Key Highlights
- Meadows Field (BFL) is the main airport for Bakersfield and the rest of Kern County. It gives you a stress-free way to travel.
- Big airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines use this airport.
- You can get direct flights to places like Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, and San Francisco.
- The airport is known for being easy to use. There is good parking, short lines, and you will not have a long walk to your gate.
- Meadows Field is just seven miles from downtown Bakersfield, so it is easy to get to from the city.
Introduction
Welcome to Bakersfield. This city is in the middle of California’s San Joaquin Valley. There is a lot of energy here. It is a great spot to visit for business or just to have some fun. Before you get here, you need to know your travel choices. This is the first step for a good trip.
This guide will help you see what airports are in Kern County. It will give you tips on how to have a smooth journey. You will find out how to get the right flight. You will also learn how to get around town in Bakersfield. We want to make sure you feel ready for your time in Kern, so you have everything you need to know for your flight into Bakersfield.
Main Airports Serving Bakersfield, California
If you are flying to the Bakersfield area, your main stop will be Meadows Field Airport (BFL). This is the biggest airport in the area, and people in Kern County use it both for travel and for work. It is in a good spot and brings a lot of helpful services.
Meadows Field is the closest big airport to Bakersfield, so it is easy to get to. The next sections will tell you more about Meadows Field, and also talk about other small airports close by. This way you can see all your choices for flights in and out of Kern County.
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) Overview and Access
Meadows Field Airport has the IATA code BFL. It is the main airport for commercial flights to Bakersfield and the area around Kern County. The airport is here to offer a simple and relaxed travel start, so you do not have to deal with the busy crowds found at bigger California airports.
One of the best things about Meadows Field is where it is. The airport is only seven miles away from downtown Bakersfield. You can get from the runway to the city center fast—usually in just a few minutes. This short trip helps you save time and makes it easy to get where you want to go, with no long ride after your flight.
Because of this, many people like to fly out of Meadows Field. Big airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines fly daily from here. So you can reach other large cities and main hubs with no long drive first. This makes the whole trip smoother and helps you start and end your travel in a good way.
Other Local and Regional Airports Near Bakersfield
Besides the main busy area, the bakersfield area has a few smaller airports. These airports are good for general aviation, private pilots, and charter flights. They are part of what make the local aviation work so well.
If you are a pilot or just need another place to land, you can try these:
- Bakersfield Municipal Airport (L45)
- Tehachapi Municipal Airport (TSP)
- Shafter Airport (MIT)
These local airports work well for private flyers. But, if you need to go farther or use international airports, you might want bigger hubs. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is not too far away. Still, you might find that it is much easier to fly into Meadows Field if you are coming to bakersfield.
Airlines, Destinations, and Flight Schedules
Knowing about the airlines, places you can fly to, and when flights leave from Meadows Field (IATA: BFL) will help you plan your trip. The airport in Bakersfield has a good range of direct flights. These are offered by top national airlines. You can get to big cities with these flights, and from there, travel to other parts of the world.
Flight times and days can change. It’s smart to check the up-to-date flight details with the airlines before you go. In the next sections, we will talk about which airlines fly at Meadows Field, and what nonstop places you can go to from Bakersfield.
Airlines Operating at Meadows Field Airport
Your journey from Meadows Field Airport is powered by two of the nation’s leading airlines. Both American Airlines and United Airlines provide reliable service from Bakersfield, ensuring you can connect to a vast network of domestic and international locations.
These carriers offer daily flights to some of the busiest and most connected airports in the United States. Here is a simple breakdown of the airlines and the hubs they serve directly from Bakersfield:
| Airline | Key Hubs Served from Bakersfield |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Phoenix (PHX), Dallas (DFW) |
| United Airlines | San Francisco (SFO), Denver (DEN) |
Having these major airlines at our local airport means you get the benefit of their extensive route networks and frequent flyer programs. This makes planning your travel from Bakersfield both simple and rewarding, as positive traveler reviews often highlight this convenience.
Nonstop Destinations and Routings From Bakersfield
One great thing about flying out of Bakersfield is the big list of direct flights you get. You do not have to deal with layovers, and you will get to your city fast and easy.
From Meadows Field, you can take a direct flight to these main hubs in the western and central parts of the United States:
- Denver, CO (DEN)
- Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
- San Francisco, CA (SFO)
- Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
These spots are good places to visit. They are also big connecting hubs. With one fast flight from Bakersfield to Dallas or Denver, you can get to many other cities in the United States and even reach far parts of the world. Most times, you will not need to take a long drive to Los Angeles because of these flights from Meadows Field.
Services and Traveler Amenities at Meadows Field Airport
Meadows Field Airport cares about a good and smooth travel experience. The team plans for comfort and easy movement in the airport. They want you to start and end your trip in a good way.
Inside the terminal, you get the main services you need as a passenger. From the first check-in to the time you get on your plane, Meadows Field Airport offers many options. There is food, shopping, and things to help with getting around. We will look more at these here so you know what to expect from Meadows Field.
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Services
The terminal at Meadows Field Airport is easy to use and quick to get around. You do not need to walk far or wait long, so you can get from your car to your gate without much trouble. This is why many people from the area and visitors like using Meadows Field. It is not packed like large airports, which makes travel smoother for everyone.
There are services made to help you move fast and with no hassle during your travels. At Meadows Field, you will find:
- Fast lines at ticketing counters for check-in and to drop your bags.
- Short waits at the TSA security check.
- A quick and simple walk from the parking lot right to the terminal gate.
Meadows Field is also built to help all people get around with no problem. Its clear design means you will not get lost, and everyone finds it easy to move through the terminal. This all helps give you a better and more relaxed time at the airport.
Dining, Shopping, and Accessibility Features
While you wait for your flight at Meadows Field, you will see plenty of things that help make time in the terminal better. The airport gives a mix of services, so you get what you need before getting on your flight.
You can use these amenities:
- Dining choices where you can eat a meal or get a quick bite.
- Stores where you can buy last-minute travel items or local gifts.
Meadows Field wants all people to feel welcome. The airport has easy ways to help many travelers. You will find support in the terminal for people who need help getting around or have special needs, so everyone has a smooth and easy trip.
Transportation To and From Bakersfield Airports
When you get to one of the Bakersfield airports, it is easy to reach where you want to go next. You will find there are many ground transportation choices that can take you to downtown Bakersfield and to other places in the area.
You can pick if you want your own car or if a shared ride will work better for you. You will find something that fits what you need. In the coming sections, you will see more about the options you have. This includes rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and public transit. This will help you figure out how to get from the airport to your stop.
Rental Cars, Taxis, and Rideshares
There are several ground transportation options right outside the terminal at Meadows Field. These make it easy for you to get from the airport to your hotel, meeting, or home in the Bakersfield area.
Your main choices for personal or direct rides are:
- Rental Cars: There are many rental companies at Meadows Field. Pick up a car and drive around the Bakersfield area when you want.
- Taxis: You can get a good taxi service to take you anywhere you need in Bakersfield or nearby.
- Rideshare: You can also use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft at Meadows Field. It is simple to book a car and go where you need.
All these services are right by the Meadows terminal. After you get your bags, you can walk out and find your ride. This makes your trip from the airport smooth and helps you get started in Bakersfield or any part of the area.
Public Transit and Shuttle Options to Downtown
If you want to save money getting from Meadows Field to downtown Bakersfield, taking public transit is a good way to go. The local bus system links the airport with different parts of the city, so you have a wallet-friendly way to travel instead of using a private car. Check with Golden Empire Transit (GET) to find the newest bus routes and times.
There is also another way to get to the downtown Bakersfield area. Many hotels in the area give free or cheap airport shuttle rides for people staying with them. These shuttles can be a very good and direct way to get from Meadows Field to your hotel. You do not have to worry about getting a ride or finding a cab.
It is smart to call your hotel before you travel and ask if they have a shuttle or what they offer. Setting this up before you go makes it much easier when you land at Meadows Field. This helps you relax and have a smoother trip right from the start.
Conclusion
So, getting around Bakersfield airports doesn’t have to be hard. With the right info, your time at the airport can be easy and even fun. You have a few choices for airports in the area, like Meadows Field, plus some smaller regional airports. This helps you set up your travel plans without trouble.
Be sure to use the different services and features at the airport. These can help make your trip better. It does not matter if you are going to Bakersfield for work or for fun. If you know the ways to get from the airport to your spot in the city, you will get there with less stress.
If you want more help or need advice, you can ask for a free chat. This can help you get the most out of travel in Bakersfield, especially when it comes to using Meadows Field and the other local airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Meadows Field Airport from downtown Bakersfield?
Meadows Field Airport (BFL) is in Kern County, United States. It sits just 7 miles north of downtown Bakersfield. This makes it easy for people to get to and from meadows field. The short drive between meadows field airport and downtown Bakersfield usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes by car. Because of this, the airport is very handy for people who travel in and out of bakersfield or kern.
Are there private or municipal airports in Bakersfield besides Meadows Field?
Yes, along with Meadows Field, there are other airfields in Kern County. You can find Bakersfield Municipal Airport (FAA LID: L45) and Tehachapi Municipal Airport (TSP) in this area. These airports mostly help people who fly small planes, private pilots, and charter flights. They are not usually used by people flying on big commercial airlines. Meadows Field, kern county, Bakersfield Municipal Airport, faa lid, Tehachapi Municipal Airport, bakersfield, meadows, kern, faa.
What services are available at Bakersfield’s Meadows Field Airport?
Meadows Field Airport gives you many services and things to make your trip easy. The terminal has fast ticketing. You will also get short lines at security. There are places to eat and shop. The airport is also made so that all people can move around without problems. All these things are here to give every passenger a smooth and stress-free time when you travel to or from Kern County with Meadows Field.