Traffic in Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA, in 2024 is predominantly a car-centric city with a significant majority of commuters relying on personal vehicles.
Despite the heavy reliance on cars, there are opportunities to improve traffic efficiency and reduce emissions.
Average Commute Times
The average commute time across all modes is approximately 18.62 minutes, with most of this time spent driving.
- Car - Car commuters spend about 18.08 minutes driving over an average distance of 22.26 km.
- Walking - Walking commuters spend around 25 minutes covering a distance of 2.41 km.
Traffic Breakdown
Traffic Data
Overall average travel
Average when primarily using Car
Average when primarily using Walking
More Information
Seasonal Trends
Traffic tends to increase during the summer months as tourism peaks.
Winter months see a slight decrease in traffic due to less favorable weather conditions.
Commuter Pain Points
Heavy reliance on cars leads to congestion during peak hours.
Limited public transportation options restrict commuting flexibility.
Best Travel Times
Early mornings before 7 AM and late evenings after 7 PM are the best times to avoid traffic congestion.
Midday travel is generally smoother compared to peak rush hours.
Event Impacts
Public events such as concerts and sports games at local venues can significantly increase traffic congestion.
Planning travel around these events can help avoid delays.
Sustainability Efforts
Bakersfield is exploring initiatives to expand bike lanes and pedestrian pathways.
Efforts are underway to increase the availability of electric vehicle charging stations.
Ride-Sharing Impact
Ride-sharing services have slightly reduced the number of personal vehicles on the road.
These services offer a flexible alternative for those without access to a car.
