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Fly into Fresno for a shorter drive, or start in the Bay Area for a city-and-park trip. Compare flights, drive times, and seasonal access below.
Choose your departure airport to compare fares.
2Β½ hr to Yosemite Valley
4 hr to Yosemite Valley
3Β½ hr to Yosemite Valley
One adult, economy, taxes included. Fares may change before booking. Airport times are local.
Photos: National Park Service (Public domain)Noah Friedlander, crop by Cristiano TomΓ‘s (CC BY-SA 4.0)JananaBanana (Public domain). Images cropped.
Estimated driving time to Yosemite Valley.
Times vary with traffic and weather. NPS airport guide
Higher roads may still have snow.
Check Tioga Road before crossing.
Early snow can close higher roads.
Be prepared for tire-chain rules.
Road access changes seasonally. Check park conditions
Check seasonal road access and tire-chain requirements.
Merced year-round. Fresno service is seasonal.
Compare fares to FAT, SFO, and OAK, then include the cost and time of the drive to Yosemite before choosing the cheapest trip.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest practical gateway in this guide. SFO and OAK are useful alternatives for a broader California itinerary.
Waterfall runoff usually peaks in May or June. Summer brings more high-country access as snow clears. Fall is quieter, with lower waterfall flows. Yosemite Valley is accessible in winter, but snow and chain requirements affect travel. Check current park conditions before booking.
Continue from the airport by rental car, shuttle, or private transfer. The best option depends on your gateway, season, and where you are staying in the park.