Car Rental - Bakersfield


Rent a car in Bakersfield  and explore the Great Outdoors. The city isn’t far from the stunning Sierra Nevada mountain range, and California’s tallest peak, Mt Whitney.

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History gathers fascinating prehistoric relics and more in its sweeping journey through history, while the city’s signature Bakersfield sound is celebrated at arts venues all over town.

Bakersfield is just two hours north of Los Angeles and five from the glitz of Las Vegas. You’ll find our convenient car rental pick-up locations throughout Bakersfield, including Meadows Field Airport, so you can get your trip started the right way.

Hertz offers a range of cars to suit every trip to help you travel in comfort and style. Choose premium sedans for business car rental or a spacious SUV for the whole family.

Reserve your car rental in Bakersfield today with Hertz.

Bakersfield Locations

A Quick Guide to Bakersfield

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science

2018 Chester Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301

Discover everything from astronomy to archaeology—and much more besides—in this fun-filled and educational museum. Explore exhibits featuring fearsome prehistoric creatures as well as ancient fossils and Native American paintings. Free on-street parking is available close by for your Bakersfield rental car, from 90 minutes to two hours.

The Park at River Walk

The Park at River Walk

11298 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311

Explore 32 acres of gorgeous green landscapes alongside the rush of the river Kern. Follow the path of the larger lake as it meanders down to a smaller body of water. At the center of the park is a magnificent steel-and-rock amphitheater used for live performances. There’s plenty of free parking so you can leave your Bakersfield car rental nearby and explore at your leisure.

Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest

Bodfish, California 93205, USA

The Sequoia National Forest marks a true escape to nature and is just a couple of hours away when you rent a car from Bakersfield. Over a million acres of forest covers Southern California, with countless opportunities for hikes, nature watching and more. Take to the calm waters in a kayak, or camp under the California night sky in one of 52 developed campgrounds.

The Padre Hotel

1702 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301

A block from the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, the Padre Hotel evokes Old-West sophistication. Unique room styles, such as the Corner Pocket, grant twin views across downtown Bakersfield. Relax in comfort as you sink into king-size bed for a blissful sleep. Drop your Bakersfield rental car off for valet parking at 1820 H Street when you arrive.

Hyatt Place Bakersfield

310 Coffee Road, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Stroll along the river for a few minutes from The Shops at River Walk, and you’ll reach Hyatt Place. The hotel offers 120 rooms with all the space you need to relax, as well as the Cozy Corner to work or unwind with a book. Enjoy the state-of-the-art Fitness Center between shopping trips or meetings. Enjoy free parking for your business or holiday car rental at Hyatt Place in Bakersfield.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bakersfield

3100 Camino Del Rio Court, Bakersfield, CA 93308

From your private balcony, savor views over the courtyard and huge outdoor pool, before making your way inside to pamper yourself with a range of deluxe bath products provided to all guests. The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the winding l Kern River and is also close to some of the best restaurants in town. With complimentary self-parking for your Bakersfield rental car, you can leave the car and walk to your dinner reservation. You can also charge an electric car rental on-site.

Wool Growers Restaurant

620 East 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305

Bakersfield has a long and proud Basque heritage, celebrated today by the likes of the Wool Growers Restaurant on East 19th Street. This long-standing local favorite serves traditional Basque dishes like sumptuous oxtail stew and pickled tongue, alongside more mainstream fare like no-fuss fried chicken and beef dip.

Firestone Grill

3501 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309

South of the river on California Avenue is where you’ll find some of Bakersfield’s best grilled fare. The farmhouse-style interior of the Firestone Grill creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, whether you’ve gone for the huge BBQ burgers or sticky ribs.

Coconut Joe's Beach Grill

4158 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Part of Bakersfield Plaza, this seaside-shack-style retreat is the perfect place to relax after a day spent exploring. Coconut Joe’s famous hand-cut, hand-battered fish-n-chips are the highlight of a vibrant menu. The tri-tip roast steak sandwich, served in a La Baccia bun and smothered in BBQ sauce, is a must-try.

A Quick Guide to Bakersfield

  • 18th & Eye Parking Garage (93301) is a parking garage with 500 spaces, located just a few blocks from the Fox Theater in downtown Bakersfield. There are also 10 EV charging stations if you choose to rent an electric vehicle.
  • Valley Plaza Mall Garage (93304) has over 300 covered spaces for customers of Valley Plaza Mall—stop by and shop.
  • Bakersfield Plaza (93309) is suitable for shoppers looking to explore almost two dozen stores of all kinds.

 

  • State Route 99 (SR 99) stretches across almost the entire Central Valley of California, from Wheeler Ridge near Interstate 5 at the southern terminus to the northern end at SR 36 near Red Bluff.
  • State Route 58 (SR 58) ends on the eastern outskirts of Bakersfield, having run east from the US 101 near Santa Margarita through the scenic Carrizo Plain.
  • Interstate 5 (I-5) is one of the roads most closely associated with the romantic Californian drive. It runs approximately 30 miles south of Bakersfield as it crosses from the Mexican border to the Oregon state line.

 

How to Get From Car Rental at Bakersfield to Las Vegas

The drive from car rental at Bakersfield to Las Vegas takes you through scenic stretches of desert as you head for one of the world’s entertainment capitals. Here’s the information you need:

  1. Merge onto CA-58 E towards Mojave.
  2. At Barstow, take exit 234A to merge onto I-15N towards Las Vegas.
  3. Keep left to stay on I-15N as you enter Nevada.
     

The route takes around four and a half hours, covering approximately 280 miles.
 

How to Get From Bakersfield Car Rental to Los Angeles Airport

LAX is around two hours south of Bakersfield. Here’s how to drive your Bakersfield rental car to Los Angeles Airport:

  1. Get on CA-99 S from California Avenue.
  2. Merge onto I-5 S.
  3. Take exit 158 for I-405 S towards Santa Monica.
  4. Take exit 48 for La Tijera Voulevard.
  5. Take Airport Boulevard to Sky Way/Vicksburg Avenue.
     

The route takes about two hours to travel 116 miles.

 

BESbswy