Amtrak

Not a bad place, plenty of vending machines for snacks. Bathrooms are pretty dirty and it would be nice to see some kind of security walking around. Not the best area but the station itself, minus the bathrooms, is relatively clean. They keep you up to date on arrival times every couple minutes do you know right away when a train well be late.

Very clean amtrak station. The staff is very friendly and courteous. Extremely convenient downtown location close to many attractions and hotels. The restrooms were well kept and like most amtrak stations, arrival and departures were timely. One of the top amtrak stations I’ve visited from a cleanliness perspective.

okay so I did not know Amtrak was available for buses nor had any clue about their Run way thru bus system however you call it. Since I don’t ride their trains often. Anyways I prefer Amtrak ten times more than Greyhound. I think it is not that popular because it can be a little more pricey depending where you go and it is kinda complicated if you are trying to find your destination ect.
The *BUSES* are well kept and that is probably my favorite. I usually buy my tickets online so I have never bought them here. I recommend do this or just call they are relatively helpful.
The location is not bad at all. Plenty of parking and all the buses are visible so one can just walk down and see where your bus is.

An annoying situation. On the Amtrak thruway bus they decided my carry-​on day pack was too large for the overhead cabinet. After I showed them it could fit they still wanted me to store it under the bus. The driver kept saying. No bag, no go. The supervisor arrived and when she couldn’t provide any rule to substantiate this I prevailed. The used the now famous but idiotic line of «it’s for your protection» how does separating me from my luggage make things safer?

If you are going to Sacramento by Amtrak from Bakersfield, be aware that you may stuck 2 – 4 hrs in broken down train.
Train just was just dead stop frequently due to mechanical failure and passengers have to wait until next train shows up to rescue their train.
During round trip from Bakersfield to Sac, it took 8.5 hrs to Sac and I am now waiting for the train from Sac to Bakersfield.
Again, it broke down near Shafter with nearly 2 hr delay and not sure when it would arrive.
I think that maintenances for Amtrak trains should have been kept up with.
Well, we are very unlikely to use Amtrak again for Travel to Sac.

Yes, Bakersfield. We do have public transportation.
And no, it’s not the GET bus.
If you’re unfamiliar with Amtrak — get aboard! With soaring gas prices and crazy summer traffic, you’ll find Amtrak a great alternative. Especially, if you’re needing to travel for work.
The Bakersfield Amtrak is located next to the Beale library in downtown Bakersfield. There’s an actual indoor waiting area next to the bus terminals that is always clean, well lit, and properly managed. The facilities were incredibly clean the few times I’ve been inside.
Even though my first Amtrak experience was practically a disaster, it’s of no fault in the Bakersfield employees or those that manage this depot. In fact, the employees were apologetic and quite informative. I could not have been more impressed by the kind staff.
If it’s your first time on Amtrak, or you’re just plain confused, ask any employee and they’ll be more than happy to help. Really. These people are that nice. At least in Bakersfield.

Never come here if you have too much cargo or need help with cargo. Awful service with cargo. I’m a very small person. I’m 4’10 and need assistance with cargo. I travel with a backpack, large suitcase almost bigger than me, and a small bike. I got no assistance from anybody. The amtrak workers were nowhere near the cargo compartment. Luckily some friendly security helped me and took care of my carry — ons as I frantically ran around looking for someone to put my bike in cargo. It was a horrible experience. Then I needed help to put my other large suitcase so I asked both conductors to point me to anyone to help me & both told me to go outside and look for someone yet again there was no one in sight. They were both rude and unhelpful. One of them actually told me you have fifteen minutes implying that no one will help. I had put them in a cart near the cargo cart. Then I finally found a worker after 15 min of searching and running around the train. He was truly of no help because he just told me to keep my luggage there although I wanted in cargo so I could get assistance afterwards. Such terrible service truly. They need more workers on duty to assist customers. I only take amtrak because I can take my bike and it leaves me a train stop that’s convenient, but after this I will make sure to take the plane. I don’t even save that much and I get better service at an airport. My body aches right now from carrying large luggage. Worst customer service ever, I cannot stress that enough. I would give this place a zero if I could.

I’ve used the ticket desk at this location and they were very good about answering my questions fully. The station inside and out is really nice and spacious compared to many along the San Joaquin valley. The parking is free too! The actual train staff is usually amazing and helpful (sometimes funny too!). I really enjoy the trips I take on here. It is usually only crowded on holidays. The only gross place on a train is the bathrooms and that isn’t even their fault. It’s just how train bathrooms are due to the tank system and all. I love Amtrak and this station!!!

So I’ve taken Amtrak from Burbank to sacramento before via 2 buses and a train. It’s always been interesting. Today the guy working in the dining car on the San Joaquin corridor was especially friendly and funny. Plus he was a great at up selling! He kept things clean and stocked. Great Asset! Sadly when I first got on the train as a disabled passenger, all the seats are taken by very able bodies and no-​one seemed to help the 3 or 4 other disabled people acquire a handicap seat. (Thus how I ended up in the dining car for a quick bite and a place to sit!) But the time we hit Fresno i thought I’d try again and surprisingly the riff raff haden of the train. Another woman recognized me as one of the disabled looking earlier for a seat and asked where i had gone and that she was forced to stand until someone got off. :/​that was disappointing. Also the entire downstairs smelled like toilets. It was pretty bad. But i was just happy to have a seat with an outlet. FINALLY.
I DO LOVE THEY OFFER FREE WIFI AND OUTLETS (except in the dining car which is understandable as the seats are not meant to campout in). Restrooms weren’t the worst but they could stand for some fresh air or the very least air freshener.
The changing from train to bus terms to be a little confusing but they are generally pretty helpful. My transfer from Stockton to sacramento last tuesday (June23) the thin black driver was a bit on the confusing side. But he was great inn the sense he went over safety instructions, bathrooms, destination and emergency exits (something no other driver has done).
My final leg home on the bus from Bakersfield to Burbank on June29 i was a bit surprised to see the trash can seatbelted in one of the only 4 handicap seats. So for 2 hours i say next to a trash can. Can’t say that was the best way to represent a big commute company like Amtrak or a way disabled should be treated. But i made light of it? Called him Gus… And posted OUR journey over the Grapevine together to friends.
Either way. I think Amtrak is an inexpensive option for those trying too save money and or have less of an impact on our environment like myself.
I do recommend you screenshot your Qcode and boarding pass as some places don’t get the best reception. Do visit the dining car. And do strike up a conversation with other travelers… It’s really an interesting experience.
One thing i did notice however was the announcements on the trains stated they had reclining seats. I don’t know where they were as none of the seats i say inn reclined! I would update that if the corridor train does not have that feature. Other than that… Happy trails!

The Amtrak bus driver who drove me from Claremont to Bakersfield was so nice. She even took the time to go over the safety procedures with us, which is something I don’t usually see. When we got to the station, the line for baggage check-​in was really short. The whole process was quick and easy.
Water from their vending machine was a bit expensive ($ 2), but that’s expected. I thought their instant coffee machine tasted pretty good, and at 80 cents for a small French vanilla latte, I’m not complaining. Just keep in mind that the cup is really small.
The station is also well air conditioned and has plenty of seats for everyone. There are also seats outside in the heat of you want to be closer to the train.
On the outside the place also looks pretty clean. I’m really glad they put some effort into maintaining the place. It’s definitely a big difference from the Stockton Amtrak station.

I really wish that the Amtrak workers would enforce the no smoking around pedestrians rule. Every time I come here theres thousands of smokers just smoking in the same waiting area of people with asthma (like me) or people who dont wanna get lung cancer from YOUR bad habits. Ive had a asthma attack here 3 different times and I am tempted to just come here with a squirt bottle and spray smokers in the face. Get help you sick addicts I dont want your lung cancer.

If you fancy being treated with aggressive rudeness and utter incompetence, by all means, take an Amtrak bus out of Bakersfield. Perhaps the most delightful feature is amtrak’s total lack of accommodation for moms with small children or people with disabilities! Then being directed to the wrong bus by the driver of the bus we were supposed to be on, who screamed at us and defiled our luggage when we returned to her bus, was also super fun. Really, I have always been a huge fan of Amtrak until today, but just pony up a couple more bucks and fly Southwest!

If you cannot make the drive to the Bay area from Bakersfield, then taking the Amtrak train is a good alternative. Yes, it is pricier than just driving up there. Yes, it takes longer to get up there. About 7 hour trip by Amtrak as compared to about 4 hours by car.
The train is pretty comfortable. Seats are okay. Gets a bit too crowded at times. If you are not comfortable meeting others, then do not take Amtrak during peak times or peak days.
This Amtrak station in Bakersfield is quite nice in comparison to most other towns train stations. Cleaner and larger. Try them out, if you do not mind a longer trip.

Busses are very punctual here, and there a lot of benches to sit on… Or lay on depending how tired you are and how much you don’t care about germs. No working vending machines or stores within quick walking distance if you are hungry or thirsty. Considerably more travel friendly than any other stop on this Amtrak line.

My husband and I are well seasoned travelers and recently decided to try the Amtrak from Bakersfield to Sacramento. It was actually more comfortable and took roughly the same amount of time to get there. You have a table to do your work or reading on. It’s so much better than a airplane seat. There are snacks available if you want them. The parking is so much better than the airport and it’s free. We are taking it from now on to get to Sacramento. When you get there there are hotels within walking distance and you’re right there in old town so there are plenty of nice restaurants. We were very pleasantly surprised.

lets see i was planning to take greyhound from la to sac but then my card was blocked at the wrong timing and by the time i got it cleared my greyhound ticket was all gone. ended up having to take the amtrak back. my greyhound ticket cost about 45 bucks compared to my amtrak ticket which was 71 bucks but both were about 7 hours of time to get back.
i first took the bus from la to bakersfield and then i transfer to the train from bakersfield to sac. the bus ride was a big comfy bus with plugs to charge phone. they also had wifi but it didn’t work so that was a bad thing. the ride wasn’t too long. after we arrived to bakersfield station we went onto the train. the train was on time and it was big and clean and lots of space to put luggage too. the train restroom was clean as well. i liked how the plugs worked. although the wifi was bad and it didn’t work well.
overall the trip was well and i will consider it again when i go to la. it was definitely comfy and theres also a nice view along the whole ride. just wish i took the day time over night time because during night time its dark and can’t see through the windows.

In short: this is the worst train station and transit service I’ve ever experienced in life. If there was a no star option, I’d use it.
I took 620p from Bakersfield to Sacramento. The train is two hours behind due to trouble with previous train. The employees at the station never tells the passengers a word as to what is going on; they just have people anxiously awaiting the train outside in 95° heat until it was close to departure time. The only way I knew that the train was at least an hour behind was because I called Amtrak myself to find out what was going on.
Not to mention, there was a train sitting on the tracks the entire time, and it wasn’t prepped for transit until about a half hour before my trip was due to depart. This also contributed to the two hour delay. Had they prepped this train earlier, we would have departed on time, or close to it.
En route to Sacramento, the train was held twice more– once because a stowaway that jumped on the caboose at Fresno. Again, they did not tell us this until 15 minutes into it.
Thankfully, I was able to make the overnight train from Sacramento to Portland, but that was only because the train was held for three hours so we could make it.
I am so disgusted by the lack of professionalism by Amtrak. I thought subway service in NYC was crap. Next time, I’m putting up the extra $$$ to fly. Amtrak is not worth the stress and drama.

The Amtrak Bakersfield station is located at the southern most end of the Amtrak San Joaquin line and many destinations via Amtrak bus are available from that point.
This station is one of the most modern of Amtrak stations opening on 4^th of July, 2000. The indoor waiting area has a light, airy feel as the upper half of the high beam ceilinged walls is very eye pleasing, turquoise paned windows on the south and west sides.
Another HUGE perk of this station is that there are no pan-​handlers in one’s path to ask for money. And the large parking lot is reasonably safe from break-​ins if the car has nothing valuable in sight.
This is probably my favorite Amtrak station.

Basic, mostly outdoor platform with a little indoor station that I didn’t get to investigate cause it’s not open at 5 am apparently.
The station pretty much exists to serve the San Joaquin line which has one terminus here and then splits off at Stockton into two separate lines. The branch that goes to Sacramento might be jammed up with capital commuters on M-​F, I dunno. I took the one that goes to the Bay Area on a weekday morning and the only place it was even mildly crowded was between Fresno and Stockton. Rest of the ride everyone had tons of space around them.
It’s 2x more than you can get the lowest Greyhound fares for but also 2x more pleasant ride with less crowding, an AC outlet at every seat (only one tho), real bathrooms, café that sells burritos and beer, etc.
Not an inspiring window view on this line but no one stole my suitcase when they got off at Stockton so +1 for that.

It’s way less stress and easy to rest and watch the sights.
No driving the I-​5 corridor.
Running north and south daily. There are better ways to travel the I-​5 other than driving it and this is the best way to go.
Quick and efficient Amtrak makes dealing with the task of getting up or down the central valley as about as painless as it can be.
With gas at close to 4 $ a gallon it makes it the smart choice as well.
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