Book cheap flights to Yosemite National Park

138,593+ reviews on trustpilot logo

Popular destinations near Yosemite National Park

Flights to Mammoth Lakes, United States
Flights to Fresno, United States
Flights to Los Angeles, United States
Flights to San Francisco, United States
Flights to Las Vegas, United States
Flights to Oakland, United States

Visiting Yosemite National Park

Why visit Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park offers an immersive experience amidst deep valleys, towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome, and majestic waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls. Visitors come to hike, rock climb, or raft on the Merced River, surrounded by ancient giant sequoia trees in Mariposa Grove. It's a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and families seeking natural beauty, appealing even to those looking for peaceful moments during off-peak seasons.

Plan your visit

The best times to visit Yosemite are May or September for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and peak waterfalls in May. June to August is peak season with full park access but heavy crowds. Shoulder seasons offer fewer visitors, while winter provides peaceful, snow-covered landscapes, though some roads close. Most first-time visitors allow 3 to 4 days, with 2 full days for highlights. For deeper exploration, consider 5 to 7 days. Combine your trip with Sequoia National Park or a Gold Rush-era town. Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest year-round airport. Major airports like San Francisco (SFO) offer more flight choices but require a longer drive, and a car is recommended for park travel.

Last updated

Key facts and getting to Yosemite National Park

Find the key travel facts for visiting Yosemite National Park, including the nearest airports, transport options, the best time to visit, and other essential information to help you plan your trip.

Nearest airports
  • Mammoth Yosemite (MMH) — 67 km
  • Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) — 120 km
Getting there
From Mammoth Yosemite (MMH), Yosemite National Park is about 1 hour 3 minutes by car or rideshare, or 3 hours 8 minutes by bus. From Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), it's about 2 hours 15 to 18 minutes by car or rideshare, or 2 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours 7 minutes by bus.
Typical visit duration3-4 days
Best time to visitMay to September (late spring and early autumn)
Cheapest month to flyNovember
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
LanguageEnglish

Extras. Complete your trip in one place.

Explore Extras

Frequently asked questions

Where is Yosemite National Park located?

Yosemite National Park is located in east-central California, United States. It is about 274 kilometers (170 miles) east of San Francisco.

What are the top things to do in Yosemite National Park?

In Yosemite National Park, visitors can see granite formations like El Capitan and Half Dome, and waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls. Hiking over 1200 kilometers (800 miles) of trails is a popular activity.

Why is Yosemite National Park famous?

Yosemite National Park is famous for its distinctive natural features, including granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Is Yosemite National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Yosemite National Park is highly worth visiting, drawing millions of tourists annually for its waterfalls and scenic views. It is often combined with other California destinations.

When is the best time to visit Yosemite National Park?

The best time to visit Yosemite National Park depends on your desired experience. Spring offers peak waterfall flow and mild temperatures, while summer provides warm, dry weather and access to all park areas.

How many days do you need in Yosemite National Park?

Most travelers typically need between 3 and 4 days in Yosemite National Park to experience it well. This allows for seeing main attractions and enjoying various hikes.

What is the weather like in Yosemite National Park by season?

In Yosemite National Park, summers are warm and dry, with highs of 27 to 33 C (80-90 F). Winters are cold and wet, with temperatures from 4 to 13 C (40-55 F).

What is the nearest airport to Yosemite National Park?

The nearest airport to Yosemite National Park is Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), located about 67 kilometers away. Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) is the primary international gateway airport, about 120 kilometers away.

How do I get to Yosemite National Park from the nearest airport?

From Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), you can rent a car, which takes about 2 hours to reach Yosemite National Park. YARTS bus service is also available from FAT and Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH).

How far is Yosemite National Park from the nearest city?

Yosemite National Park is a large natural area surrounded by gateway towns. El Portal, California, is one of the closest, about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Yosemite Valley, a 30-minute drive.

Can you visit Yosemite National Park without a car?

Yes, you can visit Yosemite National Park without a car. The YARTS bus system provides public transportation to the park, and a free shuttle operates within Yosemite Valley.

Which airlines fly to the nearest airport for Yosemite National Park?

For Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), airlines include United, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines also fly to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH).

Airports for Yosemite National Park

Flights to cities near Yosemite National Park

Other places to explore

Download our app

Start your next adventure now. Download our app and explore cheap flights effortlessly!