KEY TAKEAWAYS

The closest airport to Yosemite is Fresno-Yosemite International Airport which is a 1.5-hour drive to the south entrance, with over 14 direct flights serviced by 8 airlines (including Southwest Airlines).
For convenience and flexibility, we recommend renting a car, but you can also hop on the YARTS bus from the airport to get to the park in under 4 hours.
Oakland International (OAK), San Jose Mineta International (SJC), San Francisco International (SFO), and Sacramento International (SMF) are about a 3 to 3.5-hour drive and are also great options.

Are you looking for the closest airport to Yosemite National Park? Then this post is for you.

Majestic waterfalls and towering rock faces are calling, and it’s time to book that flight to one of the closest airports to Yosemite.

There are several options for airports with varying distances from the park and route availability depending on whether you will be flying internationally or domestically.

We created this list of the airports closest to Yosemite National Park so that you can spend less time transiting and more time enjoying the Giant Sequoias.

Now, sit back and dig into this guide that has you covered with the best options for airports, drive times, transportation options, and which airlines to choose.

Table of Contents show

10 Closest Airports to Yosemite

In a Nutshell:

Nearest Airport to Yosemite: Fresno-Yosemite International Airport
Best Airports for Yosemite based on flight options: SFO, OAK, and SMF
Closest Regional Airport to Yosemite: Mammoth-Yosemite Regional Airport

There are six international airports close to Yosemite National Park with varying drive times and distances. Fresno-Yosemite International (FAT) is the closest airport to Yosemite.

However, some alternatives might suit your needs better if you wish to visit another city in transit or if you are arriving from specific locations that do not offer direct routes.

Note that the table below only lists the major airports, excluding the smaller domestic ones that do not have major airlines.

➡️ Wondering where to stay near Yosemite? We have a detailed guide on the best towns to stay near Yosemite to help you plan your trip.

Closest Airports to Yosemite Comparison Table

Airport	Distance	Drive Time
Fresno-Yosemite International (FAT)	64 miles	1:30 hrs
San Francisco International (SFO)	169.1 miles	3:17 hrs
Oakland (OAK)	150.1 miles	2:46 hrs
San Jose (SJC)	161.5 miles	3:00 hrs
Sacramento (SMF)	152.4 miles	2:48 hrs
Reno-Tahoe (RNO)	149.9 miles	2:43 hrs
Mammoth Yosemite Airport	41.7 miles	46 mins
Bishop Airport	78.4 miles	1:26 hrs
Merced Regional Airport	71.4 miles	1:30 hrs
Stockton Metropolitan Airport	97.7 miles	2 hrs

*These distances and drive times are based on the closest park entrance. Different routes can have separate park entrances. The time from the entrance to your destination or accommodation can vary greatly depending on where it is located inside the massive 747,956-acre park.

Closest Airport to Yosemite National Park

1. Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

Distance to Yosemite: 64 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 1:30 hours
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Car rental, Bus, and Train

Fresno-Yosemite airport is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park. This relatively small airport is by far the fastest way to get to the park.

Despite being the closest major airport to Yosemite, flights here are not necessarily cheaper compared to SFO.

If you do choose this airport for your trip to Yosemite, getting out of the airport is easy and fast with the drive almost a traffic-free route, meaning you can hike and enjoy the park sooner.

If you don’t plan on renting a car or driving, this airport is a good option as it has a direct connection with the YARTS bus that can take you directly to the park in under 4 hours for about $18.

Do note that traveling to Yosemite Valley via Highway 41 may be challenging as it is steep and windy, so make sure you bring some dramamine.

The positive side of this route is that you can stop on the way and visit the massive Sequoia trees at the Mariposa Grove.

As Fresno is a major city, it can serve as a supply post for your last-minute shopping for food, and outdoor essentials as the towns closer to the park have very few options.

Direct Flights to Fresno-Yosemite International Airport within the U.S.

City	Airline
Chicago	United Airlines, American Airlines
Dallas/ Fort Worth, Texas	American Airlines
Denver, Colorado	Southwest, United Airlines
Las Vegas, Nevada	Allegiant, Southwest
Los Angeles, California	Alaska Airlines, United Airlines
Phoenix, Arizona	American Airlines
Portland, Oregon	Alaska Airlines
Reno, Nevada	Aha!
San Diego, California	Alaska Airlines
San Francisco, California	United Airlines
Salt Lake City, Utah	Delta
Seattle, Washington	Alaska Airlines

Getting from Fresno Airport to Yosemite

The drive from Fresno airport to Yosemite National Park takes about 1.5 hours to the closest entrance and about 2.5 hours to Yosemite Valley.

You take East Shields road from the airport to Highway 41 and head north.

The highway will transition into Wawona road and take you directly to the park. The point when the highway ends is the Yosemite southern entrance.

If you don’t plan on renting a car, then you can take the YARTS bus to Yosemite National Park. The pickup location is across the one-way street from the arrivals hall on the middle divider.

Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty (See the minimum age to rent a car in California)

YARTS (Route schedule)

Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is a public transit bus line operating daily to and from Yosemite.

There are three daily trips from Fresno International Airport to Yosemite and three back to Fresno. Each trip takes approximately three hours and 55 minutes, without transfers.

You can pre-book your tickets to guarantee your seat. Pre-book your tickets online here.

el capital yosemite valley — Yosemite Valley in the fall

Best Airport for Yosemite

2. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Distance to Yosemite: 169.1 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 3:17 hours
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental car, Train, Guided Tour
Airlines: Southwest, United, Delta, American, Alaska (see full list)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the biggest airport near Yosemite National Park on this list, with the most options when it comes to airlines.

We think SFO is the best airport for Yosemite for those flying in from abroad as it is a major hub for international flights.

The biggest perk of flying into SFO is that there are plenty of good-priced fares, especially if you book early.

This is the best airport to fly into for Yosemite if you also plan on visiting San Francisco as part of your trip to Northern California.

The greatest drawback of flying into SFO is the Bay Area traffic, which can make the already long drive extra arduous.

Traffic varies depending on the time of the day, so make sure you choose the right flight schedule to avoid the morning and evening commute, if you plan on driving straight from the airport.

Getting from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite

The drive from SFO to Yosemite takes about 3 hours without traffic and about 3:45 hours to get to Yosemite Valley, where all the attractions are.

The fastest route will pass through the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Once you reach the town of Groveland, you can stop for supplies before entering the park via the Big Oak Flat entrance.

The tail end of this route is mountainous and quite windy towards the end.

If you get car sick or prefer an easier drive, take the longer route via Highway 140, which only takes an additional 30 minutes.

For a more convenient option, you can take one of these tours from SF.

Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, Thrifty, and National

Read our detailed guide on how to get from San Francisco to Yosemite without a car.

Other Airports Near Yosemite National Park

3. Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Distance to Yosemite: 150.1 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 2:46 hours
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental Car, Train, Guided tour
Airlines: Southwest, Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier (see full list)

Oakland International Airport (OAK) which is just across the bay from San Francisco is another airport near Yosemite National Park for those that are looking for cheaper fares.

This airport is easy to negotiate as it is relatively smaller than its neighboring airport.

Traffic leaving the Oakland airport can be terrible sometimes, so it’s best to ensure that the flight you book does not land in the middle of the morning or evening commute.

The perks of booking a flight into Oakland are that the prices are often lower. The drive to Yosemite is also shorter than the drive from SFO.

Getting from Oakland Airport to Yosemite

Without traffic, the drive to the park is approximately 2:45 hours. The route is similar to when you’re driving from SFO without having to negotiate through San Francisco on US 101.

Following this route, you will end up at the Big Oak Flat entrance along Highway 120 after passing through some windy sections.

Make sure to do your last-minute shopping in the town of Groveland, as this is the last town you will encounter before entering the mountainous portion of the route.

Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty

4. San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Distance to Yosemite: 161.5 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 3:00 hours
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental Car, Bus, Train, and Shuttle
Airlines: Southwest, Alaska, American Airlines, Delta, Jetblue, United (see full list)

San Jose International Airport (SJC) is another major airport for Yosemite located in the south of San Francisco.

It is also a relatively big airport, so you will have many airlines to choose from, and you might find a good price for a flight.

From SJC, getting to the park takes around three hours without traffic. The traffic isn’t as heavy as compared to SFO and OAK, but it gets heavy during rush hour.

SJC is also the ideal airport for Yosemite when looking to enter the park via the less windy Highway 140 through the Arch Rock park entrance.

Getting from San Jose Airport to Yosemite

This three-hour drive via Highway 140 is the most popular route to the park because of its straighter roads and its beautiful views of the Merced River.

About one hour before you reach the park, you will pass by the town of Mariposa, where you can pick up any necessary provisions for your trip to the National Park.

A faster alternative route from SJC is entering the park via the Big Oak Flat entrance on Highway 120.

This mountainous road has lots of tight turns and should be avoided if you or someone in your group get motion sickness or bring some dramamine with you.

Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty

🌲Do you love National Parks? Then these books about national parks are perfect for you!

closest airport to yosemite — Sacramento Airport is one of the closest airports to Yosemite

5. Sacramento International Airport

Distance to Yosemite: 152.4 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 2:48 hours
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental Car, Bus ride (no direct bus route), Train-bus ride (no direct train route)
Airlines: Southwest, United, Delta, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines (see full list)

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is one of the airports closest to Yosemite and is a great option if you want to avoid the crowds and hassle.

This mid-size airport houses two seldomly busy terminals, even during the holidays.

When traveling to Yosemite, traffic is significantly lighter than what you will find near Oakland or San Francisco airports.

If you are hoping to travel via public transport, note that there are no direct bus or train routes from this airport to Yosemite.

Getting from Sacramento Airport to Yosemite

The fastest way to get to Yosemite from Sacramento is a three-hour drive through the Big Oak Flat Entrance of the park.

However, expect a little build-up of traffic at the park entrance throughout summer due to the many tourists that frequent this route.

Rental Car Options: Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz Car Rental

6. Reno-Tahoe International Airport

Distance to Yosemite: 149.9 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 2:43 hours
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental Car, Bus (no direct bus route)
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, United, Delta, Jetblue, American Airlines (see full list)

Flying through Reno-Tahoe International Airport means that you are less than a three-hour car ride to Yosemite National Park.

This airport is less than an hour from Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters if you decide to visit both touristy locations.

The extra value of flying into Reno Airport is that there is rarely any traffic, meaning that you can plan on the trip taking three hours.

As for public transport, there are no direct bus routes from the airport to Yosemite.

However, you can ride a bus down to Lee Vining, California, and then grab the YARTS bus to the National Park.

Getting from Reno-Tahoe Airport to Yosemite

The drive from Reno airport to Yosemite is about three hours to the Tioga Pass Entrance and another two hours to get to Yosemite Valley.

Do note that they close up this entrance during the winter season due to hazardous weather conditions.

The pass closes around early November and does not open again until late May to the middle of June.

If you fly into this airport before the pass opens, you will have a very long drive to Yosemite.

This entrance is the only option if you’re coming from Reno, so consider this when scheduling your trip.

Make sure to also stack up on snacks and enough gas, as there are few facilities after heading up the Tioga Pass.

Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent-A-Car, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless Car Rental, Thrifty

More Airports Close to Yosemite National Park

This guide to the closest airports to Yosemite would be incomplete if we didn’t list some of the small airports that are in the region.

The number of airlines that fly routes into these airports is extremely limited, but if you can find a good flight deal, it might save you several hours of driving to the National Park.

Often, the only flights in and out of these airports are with small private carriers that are very expensive. If you have more money than time, consider flying to one of the airports and get right into the action.

7. Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)

Distance to Yosemite: 41.7 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 46 minutes
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental Car, Bus
Airlines: Advanced Airlines

Mammoth Yosemite Airport is technically the closest airport to Yosemite although not the best one due to the limited flights available.

Situated only about 41.7 miles from the park, Mammoth Yosemite Airport is less than an hour away from Yosemite.

Keep in mind that this airport caters to limited domestic flights, and the flight schedules heavily rely on the weather conditions.

Delayed or canceled flights are possible and not uncommon.

If you plan on staying in Mammoth Lakes as a base for visiting Yosemite and the Eastern Sierras, this airport is a good option for you.

Getting from Mammoth Yosemite Airport to Yosemite

From the airport, you will drive 46 minutes through the Tioga Pass entrance. Anticipate a steep and winding road with spectacular views. Do keep in mind that this route is only open in the summer. See our guide on how to get from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite.

Rental Car Options: Enterprise, Hertz, National

8. Eastern Sierra Regional Airport – Bishop Airport (BIH)

Distance to Yosemite: 78.4 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 1:26 hrs
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental Car, Bus
Airlines: United Airlines
Non-Stop Destinations: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver CO

Bishop Airport is another small regional airport close to Yosemite. This is a good airport choice if you plan on visiting other parts of the eastern sierras such as Mammoth Lakes.

There are very limited amenities available at this airport but it does have free wifi available, limited charging stations, and a restaurant on-site.

Getting from Bishop Airport to Yosemite

Public transportation is limited at this airport and the only way to get to Yosemite from here is by renting a car. If you’re under 25 and renting a car, read our guide.

There are two rental car companies available from this airport so it’s a good idea to book in advance.

The closest entrance to Yosemite from Bishop airport is the Tioga Pass entrance, but keep in mind that it will only be available during the summer season.

The drive from Bishop airport to Yosemite is pretty straightforward and takes about an hour and a half.

Rental Car Options: Enterprise, National

9. Merced Regional Airport (MCE)

Distance to Yosemite: 71.4 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 1:30 hrs
Wifi: Not available
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental Car, Bus
Airlines: Advanced Air

Merced Regional Airport is another airport for Yosemite National Park that you can fly into.

It is a small regional airport with limited nonstop flights from Las Vegas and Los Angeles through Advanced Airlines.

Getting from Merced Airport to Yosemite

The drive to Yosemite National Park takes around an hour and a half drive through the Arch Rock Entrance.

You may also opt to take a bus ride through YARTS for just under three hours, which has a direct route from the airport to the park.

Travelers find this way convenient because it is straightforward and not very windy compared to other routes.

The path through Arch Rock Entrance is open all year round, so you may opt to travel through here during winter.

Rental Car Options: Enterprise, Hertz

10. Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK)

Distance to Yosemite: 97.7 miles
Drive Time to Yosemite: 2:00 hours
Wifi: Free
Transportation Options to Yosemite: Rental Car, Bus (no direct bus route)
Airlines: Allegiant
Non-stop Destinations: Las Vegas, Phoenix

If you want an airport close to Yosemite, located near major freeways and other cities, look no further than Stockton Metropolitan Airport.

You can find good flight deals to this airport if you’re flying in from Las Vegas or Phoenix for as low as $35 each way.

Aside from being two hours away from Yosemite, SCK is also a short drive from cities like San Francisco and Oakland.

Stockton airport is a good option if you plan to make a road trip out of your drive to Yosemite and do multiple stops.

Getting from Stockton Metropolitan Airport to Yosemite

From Stockton Airport to Yosemite, you can take the Big Oak Flat Entrance, but brace yourself for the traffic since this route is a tourist favorite.

There are no direct bus routes, so taking a bus to the park may take around six hours (including bus transfers) compared to the two-hour drive via a rental car.

Rental Car Options: Enterprise

Yosemite Valley Quick Facts

Fees: $35 per car, valid for 7 days
Reservations: Not Required
Best Time to Visit: Spring is the best time to go to Yosemite when the waterfalls are gushing and the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Summer is the peak season if you want a guarantee of good weather.
Where to Stay: Yosemite View Lodge in El Portal or Yosemite Bug in Midpines for better availability. If you want to stay in a cabin inside Yosemite, read our guide.
Getting there: The closest airport to Yosemite is Fresno Yosemite International which is 35 miles away. For the best flight deals, use Skyscanner to browse various airlines and prices.
How to Get Around: Having your car is the easiest way to get around, especially if you’re visiting other nearby sights. Check RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars.
Best Self-Guided Tour: This audio tour from GyPSy Guide provides engaging commentary to make your trip more fun and interesting at such an incredible price!
Insider Tip: Make sure to get the America the Beautiful National Park Pass for only $80, which allows entry to over 400+ national park sites valid for an entire year. You can get it from REI.
Other Places to Visit after Yosemite: If you want to explore further, you can drive to Sequoia National Park from Yosemite to see the giant sequoias.

FAQs

What is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park?

The Eastern Sierra Regional Airport, located in Bishop, is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park.

This small airport offers limited flights from San Francisco, but the drive to Yosemite is only 45 minutes through the Tioga Pass Entrance.

The closest airport to Yosemite, with several airlines, is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Yosemite.

What is the closest major airport to Yosemite National Park?

The closest major airport to Yosemite National Park is San Francisco International (SFO), with 53 airlines offering domestic and international routes.

San Francisco International Airport is 169.1 miles and a 3 hour and 17 minute drive from Yosemite National Park.

Other similar options in the distance and travel time from the park are Sacramento International (SMF) and Oakland International (OAK).

What is the best airport to fly into to go to Yosemite?

The best airport to fly to for a trip to Yosemite is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Nine major airlines service routes to and from Fresno to airports across the United States and parts of Mexico. The drive to the park entrance is only 1.5 hours (64-mile).

How far is San Francisco from Yosemite?

San Francisco is 167.3 miles away from the entrance to Yosemite National Park. This drive is approximately three hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Is Yosemite closer to San Francisco or San Jose?

Yosemite National Park is closer to San Jose than San Francisco by eight miles, and the travel time is shorter by 17 minutes.

San Jose Airport is also closer but offers fewer routes than San Franciso International Airport, and fares tend to be slightly higher from international destinations.

It’s important to note that the route between San Jose and Yosemite is less windy and offers picturesque views of the Merced River.

Wrap-Up: Nearest Airport to Yosemite

When looking for the closest airport to Yosemite, the best answer is traveling via the Fresno-Yosemite International (FAT).

However, other airports close to Yosemite might better serve your budget and travel plans when considering other factors such as cost, traffic, or side-trip opportunities.

Hopefully, this post helped you finally get started on planning your trip to Yosemite.

Related: