·East Citrus Avenue
2
Turn right onto Orange Street
0.5 mi·1 min·Orange Street
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·24 sec
Toward I 10 West: Los Angeles
4
Merge onto I 10
6.9 mi·7 min·Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
Use the slight right lane.
5
Continue on I 10
14 mi·15 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 EXPR
9.3 mi·9 min·I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
0.9 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.3 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.9 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
0.8 mi·55 sec·San Bernardino Freeway
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward CA 57: Santa AnaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·55 sec
Toward CA 57 NorthUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on CA 57
3.4 mi·3 min·CA 57
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
1.1 mi·2 min
Exit 25CToward I 210 West: Pasadena
16
Merge onto I 210
18 mi·21 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
26 mi·29 min·Foothill Freeway
Exit 26AToward I 210 West: SacramentoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·9 sec
Use the slight right lane.
19
Merge onto I 5 Truck
1.0 mi·1 min·I 5 Truck
Exit 161A
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi·41 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi·25 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
25 mi·27 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·36 sec
Exit 25Toward California AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn right onto California Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·California Avenue
25
Turn left onto Chester Avenue
0.3 mi·39 sec·Chester Avenue
26
Turn right onto Truxtun Avenue
19 ft·0 sec·Truxtun Avenue
27
Arrive at destination
Truxtun Avenue
Trip Plan
Since this trip is just 172.4 miles and takes around 3 hours 20 minutes, you have a lot of flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Redlands in the morning or early afternoon should give you ample daylight to reach Bakersfield comfortably. With only one recommended stop, you can easily break up the drive for a quick stretch or meal. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $40, and it's always wise to fill up before embarking on longer highway stretches, especially the 47.5-mile segment on the Golden State Freeway.
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 86.2 miles from Redlands, CA, or about 1h 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 47.5 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 38 miles or 44m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.2 miles or 1h 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 44m
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 Redlands, 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 Redlands, CA
This is one driving day of about 172.4 miles and 3h 20m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 38 miles from Redlands, 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 Golden State Freeway for about 47.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 86.2 mi from Redlands, CA
· 1h 41m into the drive
The midpoint is around 86.2 miles from Redlands, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
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.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultura...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 89.2
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 154.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$39.62 one way
$79.25 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg60 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$40.83
$81.67
premium
$6.18
$41.93
$83.85
diesel
$5.61
$38.06
$76.13
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$40
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$65–$90
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
69 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: excellent
EV Connect Charging Station
Fontana, California
EV Connect
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Fontana, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Rancho Cucamonga, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Fontana, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Rancho Cucamonga, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Tesla Destination Charger
Upland, California
Tesla Destination
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Rancho Cucamonga, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Rancho Cucamonga, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 32
Other: 11
Tesla: 10
EVgo: 5
Electrify America: 4
EV Connect: 3
Blink: 3
Tesla Destination: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
51.7
0
$18.10
$8.28
Efficient EV
43.1
0
$15.08
$6.90
EV Truck/SUV
69
0
$24.14
$11.03
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Redlands, CA
Late night
in Redlands on Friday
Local time
2:34 AM
PDT
Current temp
72°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bakersfield, CA
Late night
in Bakersfield on Friday
Local time
2:34 AM
PDT
Current temp
77°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
5 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
3h 20m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Redlands, CA to Bakersfield, CA covers 172.4 miles and takes about 3h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Golden State Freeway, Foothill Freeway, I 5 Truck. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.2 miles from Redlands, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.62 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. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 172.4 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 21.4 miles (I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 34.1 miles (I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 36.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Redlands, CA to Bakersfield, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
EV charging comes from the
NREL Alternative Fuels
dataset.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
