The original operator for train service on this line was the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.

Named Santa Fe passenger trains served at the station included the San Francisco Chief, and Golden Gate.

Since 1971, direct service south to Los Angeles has not been permitted due to a ban on passenger trains through the Tehachapi Loop.

However, they would not construct a train station in the city, because once completed, the railroad was purchased by Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe.

In 1938, Santa Fe began operating intermodal rail service on the San Joaquin Valley line.

At Bakersfield passengers would transfer to one of several bus routes, which departed for destinations in Southern California.

In 1972, the train station was demolished by Santa Fe and replaced with freight offices and a parking lot.

The station would officially open on July 4, 2000, with a demonstration train breaking through a ceremonial barrier.

Country music star Buck Owens (who lived in Bakersfield) performed at the event.

[7] San Joaquins are expected to cease services here once California High-Speed Rail operations begin.

[10] Of the California stations served by Amtrak, Bakersfield was the fifth busiest in Fiscal Year 2018 (behind only Los Angeles Union Station, Sacramento Valley, San Diego and Emeryville), boarding or detraining a total of 442,023 passengers.

[12] Bakersfield is the transfer point between San Joaquin trains and Amtrak Thruway buses connecting to Southern California destinations.

The buses are necessary in part because passenger trains are normally not allowed on the Tehachapi Loop, the only direct rail link between the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.

Greyhound also has a covered outdoor waiting area and a ticket office inside the station building.