The best airport to fly into for visiting Yosemite National Park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). It is the closest major commercial airport to Yosemite, located about 65 miles (approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours drive) from the park, depending on the entrance. Fresno offers many direct domestic flights and car rental options, making it the most convenient choice for Yosemite visitors
. Other airports you can consider include:
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF), about 150 miles away (around 3 to 3.75 hours drive). It is a larger international airport with many flight options but requires a longer drive to Yosemite
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approximately 200 miles away (around 4 hours drive). This is a major international hub, suitable for international travelers but involves the longest drive and potential Bay Area traffic
- Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), closer to the eastern side of Yosemite (about 1 hour to Tuolumne Meadows), but it is a small regional airport with limited flights and seasonal access due to Tioga Pass closure in winter
- Stockton Metropolitan Airport, about 3 hours from Yosemite Valley, serves some budget airlines and offers connections from cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix
Overall, Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the recommended airport for quickest and easiest access to Yosemite National Park, especially if you want to visit multiple nearby national parks like Sequoia and Kings Canyon on the same trip
