The majority of the visitors to Yosemite arrive in California via airplane before renting a car or RV and driving to the park. So what airports are close to Yosemite? It’s not easy to tell when you’re booking your flight online. Here’s a quick list that should help you out some. Remember if you’re staying in Mariposa or along the El Portal Road you’ll want to take Highway 140 from Merced into the park. If you’re staying in Groveland, Big Oak Flat, Crane Flat be sure to take Highway 120 from Manteca. Fish Camp, Oak Hurst, Wawona should enter on Highway 41 if you’re coming from the south or from San Francisco take Highway 140 to Mariposa and then take Highway 49 to Oakhurst.
Be sure to check out the “Where to Get Gas in Yosemite” page before departing and plan where you’ll be getting gas. Remember, there is NO GAS in Yosemite Valley.
Airports Near Yosemite
Fresno-Yosemite International (FAT)
Drive north on Highway 41 to Yosemite. Allow about 1.5 hours to the park’s South Entrance or 2.5 hours to Yosemite Valley.
Modesto City-County Airport (MOD)
Use Highway 120 East to Yosemite. Take Oakdale Road (Mitchell) North to Highway 120 in Riverbank. Turn right on Highway 120 and head east through Riverbank and Oakdale. Remain on Highway 120 East to the Highway 49/120 Junction. Take Highway 120/49 to Groveland and then into Yosemite.Allow about 1.5 hours to the park’s Big Oak Flat Entrance or about two hours to Yosemite Valley.
Merced Airport (MCE) (No Web Site)
Take Highway 140 East to Mariposa and Yosemite. Allow about one hour to Mariposa and two hours to Yosemite Valley.
Bay Area Airports
San Francisco International (SFO)
Take Highway 580 East to Highway 205 East. Head east on Highway 205 to Highway 99 North and then Highway 120 East. Remain on Highway 120 East to the Highway 49/120 Junction. Take Highway 120/49 to Groveland and then into Yosemite. Allow about five to eight hours (depending on traffic in the Bay Area).
Oakland International (OAK)
Take Highway 580 East to Highway 205 East. Head east on Highway 205 to Highway 99 North and then Highway 120 East. Remain on Highway 120 East to the Highway 49/120 Junction. Take Highway 120/49 to Groveland and then into Yosemite. Allow about five to eight hours (depending on traffic in the Bay Area).
San Jose International (SJC)
Take Highway 880 North to 580 East. Take Highway 580 East to Highway 205 East. Head east on Highway 205 to Highway 99 North and then Highway 120 East. Remain on Highway 120 East to the Highway 49/120 Junction. Take Highway 120/49 to Groveland and then into Yosemite. Allow about five to eight hours (depending on traffic in the Bay Area).
Airports North of Yosemite
Sacramento International (SMF)
Take Highway 99 South to Highway 120 East (Manteca) or Highway 140 East (Merced). Allow about four hours to Yosemite Valley on Highway 120 and six hours on Highway 140. If you decide to take Highway 120 see the San Jose route above for more detailed directions.
Reno/Tahoe International (RNO)
Summer Months (Late May through October)
Unfortunately the Tioga Road closes during the winter due to it’s high altitude and the large amount of snow it gets. But if you’re lucky enough to be arriving in the summer it makes for a great drive with spectacular scenery. Start by heading South on US 395 to Highway 120 West. Allow about 4-5 hours to arrive at the Tioga Pass Entrance and five hours to Yosemite Valley.
Be sure to check the status of the Tioga Road before attempting the 395-120 Route. You can check it online at: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Remember, should this route not be available you will be forced to take the Year Round route (found below) or reroute to a closer airport and possibly incur extra charges.
Year Round
Take Highway 80 west to Highway 99 in Sacramento. Drive south on Highway 99 to either Highway 120 East (Manteca) or Highway 140 East in Merced. Allow 12-14 hours to Yosemite Valley.