Bakersfield to Santa Cruz: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Bakersfield from Santa Cruz?

The distance from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz is 201.1 miles (323.7 km) as the crow flies. Santa Cruz is located NW of Bakersfield. By car, the driving distance is approximately 251.4 miles, taking about 5h 3min. A direct flight would take roughly 54min. Both are located in United States.

For a drive of this length, it's recommended to plan at least one quick rest stop to stretch your legs and grab a coffee. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare.

Coordinates come from public place data for Bakersfield and Santa Cruz. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.