Yosemite National Park in California is open year-round, although some roads may be closed during winter. There are numerous routes from major metropolitan airports in both California and Nevada for getting to Yosemite’s five main entrances. If you don’t feel like driving into the park yourself, you can access public transportation from cities throughout California that will ferry you down into Yosemite Valley and – during the summer – to other parts of the park, as well. While there is still a park entrance fee, you will not need to make any separate timed entry reservation for 2026.
The five main entrances into Yosemite National Park are: Big Oak Flat, Hetch Hetchy, Arch Rock (also known as El Portal or Central), South, and Tioga Pass. Each entrance provides access to different areas and environments of the park.
Flying
The four closest major commercial airports from the west and north of Yosemite National Park are:
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) in California is 156 miles (251 kilometers) away.
The San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) in California is under 180 miles (290 kilometers) away.
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in California is between 180-200 miles (290-322 kilometers) away depending upon the route taken into the park.
The Reno-Taho International Airport (RNO) in Nevada is150 miles (241.4 kilometers) away from the park taking the most direct route there.
Getting to Yosemite from the south, the closest airport is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in California at around five to six hours’ drive (286-350 miles/460-563 kilometers).
Driving
Once you’ve landed (or if you’ve decided to make this an epic road trip in lieu of flying), Park Staff offer the following driving directions.
Getting to Yosemite From the West and North
San Francisco/Bay area
Take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.
Sacramento
Take Highway 99 south to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.
Reno & Lake Tahoe
Approximately June through October, conditions permitting
Take US 395 south to Lee Vining; take Highway 120 west into Yosemite National Park (open late May/June through October, depending on conditions).
All year
Take I-80 or I-50 west to Sacramento; take Highway 99 south to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.
Getting to Yosemite From the South
Los Angeles area
Take I-5 north (or I-405 north to I-5) to Highway 99 north to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.
San Diego area
Take I-5 north to Highway 99 to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.
Las Vegas
June through October, conditions permitting
Take US-95 North to Tonopah, then US-95/US-6 west to Highway 120. Go west on Highway 120 into Yosemite National Park (open late May/early June through October, depending on conditions).
November through May
Take I-15 south to Barstow; Highway 58 west to Bakersfield; take Highway 99 north to Fresno. In Fresno, take Highway 41 north into Yosemite National Park.
Death Valley National Park
June through October
Take Highway 190 west to US 395. Take US 395 north to Lee Vining; take Highway 120 east into Yosemite National Park (open late May/early June through October, depending on conditions).
November through May
Take Highway 190 west to US 395; take US 395 south to its junction with Highway 14. Take Highway 14 south to Mojave. In Mojave, take Highway 58 to Bakersfield. From Bakersfield, head north on Highway 99 to Fresno. In Fresno, take Highway 41 north into Yosemite National Park.
For driving times and mileages from other areas outside Yosemite to specific areas within the park, click here.
Fuel
In addition to fuel and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in communities around the park, gas is available inside Yosemite at Wawona, Crane Flat, and El Portal 24 hours per day with a credit card. Gas is not available in Yosemite Valley nor is it available any longer at Tuolumne Meadows.
EV charging is available in Yosemite National Park at no cost, courtesy of Yosemite Hospitality. All charging stations use J1772 connectors. View EV charging station information and locations within the park.
Groceries And Supplies
Looking for groceries or something you forgot to pack along for the trip? Groceries may be purchased inside the park at Wawona, Crane Flat, and seasonally at Tuolumne Meadows and at The Village Store in Yosemite Valley. For a wider selection of groceries and supplies, however, you might wish to shop in the larger cities around the park, such as Fresno, and Oakhurst.
- By Rebecca Latson - February 19th, 2026 12:50pm
