Road Trip Itinerary: Bakersfield, CA → University City, MO

Day 1: Bakersfield → Santa Rosa (Overnight)

Morning: Depart Bakersfield early and head east on I‑5 before joining I‑15. After about 250 miles you’ll arrive at Barstow, CA for a quick fuel stop and a stretch.

Afternoon: Continue on I‑40 eastward, reaching Kingman, AZ around the 500‑mile mark where you can refuel, grab a bite, and enjoy a short walk through historic downtown.

Evening: Press on to Albuquerque, NM for the final fuel stop before the last leg to Santa Rosa, NM. Arrive in Santa Rosa in the early evening, check into your hotel, and relax after a long day of driving.

Day 2: Santa Rosa → University City

Morning: Leave Santa Rosa after breakfast and travel east on I‑40. After roughly 250 miles you’ll pull into Amarillo, TX for a fuel top‑up and a quick coffee break.

Afternoon: Drive onward across the Texas Panhandle, reaching Oklahoma City, OK near the 500‑mile point. Refuel, enjoy lunch at a local eatery, and stretch your legs at the Bricktown waterfront.

Evening: Continue east on I‑44, stopping at Joplin, MO for the final fuel fill‑up before arriving in University City, MO just after dusk. Settle into your accommodation and unwind.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Barstow, CA – 30 min fueling – $40
• Kingman, AZ – 45 min fueling & lunch – $45
• Albuquerque, NM – 30 min fueling – $40
• Santa Rosa, NM (overnight) – 8 hr stay – $120
• Amarillo, TX – 30 min fueling – $40
• Oklahoma City, OK – 45 min fueling & lunch – $45
• Joplin, MO – 30 min fueling – $40
• Total Estimated Cost: $400

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding a day to explore the vibrant arts scene in Albuquerque or the historic Route 66 attractions in Kingman and Amarillo. To shorten the journey, you could skip the lunch stop in Oklahoma City and push straight through to University City, but be sure to stay well‑hydrated and take brief breaks to stay safe on the road.