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How to get from Las Vegas to Yosemite
The way from Las Vegas to Yosemite is to drive. In summer and early autumn, when Tioga Pass (Highway 120) is open, it takes about 6 h 30 to 7 h to the east entrance. When Tioga is closed, roughly November to late May, the route goes via Bakersfield and Fresno to the south or west entrance, about 7 h 30 to 8 h. There is no train and no practical direct public transport.
Best option: Car. Driving is the only realistic option, and a car is also needed to get around inside the park.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Summer: US-95 north through Nevada, then over Tioga Pass (Highway 120) into the park. Winter: I-15 and Highway 58 to Bakersfield, then Highway 99 and Highway 41 or 140 | about 6 h 30 to 7 h via Tioga Pass; about 7 h 30 to 8 h via Fresno | fuel plus the Yosemite entrance fee | Fuel up whenever you can in the Nevada desert. Check whether Yosemite requires an entry reservation on your dates. | |
| flight Flight from Las Vegas to Fresno, then car hire or a seasonal bus into the park | about 1 h 15 flight; about 2 h more by road to Yosemite Valley | limited; check whether direct flights run on your dates | varies | Only worth it if you find a convenient direct flight. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Check the Tioga Road status on the National Park Service website; opening and closing dates change every year.
- Download offline maps; mobile coverage is poor in the park and the desert.
- Book park lodging or campsites months ahead for summer.
- Carry water and snacks for the long empty stretches of Nevada.
Common questions
How long is the drive from Las Vegas to Yosemite?
About 6 h 30 to 7 h to the east entrance via Tioga Pass when it is open, usually from late May or June into November. The rest of the year, the route via Bakersfield and Fresno to the south or west entrance takes about 7 h 30 to 8 h. Add time for stops and traffic.
When is Tioga Pass open?
Tioga Road (Highway 120 East) usually opens between late May and late June, depending on snow, and closes after the first big storm, often in November. Dates vary every year, so check the National Park Service website before planning a route through the east side of the park.
Is there public transport from Las Vegas to Yosemite?
Not in a practical form. There is no train, and no direct bus. You could fly to Fresno, Sacramento or San Francisco and continue by car or by the regional YARTS buses, which serve the park seasonally from some gateway towns. For most visitors, driving from Las Vegas is the simplest choice.
Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite?
In some recent years, Yosemite has required advance entry reservations at peak times, especially summer weekends. Whether this applies depends on the year and season. Check the National Park Service website before you travel, and book lodging or campsites well ahead, as they sell out months in advance.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.