How Far Is Tejon Outlets From Bakersfield

Okay, real talk: you want to know how far Tejon Outlets is from Bakersfield. Maybe you’re craving a new pair of shoes, or maybe you just need a reason to leave the house. Either way, I’ve got you.

The short answer? It’s about 30 to 35 miles from Bakersfield to the Outlets at Tejon, which is roughly 35 to 45 minutes behind the wheel in normal traffic. Not a road trip—more like a “let’s go before I change my mind” trip.

Where Exactly Is Tejon Outlets?

Tejon Outlets sits at the Tejon Ranch Commerce Center, near the junction of CA-99 and I-5. It’s south of Bakersfield, right around the base of the Grapevine. So yes, it’s technically outside Bakersfield, but it’s close enough to feel like a local errand.

If you’ve ever driven toward Los Angeles, you’ve probably passed it. It’s that cluster of shops and food spots that appears when the Central Valley starts getting all dramatic with mountains. You know the one.

How Long Does the Drive Take?

From downtown Bakersfield, plan for 35 to 40 minutes. From the southwest side, you might shave it down to 30 to 35 minutes. From north Bakersfield or Rosedale, add a few extra minutes because you have to cross town first.

Traffic on CA-99 can be unpredictable. One day you’re cruising, the next you’re stuck behind a truck carrying what looks like a giant metal dinosaur. So leave a little buffer.

Weather near the Grapevine can also play games, so it might be sunny in Bakersfield and windy, foggy, or chilly at Tejon. Bring a jacket, and your future self will high-five you.

Quick Math for the Impatient

Distance: roughly 30–35 miles, and drive time: roughly 35–45 minutes. Number of podcasts: one, maybe two if you drive slow. Number of snacks you’ll want: at least two.

What’s the Route Like?

You’ll usually hop on CA-99 South, then connect to I-5 South. The route is simple, which is great because nobody wants to play “is this the right exit?” while hungry.

You’ll pass fields, oil pumps, and that wide-open Central Valley sky. Then, suddenly, the outlets pop up like a retail mirage. It’s oddly satisfying.

If you’re coming from east Bakersfield, you might take a slightly different path to reach the highway. But once you’re on CA-99, it’s basically a straight shot south.

How to Make the Drive Fly By

Make a playlist before you leave. A good mix of sing-along songs and guilty pleasures turns 40 minutes into five. Just don’t blame me if you arrive with no voice.

Shoppers swarm to Outlets at Tejon grand opening | | bakersfield.com

Bring a snack that doesn’t require two hands. Granola bars, grapes, or a suspiciously large iced coffee all work. Crumbs are part of the experience.

If you have kids, turn the drive into a game. Count cows, spot windmills, or guess what everyone will buy. It keeps the “are we there yet?” chorus to a minimum.

If you’re flying solo, use the time to call a friend or listen to a podcast. It’s a tiny slice of me-time before the shopping chaos begins.

What’s Waiting at the Outlets?

You’ll find a mix of clothing stores, shoe shops, home goods, and snack spots. It’s not gigantic, which is actually a blessing. You can cover it without feeling like you ran a marathon.

There are also places to grab coffee, pretzels, or a full meal, so you can refuel before the drive back—or after, or both. No one is counting.

Parking is generally easy, which is a small miracle in the outlet mall universe. You won’t need to circle for 20 minutes while your passenger gives unsolicited directions.

Is It Worth the Drive?

Absolutely, especially if you’re already on the south side of town. It’s a quick escape with outlet prices, food options, and enough walking to justify a pretzel. You can go for one specific thing and leave with five.

Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a nice change of scenery. Sometimes you just need to wander around, try on sunglasses, and pretend you’re on vacation. No judgment here.

And if you’re heading to LA, Tejon Outlets is a perfect pit stop. Stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and reset before the Grapevine. Your road trip companions will thank you.

Outlets at Tejon – California’s fashionable gateway to all things new.

Pro Tips for the Trip

Check traffic before you leave. A quick glance can save you from a random slowdown. Also, gas up in Bakersfield if you can, because prices near the highway aren’t always your friend.

Bring a buddy who gives honest opinions. Or bring one who says “buy it” to everything. Choose your adventure wisely.

Wear comfortable shoes. You’re going to an outlet mall, which means you’ll walk more than you think. Your feet deserve better than fancy-but-painful sandals.

Distance from Different Bakersfield Areas

From downtown: about 35 miles, usually 40 minutes. From Rosedale: closer to 40 miles, maybe 45 minutes. From the southwest: around 30 miles, often 30–35 minutes.

From east Bakersfield: roughly 38–42 miles, depending on how you get across town. These are estimates, not courtroom testimony. Traffic and construction can change everything.

Can You Make It a Quick Trip?

Yes, and that’s the best part. You can leave after breakfast and be back by lunch. You can also turn it into a lazy afternoon of shopping, snacking, and people-watching.

It’s close enough for a spontaneous “I need new shoes” mission. It’s far enough to feel like you actually went somewhere. That’s a pretty sweet distance, honestly.

The Bottom Line

Tejon Outlets is about 30 to 35 miles from Bakersfield, which means 35 to 45 minutes depending on where you start. It’s an easy drive, a fun little escape, and a solid excuse to treat yourself.

So gas up, pick a playlist, and go find a deal that makes you grin. You deserve a tiny adventure, and the outlets are waiting. Happy shopping, friend.