If you want to visit Yosemite, then this post is for you. Continue reading to know about where to fly into Yosemite National Park.
Many people have a bucket list of places they want to visit in their lifetime. One of the most popular destinations is Yosemite National Park. Yosemite offers amazing views but can be difficult to get to without a car or tour bus from San Francisco.
You can get to Yosemite either by private charter planes just a few miles from Mariposa at the Yosemite Airport or opt for commercial flights. The closest airport is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT).
However, if you are flying in from a different city, many other airports offer flights. Lucky for you, we have completed all the research and compiled a list of airports close to the park. We’ve also provided details about the easiest routes to use and the best time of the year to visit the national park, among other essential things you should know. So, let’s jump right in, shall we?
Table of Contents
What is the Easiest Way to Get to Yosemite?
The easiest way to get to Yosemite is by car. With your own car, you can leave whenever you want, stop where you want and arrive at your own pace. Besides, when you get there, you can explore the park at your own speed. However, while driving is a convenient way to get to Yosemite, it can be quite a hassle, especially during peak seasons due to traffic.
Besides, sometimes, driving can be quite tiring, especially if you are coming from afar. If you are looking to avoid the hassles of driving or don’t have a car, consider the next two best options; public charter buses and regular public transit.
Public Charter Buses
These are the most popular transport option when it comes to getting to Yosemite. Many people use them because several companies offer trips around the park, so you have plenty of options in terms of the schedule and cost.
However, if you don’t want a trip around the park, some public charter buses offer trips to the National Park without including additional activities.
Benefits of Using a Public Charter Bus
There are several benefits to using public charter buses, including the following:
- They are very convenient: Since they offer an itinerary, you don’t have to worry about getting lost, and you can leave knowing that your trip will be hassle-free.
- They provide an overview of the park: This gives you a chance to get your bearings and learn about the park before getting out on your own.
- They can save time: You don’t have to stop at all of the viewpoints, so you’ll be able to see more in less time than if you were driving yourself. However, if you want to take your time, this may not be the best way to explore the park.
Regular Public Transit
Public transit options come with an extensive network of routes around California, so you can use them if you already live here or just want to explore other parts of the state. With this option, you may have to take the train then get to your destination by bus.
Benefits of Using Regular Public Transit Options
People who want to explore the park more affordably often use public transit. It can be cheaper in terms of both money and time, especially if you plan on spending several days exploring Yosemite National Park. You’ll also save yourself from having to pay for gas or car maintenance fees that come with owning your own vehicles.
Furthermore, this mode of transport won’t only get you to the park. You can also use it to get around town during your stay.
Source: Last Minute Gear
How far is it From San Francisco to Yosemite?
Yosemite is approximately 167 miles east of San Francisco,, and you can get there within three to four hours depending on your preferred means of transport. Therefore, if you’re visiting the park from San Francisco or anywhere else in the Bay Area and you want to make the most of your experience, it would be best to start your journey as early as 5 AM to get the full experience of the park.
However, if you prefer to sleep in while on vacation(don’t we all?), it may be best to start your day earlier and spend the night at a hotel. This way, you’ll be able to avoid traffic and arrive at Yosemite by mid-morning. This also allows you to rest, eat breakfast or brunch, take a shower, do some laundry (if necessary), and get ready for your day in Yosemite Valley.
What Airports are Near Yosemite?
There’s no airport in Yosemite or anywhere extremely close. The national park is visited as part of a larger California trip. As a result, most people begin their trip in the most popular metro areas.
That said, you have various options if you want to get to Yosemite by flight. Your choice between these airports will depend on:
- Your itinerary
- Time of year
- Which part of the park you’d like to visit
The following airports are closest to Yosemite National Park:
Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FYI)
Location: Fresno, California.
Distance to Yosemite: 95 miles.
Drive Time: Approximately 2 1/2 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Fresno-Yosemite International Airport is the closest major airport to Yosemite. The airport is served by domestic flights from Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines.
The flights also serve Mexican destinations through Volaris and Mexicana. In addition to these, they offer nonstop US service to and from Los Angeles, Dever, Chicago, and more.
Flights into Fresno are often more expensive than flying into one of the San Fransico airports. However, if you have the money and want to save time, it’s worth the investment. However, it may not be worth it if flying into Fresno will include a long layover in transit.
Nonetheless, Fresno airport is an excellent choice for individuals visiting Yosemite Valley and don’t want to drive. You can take a public bus from the airport and use the shuttle service to get around the park.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Location: San Francisco
Distance to Yosemite: 190 miles
Drive Time: 4 to 41/2 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
SFO is the second major airport in the Bay Area and a major international airport. It’s about 190 miles from Yosemite. The airport is served by all major carriers and offers direct service to all most US states. SFO is also an international gateway, serving the world with 16 international carriers.
Compared to Fresco, flights are likely to be cheaper. Therefore, if you have more time to spare than money, SFO may be your best bet. SFO is also a good choice if you:
- Want more car rental inventory options
- Would like to explore downtown San Fransisco, go north into the RedWoods or hit up the scenic Big Sur Drive.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Location: Oakland, California
Distance to Yosemite: 180 miles
Drive time: 4-4.5 hours
OAK is a great alternative to SFO. It is about 180 miles from Yosemite, and it also offers domestic flights. It’s less expensive to fly into Oakland if you’re looking for low fares and have time to spare.
Oakland also has fewer international carriers flying in here, which means it’s easier to get a good deal on domestic flights if you’re not picky about which airline to fly with.
Oakland International Airport is, however, not the best option for those looking for car rental options since it’s much smaller than SFO. However, there are still enough companies available that you can use to find something that suits your needs.
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Location: San Jose, California
Distance to Yosemite: 178 miles
Drive time: 4-4.5 hours
Another option for flying in is San Jose Mineta International Airport, about four hours from the park. This airport has very affordable options for domestic flights, but the wait between them can be quite long.
Reno Airport (RNA)
Location: Downtown Reno
Distance to Yosemite: 213 miles
Drive time: 4.5 hours
Lastly, you can opt for flying into Reno Airport, which is about 4.5 hours away from the park. This airport has the closest to Lake Tahoe and has nonstop flights from 25 states in the US. These flights include six cities within California.
Source: California Crossings
What is the Best Month to Visit Yosemite National Park?
The best time to visit Yosemite National Park is between May and September. During these months, the park is accessible and not too crowded. Besides, most trails leading to the park are closed a major part of the year due to snow. Snow can come in as early as October but comes in full force in November, often remaining for the better part of March.
However, just because the snowstorms die down in March, this doesn’t mean that the doors are opened immediately. Depending on the weather conditions, most roads remain closed until May or June.
Due to these seasonal park closures, most people visit Yosemite in the summer. However, we wouldn’t recommend visiting the park at this time of the year because it’s often too crowded. You can expect a lot of traffic, difficulty finding a campsite, and you won’t really get to enjoy the scenery.
Therefore, it’s best to visit between May and September when the roads are open, the weather is nice, and it’s not too crowded. However, if you want to see the waterfalls in their full glory, visit either in late May or early June. During this time, the falls roar from melting snow, which makes for a breathtaking view. On the other hand, if you’re a hiker, September will be perfect for you. The weather is cool, and you still get to see all the best parts of the park without any hassle.
Source: Travel US News
How Many Days Do I need in Yosemite?
How much you need in Yosemite will depend on you and what you want to do in the park. If you plan to hike, allow yourself at least three days (or more if there are specific hikes that interest you). Don’t forget to come prepared with maps of your route to know which trails lead where when it’s time to head back down or continue on another path.
However, if you just want to look around, you only need a day to tour the entire park. However, it’s best to set aside a few days. This way, you can linger and take your time exploring the stunning park.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, a comprehensive guide on Yosemite and where to fly into. If you want to visit Yosemite, it’s easy as pie with the right preparations! Remember to plan your trip between May and September as this is when the park is at its most beautiful and less crowded.