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How to get from San Francisco to Yosemite
Driving takes about 3 h 30 – 4 h 30 to Yosemite Valley via the Big Oak Flat or Arch Rock entrance. Without a car, Amtrak sells a combined ticket: bus from San Francisco to the train, the San Joaquins to Merced, then the YARTS bus into the park, about 6–7 h in total.
Best option: Car. A car is the quickest way and lets you explore the park, which is large and spread out.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car I-580 and I-205 east, then Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat entrance) or Highway 140 via Merced (Arch Rock entrance) | about 3 h 30 – 4 h 30 | fuel plus park entrance fee (about US$35 per car) | Peak-season entry reservations have applied in some years; check the National Park Service site. | |
| train Amtrak Thruway bus from San Francisco to the San Joaquins train (Emeryville/Richmond), train to Merced, then YARTS bus to Yosemite Valley | about 6 h – 7 h | one to a few connections a day | about US$40–70 one way | Book as one Amtrak ticket so connections are protected. |
| bus Organised day tours or shuttle services from San Francisco | about 4 h each way | daily in season | about US$150–250 | Day tours give only a few hours in the Valley. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Tioga Road (Highway 120 east) closes in winter; the western entrances stay open.
- Book lodging inside or near the park months ahead in summer.
- Fill up on fuel before entering the park; there are few stations inside.
- Carry chains in winter: they can be required on park roads.
Common questions
How long is the drive from San Francisco to Yosemite?
About 3 h 30 to 4 h 30 to Yosemite Valley, depending on traffic leaving the Bay Area and the entrance you use. Highway 120 via the Big Oak Flat entrance and Highway 140 via Merced are the main routes. Expect slow traffic in the park in summer.
Can I get to Yosemite without a car?
Yes. Amtrak sells a combined ticket: a Thruway bus from San Francisco to the San Joaquins train, the train to Merced, then the YARTS bus into Yosemite Valley. It takes about 6 to 7 hours. Inside the Valley, free shuttles connect the main trailheads and lodges.
Do I need a reservation to enter Yosemite?
In recent years the park has required timed or peak-hour entry reservations on busy days in summer, but the rules change from year to year. Check the National Park Service website before your trip. Overnight lodging or campground reservations usually count as entry permission.
Can I do Yosemite as a day trip from San Francisco?
It is possible by car or tour, but you will spend 7 to 9 hours on the road for a few hours in the Valley. Staying at least one night lets you see Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point and the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove without rushing.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.