Car rental at Meadows Field Airport

Meadows Field Airport Car Rental (BFL)

Check live prices from 8 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.

LocationAirport
Providers8
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+

Quick answer: At Meadows Field Airport you can compare rental cars from 8 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.

Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.

About Renting a Car at Meadows Field Airport

Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in Bakersfield is served by 8 car rental companies directly in the terminal, making it easy to drive off immediately after landing. The airport is 10 km north of Bakersfield center via CA-99 and is the starting point for trips to Sequoia (90 km east) or Los Angeles (180 km south). Direct flights are available from Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco.

BFL is a regional airport surrounded by agricultural land in northern Kern County. Shafter and Wasco with their rose gardens are 15-20 km west, and Kern River Canyon for rafting and camping is reached in 45 minutes east. With 8 rental companies, competition is good - compare prices online in advance for the best deal.

Rent an SUV if you plan to visit Sequoia or Kings Canyon as roads can be snowy in winter. Fill up right outside the airport as fuel is cheaper in Bakersfield than along the highway. Which car rental companies are at Meadows Field Airport?

At the airport we compare prices from 8 rental companies located in the terminal, including the major chains Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget and National. How long does it take to drive from BFL to Sequoia National Park? Approximately 90 km via CA-65 and CA-190, which takes 1.5-2 hours depending on weather and season.

Can I return the rental car at a different location in California? Yes, most major chains offer one-way rental to, for example, Los Angeles, Fresno or San Francisco for an additional fee.

We compare prices from all major providers at Meadows Field Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What to Know Before Picking Up at Meadows Field Airport

🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms

  • Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
  • Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
  • Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.

🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents

  • Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
  • Passport or national ID
  • Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of California (USA). Check if an IDP is needed.

📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup

  • Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
  • Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
  • Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.

Rental Companies at Meadows Field Airport

Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).

National
Budget
Avis
Hertz
Enterprise
Thrifty
Dollar
Priceless

Essential Info for Renting at Meadows Field Airport

Practical answers and tips before you book.

✅ Quick Answers ▼

At Meadows Field Airport you can compare rentals from 8 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.

  • Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
  • Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
  • Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in California (USA) ▼

In California (USA) you drive on the right side.

  • Urban speed limit: 40-56 km/h
  • Rural roads: 89-105 km/h
  • Motorway: 105-129 km/h
  • Alcohol limit: 0.8 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼

Parking can be expensive in cities, always check signs for fees.

Road tolls: Check if your rental car has a transponder for easy payment.

Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Meadows Field Airport

Which rental companies are available at Meadows Field Airport?▼
You can compare 8 rental companies at Meadows Field Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in California (USA)?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Meadows Field Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in California (USA) is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in California (USA)?▼
In California (USA) you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 40-56 km/h in urban areas, 89-105 km/h on rural roads and 105-129 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Meadows Field Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Meadows Field Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Meadows Field Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide

15-Day Weather Forecast for Meadows Field Airport

Other Rental Locations Near Meadows Field Airport

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