Closest Airport To Yosemite National Park: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering the grandeur of Yosemite National Park begins even before you set foot in the park itself—it starts with choosing the right airport.

Yosemite’s vast wilderness, with its thundering waterfalls, towering sequoias, and iconic Half Dome, can be accessed from several airports, each offering unique benefits.

The selection ranges from the convenience of Fresno-Yosemite International, the closest airport to Yosemite, to the extensive flight options at San Francisco International.

This guide will provide you with an in-depth comparison of these airports, helping you decide the best starting point for your unforgettable Yosemite adventure.

Planning Your Trip To Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, the crown jewel of California’s natural splendors, warrants careful planning to maximize your time and experiences.

A treasure trove of scenic vistas and wildlife, Yosemite enthralls visitors year-round, but each season presents its unique charms and considerations.

Carefully choosing when you visit will help you get the most out of your trip. Summer sees the park at its most vibrant, with optimal conditions for camping and hiking.

Late spring brings the park to life with blooming wildflowers and gushing waterfalls, while fall offers stunning foliage and fewer crowds.

Although winter visits confine you to Yosemite Valley, as the breathtaking Tioga Pass remains closed, they offer a serene and snow-covered park landscape.

airport terminal walkway - best airport for Yosemite Park

With Yosemite National Park located where it is, it’s important to consider the closest major city that fits your needs when it comes to flying in.

Merced serves as the closest major city to Yosemite. Fresno is closer than Sacramento, which in turn is closer than San Jose.

Fresno is approximately 1.5 hours away from Yosemite, while Sacramento is about 3 hours away.

If you’re coming from San Francisco, expect a driving time of around 3.5 hours, and from San Jose, it takes approximately 4 hours to reach the park.

These cities also offer opportunities for road trips and sightseeing, making them potential additions to your visit to Yosemite.

Turning your trip to Yosemite into a longer road trip can be quite fun, especially if you’re bringing kids along for the trip.

We like to refer to road trip guides from San Francisco or another major city to Yosemite, which highlight key stops within and around the park. Exploring the park by car is highly recommended for a broader experience, depending on when you visit.

But, if you’re visiting during the peak summer months, we recommend that you opt to use the shuttle service or rental bikes available within Yosemite Valley.

This lets you explore the park freely without getting caught in traffic.

Importantly, respect for wildlife and the park’s ecosystem is essential.

This includes avoiding feeding animals, disposing of trash correctly, being cautious while driving, maintaining a safe distance from animals, and refraining from disturbing natural elements like rocks and sticks in rivers.

Regardless of when you visit, be prepared for sudden weather changes in Yosemite Mariposa County.

While summer temperatures are typically warm, snow can surprise you at any time of the year.

Especially during cooler seasons, temperatures can plummet unexpectedly. Winter often brings certain road closures due to heavy snow.

Essential packing items include sunscreen, maps and navigational aids, extra food, and layered clothing.

Since cell service can be spotty, we also like to download an offline map from Google Maps so you never have to worry about getting lost.

Whether you plan a day trip or an extended backpacking adventure, being prepared is key to enjoying all Yosemite has to offer.

The park is steeped in rich history, much of it shaped by the efforts of naturalist John Muir, often called the “Father of the National Parks.”

Reading his quotes and fascinating facts about Yosemite may lend deeper meaning to your visit.

Where To Stay In Yosemite

Yosemite National Park offers a variety of accommodation options, each tailored to a different set of needs and preferences like pet friendly places to stay.

Within Yosemite Valley itself, five lodges and camps provide easy access to the park’s wonders, but these coveted spots fill up quickly. Book as early as you can.

If you’re after luxury and history, The Ahwahnee, a grand hotel adorned with wood and stone accents, is your best bet.
Yosemite Valley Lodge, a more modern, family-friendly hotel nestled by the Merced River, is ideal for those seeking a convenient base to explore the park.
For those on a budget but still wanting a unique experience, Curry Village offers glamping tents. Positioned in the heart of the valley, it’s within easy reach of the stunning Vernal Falls.

But remember, due to their prime locations and unique offerings, all of these options require early booking to secure a spot.

Beyond Yosemite’s borders, you’ll find an array of lodging choices that can be more budget-friendly.

Fish Camp, situated near the Mariposa sequoia grove, is worth considering, as are the areas around Midpines and Mariposa.

These locations also offer a picturesque drive into the valley along the Merced River.

The Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp is a full-service resort, complete with a pool and spa for those looking for a more indulgent stay.

If glamping appeals but you’d prefer to be outside of the park, the Autocamp in Midpines offers Airstream trailers complete with amenities such as BBQ facilities, a terrace, and a pool.

For those seeking simple and affordable lodgings, the Miners Inn in Mariposa is ideal, particularly for visitors who prioritize spending their time in the great outdoors.

Conveniently, from these locations outside of the park, you can take advantage of the Yarts bus service to navigate summer traffic in Yosemite Valley.

Which Entrance To Use To Enter Yosemite

Yosemite National Park features several entrances to cater to different visitor routes and preferences. The airport to Yosemite that you choose will influence which entrance you use.

The Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Highway 120) in the northwest side offers fewer crowds, attractions like Mark Twain’s Cabin, Railtown, and the picturesque Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
For those driving from the Bay Area, the Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120) is a direct route, providing access to Groveland’s amenities and the Big Oak Flat Information Station.
The Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140) is the quickest route from San Francisco, passing through the towns of El Portal and Midpines and leading to historic Mariposa.
The South Entrance (Highway 41) caters to visitors from Southern California, offering accommodations in Fish Camp and attractions like Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in Oakhurst.
Finally, the Tioga Pass Entrance (Highway 120) offers access from the park’s eastern side, a convenient option for visitors from Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, or Death Valley. Note that it’s typically closed from November to spring due to snow conditions.

Airports Close To Yosemite National Park

Choosing the airport closest to Yosemite National Park can greatly enhance the convenience and efficiency of your trip.

While Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the nearest, the major Bay Area airports offer more flight options and are only slightly further away:

San Francisco
San Jose
Oakland

Ultimately, factors like flight availability, costs, your itinerary, and the time of year will guide your airport choice for a memorable Yosemite visit.

Unless noted, the drive times and distances are from the airport to Yosemite Valley.

1. Fresno Yosemite International Airport

Nestled in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT) stands as the closest airport to Yosemite National Park that offers a variety of flight options.

Despite being a modest regional airport, it offers a convenient option for travelers aiming to reduce their journey time to the park.

It’s worth flying into Fresno Airport for its proximity to Yosemite, sparing you the hassle of navigating through dense Bay Area traffic.

With a driving distance of 95 miles to Yosemite Valley, you can reach Wawona in approximately 1.5 hours and Yosemite Valley in about 2.5 hours.

The airport’s airlines include top carriers such as:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta
Southwest
United

These airlines offer nonstop flights from numerous US cities, including:

Chicago
Dallas
Denver
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Phoenix
Portland
Salt Lake City
San Diego
San Francisco
Seattle

The convenience of Fresno Yosemite International Airport extends beyond its location.

With rental car options provided by companies such as the ones below, you can choose a vehicle that suits your travel needs.

Dollar
Thrifty
Sixt
Europcar
Ace
Hertz
Avis
NU

After landing in Fresno, the journey to Yosemite National Park is fairly straightforward.

Route signs to the park are clear, and the path takes you through the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills and quaint towns of Coarsegold and Oakhurst.

A recommended pit stop, Oakhurst offers a place to stock up on snacks, groceries, and gas before you venture into the park.

Entering the park from the south via Highway 41, you’ll find it’s the closest entrance to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

As the highway winds through steep terrain with sharp turns, it’s crucial to obey the speed limit for your safety.

If driving isn’t to your liking, Fresno Airport offers an alternate option: the YARTS bus service. Available all year round, the bus passes through Mariposa Grove and over the scenic Tioga Pass, dropping you off at Yosemite Valley.

Once in the park, a shuttle service is available to transport you around the expanse of Yosemite’s pristine landscapes.

Opting for Fresno Airport as your gateway to Yosemite National Park can save you about four hours of round-trip driving time, a boon for those primarily visiting Yosemite Valley and preferring not to drive.

Additionally, choosing this airport places you in an excellent position to explore not just Yosemite but also the neighboring Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, creating an unparalleled adventure in California’s wilderness.

2. San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is also one of the closest airports to Yosemite and arguably the closest major airport.

The airport’s appeal lies in its wide range of US carriers and nonstop flights, providing an ample selection for travelers.

SFO is served by all US carriers and offers direct service to most states, making it a national hub for air travel. With its status as an international gateway, it also welcomes flights from 16 international carriers.

A journey from SFO to Yosemite National Park covers a distance of around 190 miles, which translates to a driving time of approximately four to four and a half hours.

The travel from the airport to Yosemite is not only about reaching the destination but also the picturesque journey through the Central Valley and into the Sierra Nevada foothills.

The route may become winding and mountainous, especially as you near the park.

Notably, you’ll pass through Groveland, a charming mountain town, before entering the park through the Big Oak Flat Entrance, which is ideally situated for exploring Tuolumne Meadows and the scenic Tioga Road.

Alternatively, you may choose to enter the park via Highway 140 (El Portal, Arch Rock Entrance).

Although slightly longer, this route is less winding and mountainous, making it a suitable choice for winter visits.

It’s advisable to make your last meal stop no later than the town of Merced along this route.

Flying into SFO offers a good budget option for those with more time than money.

Despite the additional distance and driving time, compared to Fresno, flights to SFO tend to be cheaper, and the airport hosts a larger inventory of rental cars.

Furthermore, choosing SFO as your starting point allows you to explore the vibrant downtown San Francisco, take a scenic drive along the majestic Big Sur, or visit the awe-inspiring Redwoods before embarking on your Yosemite adventure.

SFO provides a plethora of rental car options from well-known companies such as:

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Sixt
Hertz
National
Thrifty

For those who prefer not to drive, the airport provides access to public transportation all year round via Amtrak or Greyhound, with a YARTS bus pick-up point in Merced.

In addition to SFO, the Bay Area hosts two other airports, Oakland and San Jose, that might appeal to budget-conscious travelers or those finding a cheap direct flight.

Both airports host major US carriers and are better served by Southwest Airlines than SFO.

In conclusion, while it might not be the closest airport to Yosemite, SFO’s wide array of services, access to other California highlights, and potential cost savings make it a worthy contender.

3. San Jose International Airport

San Jose International Airport (SJC) presents an appealing gateway for visitors to Yosemite National Park.

Boasting a drive time of approximately four hours to Yosemite Valley and covering a distance of 178 miles, SJC is essentially as close as San Francisco International Airport and is among the larger regional airports in the area.

The airport hosts a plethora of top airlines, including:

AeroMexico
Air Canada
Air China
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
British Airways
Delta
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Lufthansa
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
Volaris

This wide range of carrier options enhances the airport’s appeal, though it’s important to note that the Bay Area traffic can be significant.

Upon landing at SJC, travelers can choose from an assortment of rental car options such as:

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Sixt
Hertz
National
Thrifty

For visitors who prefer not to drive, public transportation is available all year via Amtrak or Greyhound.

From SJC, there are two entrances to reach Yosemite National Park:

Big Oak Flat
Arch Rock

While both routes offer scenic drives, the Arch Rock entrance via Highway 140 is recommended as the road is less winding.

This route passes through the charming town of Mariposa, which is approximately one hour away from the park. It offers an ideal spot for a break or meal before the final leg of the journey.

Significantly, the Highway 140 route holds an advantage in the non-summer months due to its lower elevation compared to Highway 41 or Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Entrance).

This makes it an easier and safer drive during these periods.

In summary, San Jose International Airport, with its diverse airline selection, rental car options, and strategic location, is a valuable choice for visitors heading to Yosemite National Park.

Whether navigating the busy Bay Area traffic or making the scenic drive to one of America’s most beloved national parks, SJC offers a strong starting point for your Yosemite adventure.

4. Oakland International Airport

Oakland International Airport (OAK) serves as a convenient gateway to the stunning Yosemite National Park, offering a slightly shorter driving time of about 3.5 hours compared to its Bay Area counterparts.

Situated approximately 180 miles from Yosemite, OAK is the next closest airport to the park and, being further removed from the city center has fewer toll lanes than San Francisco.

The airport hosts an array of top airlines, including:

Alaska Airlines
Allegiant
Azores Airlines
American Airlines
Delta
Contour
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Spirit
Southwest Airlines
Volaris

As a result, it offers a range of flight options for travelers, which is a valuable aspect to consider.

Once you’ve arrived at OAK, you can choose from a wide variety of rental car services.

Options include:

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Fox
Hertz
National
Payless
Thrifty

If you prefer to avoid driving, there’s the option of public transportation via Amtrak or Greyhound available all year round.

The route from Oakland International Airport to Yosemite National Park is very similar to that from San Francisco International Airport.

The journey will take you through the heart of the Bay Area, which, despite avoiding some toll roads, is still subject to heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.

The drive to Yosemite is a scenic one, passing through the Central Valley before climbing into the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Despite the potential for traffic, the journey offers a unique opportunity to experience California’s diverse landscapes before reaching the breathtaking natural beauty of Yosemite National Park.

Oakland International Airport presents a practical and accessible alternative for those wishing to visit Yosemite.

With a blend of top airlines, a variety of rental car services, and a relatively shorter drive to the park, it makes for a strong contender when planning your trip.

5. Reno Tahoe International Airport

If your trip to Yosemite National Park includes a stop at Lake Tahoe or the tranquility of the eastern Sierra, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is a viable option.

Located 213 miles from Yosemite, it’s one of the closest airports to the park from the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada and just a 4.5-hour drive away.

RNO offers nonstop flights from 25 destinations in the US, including six cities within California, served by airlines such as:

Aha!
Alaska Airlines
Allegiant
American Airlines
Delta
JetBlue
JSX
Frontier Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
Spirit
Southwest Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
United
Volaris

Once you’ve arrived, rental car services from companies like below are available.

Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Fox
Hertz
National
Payless
Thrifty

The drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport is straightforward: take US-395 South to Lee Vining, California.

Here, you’ll find the turning for Tioga Pass, which leads to the eastern entrance station of Yosemite National Park.

The journey through the high country provides breathtaking scenery, passing through Tuolumne Meadows and the stunning Tioga Pass.

However, be aware that this route isn’t always accessible. Tioga Pass typically closes from November to late May or June due to winter weather conditions.

Therefore, if your visit falls within this timeframe, you’ll need to allow about 5.5 hours to reach Yosemite Valley, with no car access to Tuolumne Meadows.

We generally recommend finding another route to enter Yosemite Valley during this time. Make sure to check Tioga Road’s status before planning your journey.

Though RNO is smaller than the other major airports, it’s a natural choice for visitors planning to explore both Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe, especially during the summer months.

For those traveling from Las Vegas, it offers a cooler alternative route, avoiding the hot desert drive through Death Valley.

Finally, while RNO doesn’t have a direct YARTS shuttle service, you can pick it up in Lee Vining, adding to the airport’s convenience.

Other Airports Close To Yosemite National Park

There are several other airports close to Yosemite that can be considered for travel to the park.

These are smaller, regional airports that tend not to be chosen as much but may be an option depending on your trip.

6. Sacramento International Airport

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is a convenient gateway to Yosemite, with a driving distance of 152 miles to Big Oak Flat Entrance Station and 176 miles to Yosemite Valley.

It offers a great alternative to Bay Area airports, as it provides a similar driving distance but with less traffic.

With a wide range of top airlines operating at SMF, rental car options available, and non-stop flights connecting to major US cities and Mexican destinations, it offers excellent accessibility for visitors planning a trip to Yosemite National Park.

7. Merced Regional Airport

Merced Regional Airport (MCE) is located 72 miles from Yosemite National Park and takes around 1.5 hours to reach.

It is serviced by Advanced Air and is a choice for travelers coming from LAX or LAS. However, this airport is not commonly chosen due to higher costs and small aircraft size.

8. Mammoth Yosemite Airport

Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) is technically the closest airport, located 30 miles from Lee Vining, CA, but the main target for most visitors is Yosemite Valley, making other airports just as close.

It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Yosemite Valley or 1 hour to reach Tuolumne Meadows when Tioga Road is open.

Mammoth Yosemite Airport is serviced by United and Advanced Air and is best for flying in from nearby cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Denver.

9. Stockton Metropolitan Airport

Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) is another option, with a driving time of 2.5 hours to Yosemite Valley.

It is 98 miles from Yosemite National Park and serves as a middle ground for those keen on visiting both Yosemite and the Bay Area.

Public transportation is available via Amtrak or Greyhound throughout the year. It is important to note that Stockton Metropolitan Airport only serves one airline, Allegiant.

Choose One Of The Closest Airports To Yosemite

Choosing the right airport for your trip to Yosemite National Park depends on your travel needs and preferences.

Fresno-Yosemite International, as the closest airport, provides a convenient and straightforward journey for those looking to spend most of their time in Yosemite.

However, other airports, like San Francisco International, San Jose International, and Reno-Tahoe International, offer more flight options and the chance to explore additional regional highlights.

Ultimately, each airport serves as a gateway to the diverse, beautiful experiences that await in Yosemite, allowing you to start your adventure in a way that best suits you.