How To Get From San Francisco to Yosemite: Best Routes and Tours

Are you ready for the highlight of your California trip? It’s time to trade the vibrant San Francisco streets for the mind-blowing landscapes of Yosemite National Park.

If you’re confused about the best way to get to Yosemite from San Francisco, this guide is just for you!

Having visited Yosemite several times across various seasons, I learnt that some things may require your own discretion (instead of just Google Maps). This could be depending on the weather or your personal preference.

By weighing the pros and cons of each route and tour option, we can make the best use of our time to get the same amazing experience. 

Let’s explore the best ways to travel from San Francisco to Yosemite, including driving routes, tours, and more. I’ll also be sharing some practical tips to help you decide on the best option for you.

This article uses affiliate links where I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

What are the best ways to travel from San Francisco to Yosemite?

Before I dive deeper into the tips for traveling from San Francisco to Yosemite, here are the 3 main options you can consider: 

Read on for more details! I’ll break down each option to help you get a make an informed choice.

1. Driving – Best for flexibility

Driving to Yosemite gives you the ultimate freedom to set your own pace and explore the hidden gems along the way. You can pick your own rest stops, timings, and bring as many things as your vehicle can fit. 

How many miles is it from San Francisco to Yosemite?

Yosemite Valley is about 190 miles away from San Francisco. The total time it takes to drive from San Francisco to Yosemite is 4-5 hours without any breaks, and subject to traffic.

During our last trip in summer, we tried to arrive in Yosemite Valley by 8:30am and were able to avoid the long entrance lines and found parking relatively easily.

Rent a car

Before hitting the road, make sure to rent a reliable car that you’ll be comfortable with to handle the twists and turns of mountainous roads.

This is especially relevant for winter drives where an AWD/4WD SUV will be the perfect choice. They typically have “M+S” (mud and snow) tires which are able to handle slightly snowy conditions.

You can book your rental car via platforms that help you to compare prices, such as RentalCars.com. If you’re coming from San Francisco, you could choose to pick up your car at the SFO airport. 

Do check out more of my California car rental tips, and see if you’ve packed these road trip essentials.

Renting a car could cost about $100 per day, depending on the car model and insurance plan you choose. 

Best route

The most direct route from San Francisco to Yosemite is via Highway 120. You’ll enter Yosemite via the Big Oak Flat entrance. It also connects to Tioga Pass which is typically open between May and November. 

However, I recommend taking Highway 140 if you’re visiting Yosemite in winter as it’s meant to be the all-weather route. It has the lowest elevation and winds gently beside the Merced river, instead of the snowy mountain roads of Highway 120. You’ll enter Yosemite via the Arch Rock entrance.

Despite the slight detour of about 20 miles, the total duration will be similar.

How is the drive?

The drive to Yosemite is spectacular especially when you’re approaching the park. However it does come with its challenges.

During the summer, you might encounter heavy traffic and crowded parking lots, so I recommend leaving early in the morning, around 4 or 5am if you can stomach it.

Hopefully the implementation of the permit reservation system for peak period visits helps to change this overcrowding situation.

Is it dangerous to drive to Yosemite from San Francisco?

It is not dangerous for most of the year (summer and fall), but you’ll need to be careful when driving at night and during winter. Some parts of the mountain roads can be quite exposed, and you wouldn’t want to be speeding around the bends for most of it.

With all mountainous roads, it’s good to have a healthy amount of caution. Driving Highway 120 in summer shouldn’t be difficult or dangerous, as long as you’re adhering to the speed limit guidance.

Otherwise, in terms of whether it might be dangerous, 2 scenarios come to mind – night driving, and winter driving.

Night driving

Based on what I saw in the day, there are plenty of barricades for more exposed parts, and reflective panels to help you see. I’ve only had experience driving along Glacier Point Road (high elevation) at night, and found that I needed to drive at around the speed limit.

Winter driving

If you’re planning to drive in to Yosemite via Highway 120, watch out for icy roads and be prepared to put on snow chains if needed. Do look out for storm forecasts, as that may make road conditions tougher to drive in.

Don’t forget to add snow chains to your list of things to bring to Yosemite. We carry Autosock (snow socks) for our Subaru just in case.

However, it is almost certain that Highway 140 will be fine even after a storm, as that’s what we experienced when we drove out after a late winter snow storm in Yosemite.

Best stops between San Francisco and Yosemite

As you make your way from San Francisco to Yosemite, be sure to make some pit stops to stretch your legs and take in the sights.

Livermore: If you need something to do to pass the time, head over to the San Francisco Premium Outlets for some shopping. You can even grab a quick bite while you’re there.

Don Pedro Reservoir (Highway 120): You can also park at this scenic vista point for a break or even a quick snack.

Groveland (Highway 120): Explore this charming and small town with cozy cafes and places like Iron Door Saloon that take you back in time. It is about just over 1 hour away from Yosemite Valley, and a good option for an overnight stay.

Mariposa (Highway 140): During winter, this town gets lots of love as people opt for the all-weather route through Highway 140, just 1 hour away from the valley. It’s popular for accommodation and dining as prices are affordable. I love the coffee and toast at Sticks Coffee, and the lunch menu at 1850 Restaurant and Brewery.

Where to stay overnight

When I’m not camping, my favorite location to stay near the valley is Yosemite West because it’s a cozy and quiet neighborhood of vacation rentals.

If you’re planning to break up the drive and stay somewhere between San Francisco and Yosemite, here are some recommendations.

Inside Yosemite National Park

• Yosemite Valley Lodge: Convenient accommodation with direct views of Yosemite Falls.
• The Ahwahnee: This elegant and historic lodge has incredible views that will make for an iconic Yosemite experience.
• Curry Village: Stay in one of the classic Glamping tent cabins in Curry Village and enjoy the communal atmosphere.
• Yosemite West: These spacious vacation rentals are most suitable for families and groups to stay near Yosemite.

Along Highway 120:

• Rush Creek Lodge (Groveland): This rustic yet modern lodge features a seasonal outdoor pool and two hot tubs, and provides s’mores to be enjoyed at the fire pit every night.
• Evergreen Lodge (Groveland): Best for accessing both Hetch Hetchy Entrance and Big Oak Flat Entrance. 

Along Highway 140:

• Yosemite View Lodge (El Portal): Located along the Merced River with 4 pools and a hot tub. You can also enjoy an American breakfast or dinner at the River Restaurant & Lounge on site.
• Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort (Midpines): Relaxing resort on a forest hillside with spa, table tennis and darts in the lounge area. Outside, you can also enjoy a communal fire pit. The June Bug Cafe is also on site, serving vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
• AutoCamp Yosemite (Midpines): Unique accommodation for glamping, with free bike rental, an outdoor pool and a terrace.
• Hotels and motels in Mariposa: Relatively affordable and close to food a variety of dining and other amenities.

Can you do a day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite?

Yes, it’s possible to do a day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite and I know of friends who have done so. However, here are some practical considerations:

• There will be at least 4 hours of driving each way
• You might get stuck in traffic along the way
• During summer months, parking inside Yosemite Valley is a hassle so be prepared to take the shuttle
• Yosemite Valley shuttles may get delayed due to the crowds

If you’re up for the challenge, start your journey before the crack of dawn to make the most of your time in Yosemite. Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and water for the journey!

To make the most of your day trip, plan ahead and prioritize the must-see sights. Yosemite Valley is home to iconic landmarks like Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan.

Here are the viewpoints I recommend:

• Tunnel View
• Bridalveil Falls
• Yosemite Visitor Center
• Lower Yosemite Falls
• Cook’s Meadow Loop
• Yosemite Valley View

For the best spots for fall colors in Yosemite, check out this guide.

Get my Yosemite 2-day summer itinerary

Save yourself hours of research with this curated National Park guide

I want this!

We won’t send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

2. Tours – Best way without a car

If you don’t drive or prefer not to drive, the best way to travel from San Francisco to Yosemite is via a tour. This way, you can sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving while you soak in the stunning scenery.

Tour #1: Yosemite 2-day trip from San Francisco (accommodation included)

If I were visiting without a car, this is probably the tour I would go for. It would be the most value-for-money for solo travelers too, since the cost of car rental and gas would already be at least $100 per day anyway. You also wouldn’t need to worry about parking in both San Francisco and Yosemite.

Overall, I think this is the best mix of guided sightseeing and free exploration. You can check this Viator listing for more details.

What you’ll get with this 2-day tour

• San Francisco hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Overnight stay in Yosemite Valley
• Trip to Glacier Point
• Hiking in Tuolumne grove of giant Sequoias
• Yosemite Valley guided sightseeing

Prices start from $529, and final price depends on your choice of accommodation in the valley. Aim to book early for the best chance of getting the room you want, especially ahead of summer.

Tour #2: Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Hike from San Francisco (day trip)

For those who want to have it all, here’s a day trip tour that covers the main attractions in Yosemite Valley as well as a hike in the Tuolumne grove of giant Sequoias.

The entire trip will include 2 hours for you to explore the valley on your own. You can choose to check out the Ansel Adams gallery, lower Yosemite Falls, and more.

Do note that during winter, more time will be allocated to Yosemite Valley instead of going up to Tuolumne grove which is at a higher elevation. Check this Viator listing for more details.

What you’ll get with this Yosemite and giant Sequoias tour

• San Francisco hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Hiking in Tuolumne grove of giant Sequoias
• Yosemite Valley guided sightseeing
• 2 hours of independent exploration in the valley

Prices start at $209 for the entire day trip.

Tour #3: Yosemite Guided Trip from San Francisco (day trip)

If Yosemite Valley is your number one priority, this straightforward day trip tour will be the one for you as it includes about 3 hours in the valley.

You’ll get some guided explanations along the way, and then you’re free to go off on your own plan. If you need some ideas on things to do, the tour guide can also provide suggestions. Check this Viator listing for more details.

Aside from getting around by the Yosemite shuttle, you could also rent a bicycle to check out the various trails and viewpoints. Consider going on some 1 to 1.5-hour hikes, such as:

• Mirror Lake
• Mist Trail to Vernal Falls footbridge
• Upper Falls Trail to Columbia Rock

What you’ll get with this Yosemite day trip tour

• San Francisco hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Yosemite Valley guided sightseeing
• 3 hours of independent exploration in the valley

Prices start at $199 for the entire day trip.

3. Train and Bus – Best for affordability

For those on a budget and are not in a rush for time, taking the train and bus from San Francisco to Yosemite is a cost-effective option.

The entire journey would take around 7 hours, which is not too much longer than driving. You do need to purchase tickets in advance, and take note of baggage restrictions too. Here’s an example of what the booking process looks like.

This is a summary of the overall journey:

• Amtrak train: San Francisco to Emeryville
• Amtrak train: Emeryville to Merced
• YARTS bus: Merced to Yosemite Valley

The price for a one-way ticket is around $40, though you can upgrade for flex benefits in case you’re not able to commit fully to your plans yet.

Since the YARTS bus takes you via Highway 140, you could book your stay in either Mariposa or Midpines. I recommend staying for at least 2 nights, so that you get at least 1 full day in Yosemite.

Frequently asked questions about getting from San Francisco to Yosemite

We covered the 3 best ways to get from San Francisco to Yosemite, and hopefully it answered all your questions.

Just in case you still had some doubts, here are some quick answers to frequently asked questions.

Is there a train from San Francisco to Yosemite?

While there’s no direct train service to Yosemite, you can take the Amtrak train to Merced and transfer to a YARTS bus for the final leg of your journey.

Is it worth going to Yosemite from San Francisco?

Absolutely! Yosemite is California’s top hit and you should definitely see these stunning landscapes at least once in your life. San Francisco is just 4 hours away from Yosemite, and as we mentioned in this article, there are 3 different ways of getting there. Personally, this place made me fall in love with California – don’t miss it!

By the way, it’s worth it even in winter and early spring. You’ll have fewer crowds and a chance to enjoy snowy scenery. Check out this Yosemite winter itinerary for more ideas.

What city is best to access Yosemite?

• Driving in summer: Groveland
• Driving in winter: Mariposa
• Taking Amtrak and YARTS: Merced

Is LAX or SFO Closer to Yosemite?

Neither airport is particularly close to Yosemite, but SFO is slightly closer than LAX.

• SFO to Yosemite: about 4 hours
• LAX to Yosemite: about 6 hours

Is Yosemite close to Lake Tahoe?

Yosemite and Lake Tahoe are both located in the Sierra Nevada range but are not particularly close. You will need to drive about 4 more hours to visit Lake Tahoe from Yosemite. If you’re planning to include Lake Tahoe in your California road trip, do allocate additional days.

Conclusion 

When it comes to traveling from San Francisco to Yosemite, where there’s a will there’s a way!

If you have the need for speed, driving your own car/rental car is the way to go. This is also the most popular mode of transport between San Francisco to Yosemite as it provides the best flexibility without much difficulty. This is also what I would recommend most people who are visiting California.

For the convenience of a guided tour, go with a 2-day overnight trip with accommodations and transportation included. If you don’t want to plan much, this could be a great option for you.

To experience something different that’s more affordable, book the Amtrak and YARTS in advance.