Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most stunning landscapes, and it’s no surprise that people come from all over the world to see it. But its remote location means getting there requires some planning, especially when it comes to transportation.
Choosing the right airport is key to making your trip as smooth as possible. This guide explores your options for an airport for Yosemite, giving you the information you need to make the best decision for your itinerary and the time of year you’re traveling. We’ll cover distances to park entrances, seasonal considerations, and more.
Airports Near Yosemite: An Overview of Options
Yosemite is somewhat remote, and there’s no truly close airport. However, there are several regional and international airports that can get you within driving distance. Here’s a rundown of your options:
Major Airports Serving Yosemite
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): Many travelers consider Fresno the most convenient airport. It’s about 64 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance and offers non-stop flights to cities in the U.S. and Mexico.
- San Francisco Bay Area Airports (SFO, OAK, SJC): You’ll find many flight options in the Bay Area, but be prepared for a longer drive. From these airports, expect about a 4-hour drive to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance.
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF): Sacramento is another option, especially if you’re coming from the north. It’s about 151 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
Considering Merced Airport (MCE)
Merced Airport offers flights to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. From there, you can drive to Yosemite.
Key factors in airport selection: Entrance, season, and distance
When planning your trip to Yosemite, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your airport. Your entrance to the park, the time of year you’re planning to visit, and the driving distance from the airport all play a part.
The importance of your chosen entrance
Yosemite has four entrances: Big Oak Flat, Arch Rock, South, and Tioga Pass. The entrance you choose can change your driving time depending on which airport you select. Think about which part of Yosemite you want to see first.
Seasonal considerations: The Tioga Pass closure
The Tioga Pass entrance, or Highway 120 East, closes during the winter months. If you’re flying into Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and planning to use that entrance, you’ll have to make other plans during the winter.
For example, Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is only 137 miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance during the summer months, but the drive to the Big Oak Flat Entrance is 244 miles during the winter months.
Driving distances: A critical factor
Driving times from airports to Yosemite Valley can be anywhere from 90 minutes to eight hours. Be aware of the driving distances, especially if you’re flying into airports farther away from the park.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 284 miles from the South Entrance. Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) is 341 miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance.
A closer look at individual airports and their proximity to Yosemite
Here’s a summary of your airport options, listed in order from closest to farthest.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Fresno is the closest major airport to Yosemite’s South Entrance. The drive time to Yosemite Valley is about 90 minutes.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Reno offers access to Yosemite via the scenic Tioga Pass. However, be sure to check if Tioga Pass is open before booking flights during the spring or fall because it’s often closed due to snow.
Bay Area Airports (SFO, OAK, SJC)
- San Francisco International (SFO): 169 miles to Big Oak Flat Entrance
- Oakland International (OAK): 150 miles to Big Oak Flat Entrance
- San Jose International (SJC): 162 miles to Big Oak Flat Entrance
These airports offer the most flight options, but keep in mind that it’s a bit of a drive to get to Yosemite.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento is about 151 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance. It’s a good alternative to the Bay Area airports, especially if you’re planning to explore areas north of Yosemite.
Summary
Picking the right airport for your Yosemite trip depends on what matters most to you: convenience, cost, and the time of year you’re planning to visit.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is closest to the park, but flying into one of the larger Bay Area airports will give you more flight options.
No matter which airport you choose, keep in mind the driving distance to Yosemite and whether the roads might be closed due to snow, especially during the winter months. Be sure to consider which park entrance you’d like to use and plan accordingly.
When you weigh these factors carefully, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, enjoyable start to your Yosemite adventure. For more help planning your trip, check out our recommended itinerary and other articles on Yosemite.