About this Location

Facility Overview

The Short Term Parking facility at Meadows Field Airport (BFL) serves as the primary on-site parking area directly adjacent to the William M. Thomas Terminal at 3707 Wings Way in Bakersfield, California. Operating as a spacious, well-maintained open-air surface lot, it offers immediate terminal convenience without the complications of multi-story structures. Because this is an open-air surface lot with no overhead barriers or height restrictions, it provides unlimited vertical clearance. This makes the facility exceptionally well-suited for all passenger vehicles, full-size pickup trucks, oversized SUVs, passenger vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks or cargo carriers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically situated directly steps from the terminal entrance, this lot is the most convenient parking option for visitors at Meadows Field Airport. In addition to serving air travelers flying via major carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines, the facility is within easy reach of regional business and recreational points of interest in northern Kern County:

William M. Thomas Terminal: Located just a 1 to 2-minute walk from parking bays to the airline check-in counters and baggage claim.
The Park at River Walk & Kern County Museum: Situated approximately 10 to 12 minutes south by vehicle, offering cultural exhibits and historic outdoor attractions.
Bakersfield Sports Village & Mechanics Bank Arena: Around a 12 to 15-minute drive south into Downtown Bakersfield for concerts, sports events, and civic gatherings.
Kern County Airport Commerce Centers: Directly surrounding the airport along Wings Way, Merle Haggard Drive, and Airport Drive, making it ideal for visiting aviation professionals and corporate contractors.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward and engineered for low-stress navigation. Drivers can access the parking lot via Wings Way, connecting directly to Airport Drive and Merle Haggard Drive. From there, motorists enjoy rapid connectivity to California State Route 99 (SR-99) and California State Route 65 (SR-65), making transit seamless from anywhere in the Central Valley. For public transportation, Golden Empire Transit (GET Bus) connects the airport area to downtown Bakersfield and regional transfer centers, while dedicated rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and local taxi staging zones operate alongside the terminal curbside.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Direct Terminal Proximity: Footsteps from check-in desks, security checkpoints, and baggage claim carousels.
Unrestricted Headroom: Fully uncovered surface parking accommodates standard cars, elevated trucks, and high-clearance passenger vans.
ADA Accessible Stalls: Designated accessible parking spaces located nearest the terminal walkway with barrier-free paths of travel.
Safety & Visibility: Well-lit parking field equipped with security patrols and CCTV surveillance managed by Kern County airport operations.
Streamlined Payment Options: Automated payment kiosks and exit lane pay stations accepting all major credit and debit cards.

Ideal For

Passenger Pick-Up & Drop-Off: Welcoming friends, family, or business colleagues without waiting in congested curbside loading zones.
Short-Duration Business Travel: Perfect for corporate travelers taking day trips or quick overnight flights out of BFL.
Terminal Visitors & Greeters: Travelers escorting elderly family members, unaccompanied minors, or assisting with heavy luggage to the ticketing counter.
Flight School & Aviation Visitors: Guests attending meetings at adjacent general aviation offices and airport administrative facilities.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Meadows Field Airport allows quick curbside passenger loading, but unattended vehicles at the curb are strictly ticketed and towed; using the Short Term Lot is the safest and most relaxed option when meeting arriving travelers. Keep your entry ticket in a safe, shaded location inside your vehicle or take it with you to pay at the terminal pay-on-foot station before returning to your car to expedite your exit. If your trip extends beyond a couple of days, consider transitioning to the adjacent Long Term Lot to benefit from lower daily ceiling rates.