Meadows Field
Bakersfield, United States
Meadows Field
Bakersfield's gateway to California's Central Valley.
- ›Named after Clarence Meadows, a local aviation pioneer and businessman.
- ›Located approximately 4 miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield.
- ›Owned and operated by Kern County.
- ›Sits at an elevation of approximately 510 feet above sea level.
- ›Serves one of the most productive agricultural and oil-producing regions in the United States.
Meadows Field Airport, officially known as Bakersfield Airport, serves Kern County and the greater Bakersfield metropolitan area in California's Central Valley. Originally developed in the 1930s, the airport has grown to support regional commercial air service connecting the agricultural and energy hub of Bakersfield to major West Coast cities. It plays a vital role for oil industry workers, agricultural shippers, and travelers who prefer to avoid the long drive to Los Angeles.
- Main Terminal — A single compact terminal housing check-in, security, baggage claim, and a handful of gate areas serving regional carriers.
- Rental cars available from major agencies on-site including Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis
- Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) available at the terminal curbside
- Private shuttle services to downtown Bakersfield and surrounding areas
- Personal vehicle pickup with short-term and long-term parking lots on airport grounds
- Marriott Bakersfield
- Hilton Garden Inn Bakersfield
- Hampton Inn Bakersfield
- Courtyard by Marriott Bakersfield
- Holiday Inn Express Bakersfield
Inside the terminal, dining options are limited to a small cafe and snack offerings given the airport's compact size. Travelers are advised to eat before arriving or grab food along nearby Ming Avenue, which offers a wide range of restaurants from fast food to sit-down establishments just minutes from the airport.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure as TSA lines can occasionally back up during morning peak hours.
- Rental car counters are located on-site, but confirming availability in advance is recommended as inventory can be limited.
- Parking is affordable and plentiful compared to major California airports, making driving and parking a practical option.
- Check for direct flight availability early, as routes and frequencies change seasonally with limited carrier competition at this regional airport.
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Meadows Field is a public airport in Kern County, California, United States, three miles northwest of downtown Bakersfield. It is the main airport for the Bakersfield area, and one of two airports in the San Joaquin Valley, the other being Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Also known as Kern County Airport #1, it is located in an area of unincorporated Kern County adjacent to Oildale, California.
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