The Closest Airport To Yosemite National Park

When you’re planning your trip to Yosemite National Park, one of the things you’ll need to decide is where to fly into.

In this guide, we’ll look at the nearest airport to Yosemite National Park.

It’s worth noting that although this is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park, it may not be the best place to fly to Yosemite for your particular trip. Another airport near Yosemite National Park might be more convenient. For more detailed information about other nearby airports, read my Guide to all the Airports Near Yosemite National Park.

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What is the closest airport to Yosemite National Park?

Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (MCE)

Merced Yosemite Regional Airport is small, but offers commercial flights on Advanced Air from/ to Las Vegas International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

This is the airport closest to Yosemite, with easy access to three of the four park entrances in less than two hours. You can rent a car through Hertz and Enterprise. From CA-59 N/N State Hwy 59, drive to Merced Falls Road going to CA-132 E, then head to Greeley Hill Road until you reach Big Oak Flat Road.

Merced Yosemite is connected to YARTS bus system that takes you inside the park. Greyhound bus service is also available. Amtrak also offers daily stops to Merced and is directly connected to cities like Sacramento, Oakland, and Bakersfield.

Location

Merced Regional Airport is located two miles southwest of Merced, in Merced County, California.

Distance from Merced to Yosemite National Park

Distance from Merced, CA to Yosemite National Park, Big Oak Flat Entrance: 69 miles
Distance to Arch Rock Entrance: 72 miles
Distance to South Entrance: 81 miles
Distance to Tioga Pass Entrance: 135 miles

Travel time to Yosemite National Park

Travel Time to Big Oak Flat Entrance: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Travel Time to Arch Rock Entrance: 1 hour 40 minutes
Travel Time to South Entrance: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Travel Time to Tioga Pass Entrance: 3 hours and 15 minutes

What airlines fly out of Merced Yosemite Regional Airport? Which airports connect to there?

Advanced Air: Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Find Yosemite National Park flights on Skyscanner.

Rental car options

Onsite: Hertz and Enterprise

Getting from Merced Yosemite Regional Airport to Yosemite National Park

Car rental service
YARTS
The Bus (Merced County Bus Transit)

Pros

Nearest access to the park’s Arch Rock Entrance
Connecting flights to Las Vegas International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport
Options for ground transportation services like bus shuttles, public buses, taxis, and train and car rentals.

Cons

Limited airline service options
Limited options for car rental services
Airfare can be more expensive

Map of Airports Near Yosemite National Park

Travel Insurance for Yosemite National Park

When you’re flying to Yosemite National Park, consider getting travel insurance too. Make sure it includes trip cancellation, in case you need to cancel your flight before your travel, so that you can get a refund.  

A great insurance option is Travelex.  It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can swap this link for either choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip here or get a quote right now:

Have a great trip to Yosemite! I hope this guide helped you discover the best airport for Yosemite National Park.

You might also like:

Yosemite National Park Guide
Guide to Yosemite National Park Ticketed Entry
The Closest Airport to Yosemite National Park
The Best Vacation Rentals Near Yosemite National Park
How to Get to Yosemite National Park
Visiting Yosemite National Park Throughout The Year

Did you choose the closest airport to Yosemite National Park, CA? I’d love to know.  Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more). 

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About the Author

James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.

He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.

Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for most of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, comprehensive camping and hiking gear reviews and buying guides, and helpful packing lists and gift guides will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.

As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.