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How to get from Los Angeles to Yosemite
Driving to Yosemite Valley takes about 5 h 30–6 h via CA-99 and Fresno, entering through the South Entrance on CA-41. By public transport, Amtrak San Joaquins trains (with a connecting bus from Los Angeles) to Merced and the YARTS bus into the park take about 9–10 h. Flying to Fresno cuts the drive to about 2 h.
Best option: Car. Driving is the most flexible and fastest overall, and you need transport inside the park anyway.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car I-5 north, CA-99 to Fresno, then CA-41 to the South Entrance and Yosemite Valley | about 5 h 30–6 h | fuel only, plus the park entrance fee per vehicle | Check whether timed-entry reservations are required in your travel dates. | |
| train Amtrak Thruway bus from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, Amtrak San Joaquins train to Merced, then the YARTS bus to Yosemite Valley | about 9–10 h | a few connections a day | about $50–100 | Check current timetables; YARTS schedules are seasonal. |
| flight Flight from Los Angeles to Fresno Yosemite International, then a rental car to the park | about 1 h flight plus about 2 h drive | several flights a day | about $100–250 plus car rental | Useful if short on time. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Tioga Road (CA-120 East) is closed in winter, usually from November to May or June.
- Carry snow chains in winter; they can be required on park roads.
- Book park lodging or campsites months in advance.
- Fill up in Oakhurst before entering the park; there is no fuel in Yosemite Valley.
Common questions
How long is the drive?
About 5 h 30–6 h to Yosemite Valley via CA-99 and Fresno, entering at the South Entrance on CA-41. Traffic in Los Angeles can add an hour or more. The drive to Mariposa Grove at the South Entrance is a bit shorter.
Do I need a reservation to enter the park?
In recent years, Yosemite has required timed-entry or peak-hour reservations during busy periods, typically in summer and some weekends. Rules change from year to year, so check the official National Park Service website before you go. Overnight reservations inside the park usually include entry.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes, but it takes about 9–10 hours. Take an Amtrak Thruway bus from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, an Amtrak San Joaquins train to Merced, then the YARTS bus into Yosemite Valley. Check current timetables, as YARTS services change by season.
Is Tioga Road open?
Tioga Road, the park's high route over the Sierra, is closed in winter, usually from around November until May or June, depending on snow. It does not affect access from Los Angeles via the South Entrance, which is open all year.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.