9 Airports Near Yosemite (+Pro Tips for Seamless Access)

Embarking on an epic journey to the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite National Park? Imagine soaring above majestic peaks and lush valleys, with the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. But wait, before you dive into the heart of this natural wonder, you need the perfect runway to touch down on. That’s where we come in!

Welcome to the ultimate guide to airports near Yosemite, where we unveil the gateways that lead to your dream escape. Buckle up as we take you through a curated list of airports that bring you closer to stunning Yosemite National Park. And that is not all – we are throwing in some pro tips that will have you seamlessly navigating your way from the terminal to the trails!

• Distance to Yosemite: 64 miles to the park’s South Entrance on Wawona Road (1.5-hour drive); 95 miles to Yosemite Valley (2.5-hour drive)
• Reason to Fly into FAT: Fresno is the closest major airport to Yosemite and offers relatively convenient access.

Unlike major city airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) generally experiences less congestion and shorter lines, making your arrival and departure experiences smoother.

The drive from FAT to Yosemite involves less mountainous terrain and winding roads compared to airports like Mammoth Yosemite Airport. This can be more comfortable for some drivers.

Fresno is a relatively small city compared to San Francisco, and you might experience a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Top Airlines Operating at FAT: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Allegiant Air.
• Non-Stop Flights: Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Guadalajara (Mexico), Las Vegas, Leon (Mexico), Los Angeles, Mexico City, Morelia (Mexico), Phoenix, Portland, Reno, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle.
• Rental Car Options: Dollar, Thrifty, Sixt, Europcar, Ace, Hertz, Avis, NU

GOOD TO KNOW: While FAT offers a variety of flight options, they might be fewer compared to larger airports like SFO. You might need to be more flexible with your travel dates and flight times.

PRO TIP: FAT primarily serves domestic flights, so if you’re coming from outside the United States, you might need to connect through another airport before reaching FAT.

• Distance to Yosemite: Approximately 42 miles to the Tioga Pass Entrance of Yosemite (45-minute drive)
• Reason to Fly into MMH: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) is a small regional airport, however, it is very convenient. It provides access to the Eastern Sierra region of Yosemite. Mammoth Yosemite Airport definitely offers a more laid-back and less crowded travel experience compared to larger airports.
• Top Airlines Operating at MMH: Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.
• Non-Stop Flights: Burbank, Bishop, Carlsbad, Hawthorne, and San Francisco.
• Rental Car Options: Enterprise, National, and Hertz

GOOD TO KNOW: Due to its smaller size, the airport might have limited amenities and services compared to larger airports. Plan accordingly and bring any essential items you might need.

PRO TIP: The drive from Mammoth Yosemite Airport to the Tioga Pass Entrance of Yosemite offers stunning views of the Eastern Sierra landscape. If time allows, consider taking a leisurely drive and making stops to appreciate the scenery.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for a more adventurous experience, the Eastern Sierra region offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the wilderness beyond Yosemite’s main attractions.

• Distance to Yosemite: Approximately 169 miles to the Big Oak Flat Entrance (3 hrs 10 mins); 193 miles to Yosemite Valley (3 hrs 50 mins).
• Reason to Fly into SFO: SFO is a major international airport with numerous flight options from various cities and countries. This can provide you with flexibility in choosing your flights.

If you are interested in exploring San Francisco and other attractions in the Bay Area before or after your visit to Yosemite, flying into SFO provides easy access.

If you’re coming from outside the United States, SFO can be a convenient gateway for your journey to Yosemite, especially if you plan to visit other parts of the U.S. during your trip.

• Top Airlines Operating at SFO: United Airlines, Alaska, Delta, American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Air Canada.
• Non-Stop Flights: There are more than 125 non-stop flight destinations.
• Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

GOOD TO KNOW: The drive from SFO to Yosemite can involve congested traffic, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, the route includes mountainous terrain and winding roads, which can be challenging, especially for those not used to driving in such conditions.

• Distance to Yosemite: 150 miles to the Big Oak Flat Entrance (2 hrs 45 mins); 174 miles to Yosemite Valley (3.5 hrs).
• Reason to Fly into OAK: OAK is a major airport in the San Francisco Bay Area with a wide range of flight options from various cities and countries. This can provide you with flexibility in choosing your flights.

If you are interested in exploring San Francisco and other attractions in the Bay Area before or after your visit to Yosemite, flying into OAK provides convenient access.

OAK is located on the western side of the Bay Area, which can offer relatively straightforward access to the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite.

• Top Airlines Operating at OAK: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Azores Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Contour, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Spirit, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris.
• Non-Stop Flights: There are 47 non-stop flight locations from OAK.
• Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty.
• Closest Entrance to Yosemite: Big Oak Flat Entrance (via Highway 120)

GOOD TO KNOW: The drive from OAK to Yosemite can involve congested traffic, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, the route includes mountainous terrain and winding roads, which can be challenging, especially for those not used to driving in such conditions.

• Distance to Yosemite: 183 miles to the Arch Rock Entrance (3 hrs 20 mins); 200 miles (3 hrs 45 mins) to Yosemite Valley.
• Reason to Fly into SJC: SJC offers a variety of flight options from different cities, making it convenient for travelers to choose suitable flights.

Being close to Silicon Valley and the Bay Area, SJC provides an opportunity to explore urban attractions before or after your visit to Yosemite.

SJC’s location on the western side of the Bay Area can offer relatively straightforward access to the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite.

• Top Airlines Operating at SJC: AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air China, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Volaris.

• Non-Stop Flights: Offers non-stop flights to various domestic and international destinations.
• Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

GOOD TO KNOW: SJC is often considered a more relaxed and convenient alternative to larger Bay Area airports like SFO due to its manageable size.

• Distance to Yosemite: 142 miles to the Tioga Pass entrance (2.5 hrs) and 170 miles to Yosemite Valley (4 hrs).
• Reason to Fly into RNO: RNO is relatively close to the Tioga Pass Entrance of Yosemite, providing easy access to the park’s high alpine region.

The drive from RNO to Yosemite’s Tioga Pass Entrance offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and high desert landscapes.

The Eastern Sierra region around RNO and Mammoth Lakes offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and hot springs, in addition to your Yosemite visit.

Reno is a smaller city compared to major metropolitan areas, so you can likely avoid the congestion and lines often associated with larger airports.

The drive from RNO to Yosemite involves less challenging mountainous terrain compared to some other airports, making the journey more comfortable for some drivers.

• Top Airlines Operating at RNO: Aha!, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, JSX, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Spirit, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United, and Volaris.
• Non-Stop Flights: RNO has 27 non-stop destinations.
• Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

GOOD TO KNOW: Depending on your location, there might be fewer flight options into RNO compared to major international airports.

• Distance to Yosemite: 152 miles to Big Oak Flat Entrance Station (2 hrs 50 mins) and 176 miles to Yosemite Valley (3.5 hrs).
• Reason to Fly into SMF: SMF is relatively close to the Big Oak Flat Entrance and the Hetch Hetchy Entrance on Yosemite’s northern and western sides.

The drive from SMF to Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance offers scenic views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and landscapes.

Sacramento is smaller than major metropolitan areas, so you’re likely to experience less congestion and shorter lines at the airport.

• Top Airlines Operating at SMF: Alaska Airlines, Aeromexico, American Airlines, Air Canada, Boutique, Contour, Delta, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Spirit, Southwest Airlines, United.
• Non-Stop Flights: SMF is a major airport serving the Sacramento metropolitan area, and it provides both domestic and international flights. The availability of non-stop flights can vary based on the airline, the time of year, and the specific destination.
• Rental Car Options: Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, National, Dollar, Thrifty

GOOD TO KNOW:  While SMF does offer amenities and services, it might have fewer options compared to larger airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

SMF is primarily a domestic airport, so if you are flying internationally, you might need to connect through another airport before reaching SMF.

While SMF offers a range of flight options, there might be fewer direct flight choices compared to larger airports.

• Distance to Yosemite: 72 miles to Yosemite National Park (1.5 hrs) and 83 miles to Yosemite Valley (2 hrs).
• Reason to Fly into MCE: While the distance is greater than that from Mammoth Airport, it still offers a relatively convenient access point to the park.

Flying into Merced Regional Airport can be a more convenient option if you are primarily interested in exploring Yosemite Valley and its famous landmarks, such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall.

Merced Regional Airport is also relatively close to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, one of Yosemite’s most impressive features. This grove is home to hundreds of giant sequoia trees, including the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree.

Compared to larger airports in major metropolitan areas, MCE likely has less congestion, making for a smoother arrival and departure experience.

Merced is a smaller city, and the airport’s size reflects that. You might experience a more relaxed atmosphere during your visit.

• Top Airlines Operating at MCE: Advanced Air.
• Non-Stop Flights: Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
• Rental Car Options: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, and Hertz.

GOOD TO KNOW: Due to its smaller size, Merced Regional Airport offers fewer amenities and services compared to larger airports.

• Distance to Yosemite: 98 miles to Yosemite National Park (2 hrs) and 122 miles to Yosemite Valley (2 hrs 45 mins).
• Reason to Fly into SMF: Stockton is a smaller city, and Stockton Metropolitan Airport is not as crowded as larger international airports. This can lead to a more relaxed and efficient travel experience.

Stockton is located in California’s Central Valley, offering access to attractions beyond Yosemite, such as nearby wineries and agricultural areas.

• Top Airlines Operating at SCK: Allegiant.
• Non-Stop Flights: Las Vegas and Phoenix.
• Rental Car Options: Enterprise.

GOOD TO KNOW: Due to its smaller size, Stockton Metropolitan Airport offers fewer amenities and services compared to larger airports.  Also, rental car availability might not not have very many options.