Planning a trip to one of America’s most breathtaking destinations starts with logistics. If you’re mapping out your adventure, knowing the closest airports to Yosemite National Park can make all the difference in maximizing your time amidst the granite cliffs and majestic waterfalls. Whether you’re flying in from across the country or internationally, there are several airports that offer convenient access to this iconic park. This guide breaks down the best options, distances, and the ideal routes to ensure your Yosemite experience starts as smoothly as possible.
In this in-depth article, the National Park Shops will compare commercial and regional airports based on proximity, accessibility, car rental availability, and travel time. Our top priority is to help you select the most efficient route so you can get from runway to trailhead with ease. With the keyword “closest airports to Yosemite National Park” placed naturally throughout, this guide aims to outrank outdated or vague sources and provide updated insights for travelers.
Where is Yosemite National Park located?
Yosemite National Park is located in the western Sierra Nevada mountains of California, covering portions of four counties: Tuolumne, Mariposa, Mono, and Madera. This iconic natural wonder spans more than 750,000 acres and is known for its towering granite cliffs, ancient sequoias, cascading waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems. The park is situated approximately 170 miles east of San Francisco and about 140 miles southeast of Sacramento, making it accessible from various parts of California.
When considering the closest airports to Yosemite National Park, it’s essential to factor in which park entrance you’ll be using. Yosemite has four primary entrances – Big Oak Flat, Arch Rock, South Entrance, and Tioga Pass – each accessible via different highways. Depending on where you fly in, your drive to the park can range from 1.5 to over 5 hours. Understanding where Yosemite is located geographically will help you make the best airport decision for your travel itinerary and overall experience.
The 5 Best Closest Airports to Yosemite National Park
If you’re trying to decide which airport offers the fastest and most convenient access to the park, this section will walk you through the top options. We’ve ranked the closest airports to Yosemite National Park based on distance to key park entrances, ease of driving, availability of rental cars, and overall traveler convenience. Here’s what you need to know before booking your flight.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest major airport to Yosemite National Park, located approximately 65 miles from the South Entrance. It’s often considered the best option for travelers looking for convenience and short drive times. The airport offers a wide range of domestic flights and several rental car services on-site, making it ideal for road-trippers.
If you’re planning to enter through the South Entrance via Highway 41, Fresno is by far the most efficient choice. Because it is among the closest airports to Yosemite National Park, you can typically reach the park in less than 90 minutes under normal traffic conditions. For many visitors flying from Los Angeles, San Diego, or Seattle, FAT is a solid pick.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Francisco International is a popular airport for international travelers and those combining Yosemite with a Northern California itinerary. Located around 170 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, SFO offers global connectivity and top-tier airport amenities. Despite the longer drive, it remains one of the closest airports to Yosemite National Park with direct freeway access via I-580 and Highway 120.
Expect a drive time of about 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic, especially if you’re leaving during peak commuting hours. Car rentals are abundant and easily accessible at SFO. This airport is a smart choice if you plan to explore the Bay Area before heading to Yosemite.
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Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Located in Nevada, Reno-Tahoe International is roughly 140 miles from the Tioga Pass Entrance via Highway 395. While this route is only available in summer due to snow closures, it’s one of the most scenic drives to the park. If you’re entering from the eastern side, this is one of the closest airports to Yosemite National Park during the warmer months.
The airport has domestic service from major U.S. cities and plenty of rental car options. It’s especially convenient for visitors also planning to explore Lake Tahoe or Mammoth Lakes. Keep in mind that Tioga Pass is typically closed from late October through May.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
Sacramento International is approximately 140 miles northwest of Yosemite, and a common entry point for visitors entering through the Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock Entrances. It offers a good balance of accessibility and manageable traffic compared to busier airports like SFO or LAX. It’s one of the closest airports to Yosemite National Park with straightforward access via Highway 99 and Highway 120.
Driving time from SMF usually takes around 3.5 hours, making it a feasible choice for both business and leisure travelers. Car rental services are abundant, and the airport rarely suffers from long delays or crowds, which is a bonus if you’re traveling during peak season.
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Oakland International Airport is another excellent alternative in the Bay Area and is located about 160 miles from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance. Compared to San Francisco International, OAK is often less crowded, features easier navigation, and boasts faster baggage claim and security lines. This makes it one of the most efficient choices among the closest airports to Yosemite National Park, especially for those seeking a low-stress airport experience.
The drive from Oakland usually takes between 3.5 and 4 hours depending on traffic. Like SFO, it provides easy access to rental car services and regional transit options. Oakland also frequently offers more competitive airfares, particularly on domestic routes, which is attractive for budget-conscious travelers. For those flying in from the West Coast or other parts of the western U.S., it strikes a great balance between convenience and cost.
Other Regional Airports to Yosemite National Park
While the major hubs offer wide connectivity, there are several smaller regional airports that provide even quicker access to Yosemite. These alternative options might not have the volume of flights, but they shine in convenience, reduced crowds, and proximity to less-trafficked park entrances. Let’s take a closer look at the other closest airports to Yosemite National Park that deserve consideration.
Mammoth Yosemite Airport
Mammoth Yosemite Airport is a small regional airport located approximately 45 miles from Yosemite’s eastern Tioga Pass Entrance, making it one of the closest airports to Yosemite National Park when Tioga Road is open. Though it serves only a handful of commercial flights, primarily from Southern California hubs like Los Angeles or San Diego, it provides a convenient alternative for travelers who prefer shorter drive times and fewer crowds.
Operating seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, the airport caters especially well to outdoor enthusiasts planning to explore both Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite. The drive from Mammoth Yosemite Airport to the park via Highway 120 is nothing short of spectacular, with panoramic views of the Eastern Sierra, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. For those seeking a dramatic and memorable entrance into Yosemite, this route delivers a truly unique experience, but always be sure to check Tioga Pass road conditions before finalizing your plans.
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Stockton Metropolitan Airport
Stockton Metropolitan Airport is roughly 100 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance and provides limited but convenient flight service to a handful of U.S. cities. Though smaller in scale compared to other major California airports, Stockton stands out for its minimal crowds, shorter lines, and quick boarding experience. It’s one of the lesser-known options among the closest airports to Yosemite National Park, yet it offers surprisingly efficient access for those traveling regionally.
If you can find a flight into Stockton that matches your travel schedule, it’s a comfortable and low-stress starting point. Car rental services are available onsite, and the drive to Yosemite typically takes around 2.5 hours. Plus, the scenic drive through Central California offers charming detours and small towns worth exploring along the way. For travelers who prioritize ease over extensive airport amenities, Stockton can be an excellent choice.
The Best Roads to Yosemite National Park
Once you’ve landed at one of the closest airports to Yosemite National Park, the next step is selecting the best road to get you to the park entrance efficiently and safely. Each major gateway into Yosemite is connected by scenic highways that vary by distance, terrain, and seasonal accessibility. Below, we highlight the most popular access routes matched to nearby airports and travel preferences.
Groveland to the Big Oak Flat Entrance
Highway 120 from Groveland to Big Oak Flat is a popular route for those coming from the Bay Area or Sacramento and seeking a balance of reliability and scenic beauty. This stretch of road offers one of the most direct and consistent paths to Yosemite Valley, and because it remains open year-round (barring major weather events), it’s a go-to choice for many visitors flying into the closest airports to Yosemite National Park.
Along the way, you’ll pass through charming gold rush towns like Groveland, which offer dining, fuel, and lodging options if you need to take a break before your mountain drive. The final leg into the park features winding roads with increasing elevation, but the panoramic views and dense forests make the drive an experience in itself. This route is ideal for travelers using SFO, SMF, or OAK, especially if you’re looking to arrive through the Big Oak Flat Entrance and get to Yosemite Valley efficiently without seasonal limitations.
Lee Vining to the Tioga Pass Entrance
Tioga Pass is the highest vehicle pass in California, reaching an elevation of 9,943 feet, and serves as a dramatic gateway connecting the Eastern Sierra with Yosemite’s east entrance. This route is typically accessible from June through October, depending on snowfall, and is often used by travelers arriving from Reno-Tahoe International or Mammoth Yosemite Airport. It’s the most direct mountain passage from the closest airports to Yosemite National Park during the summer season and offers quick access to Yosemite’s high country.
The journey along Highway 120 is one of the most scenic drives in the Sierra Nevada, featuring glacial valleys, alpine lakes like Ellery Lake and Tioga Lake, granite domes, and vast meadows blooming with wildflowers. Wildlife sightings are common, and there are several turnouts for taking photos or enjoying a picnic. However, drivers should be prepared for steep grades and limited cell service; a reliable GPS or downloaded offline maps are highly recommended. This route is ideal for experienced mountain drivers and those looking for a breathtaking entrance into Yosemite’s eastern wilderness.
Mariposa to the Arch Rock Entrance
Coming through Mariposa via Highway 140 is a scenic and stable option for year-round access to Yosemite National Park. This route is especially popular with those flying into Fresno Yosemite International Airport, one of the closest airports to Yosemite National Park, due to its relatively low elevation and consistent road conditions. The highway gently winds through the foothills and follows the picturesque Merced River, offering travelers multiple opportunities to stop for photos, picnic, or visit small-town attractions.
Highway 140 is particularly suitable for RVs, trailers, and first-time mountain drivers thanks to its mild gradients and fewer hairpin turns. As you approach the Arch Rock Entrance, you’ll be greeted by iconic granite formations and immediate access to Yosemite Valley highlights like Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and the Merced River Loop. This route is also less prone to seasonal closures compared to mountain passes, making it a reliable choice throughout the year for visitors arriving from the southern and central parts of California.
Oakhurst to the South Entrance
Highway 41 connects the town of Oakhurst to Yosemite’s South Entrance and is the main route for visitors flying into Fresno. This path offers a gentle climb into the park, with notable stops like the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias just inside the gate. It’s one of the most picturesque drives from the closest airports to Yosemite National Park. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours and is well-maintained throughout the year, though chains may be required in winter.
Big Oak Flat Entrance to Hetch Hetchy
From Big Oak Flat Entrance, visitors can take a rewarding detour to Hetch Hetchy, one of Yosemite’s most underappreciated yet spectacular areas. The route leads you through quiet, forested terrain and eventually opens to panoramic views of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, which offers a dramatically different experience from Yosemite Valley. Known for its uncrowded trails, stunning granite cliffs, and cascading waterfalls like Wapama and Tueeulala Falls, Hetch Hetchy is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and solitude seekers alike.
Though it’s not the park’s primary entry point, Hetch Hetchy is still accessible from several of the closest airports to Yosemite National Park and often overlooked by first-time visitors. The drive from Big Oak Flat Entrance is scenic and relatively short, adding a unique layer to your Yosemite itinerary. With fewer crowds and an atmosphere of peaceful seclusion, Hetch Hetchy rewards those willing to venture a bit off the beaten path.
Conclusion
When planning your Yosemite itinerary, choosing among the closest airports to Yosemite National Park is crucial for saving time and reducing travel stress. By considering driving times, seasonal accessibility, and airport amenities, you can tailor your arrival to match your Yosemite experience. With this guide, you now have all the tools needed to select the closest airport to Yosemite National Park that fits your travel plans. Book smart, pack light, and get ready to experience one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth.
