Getting to Sequoia and Kings Canyon: Airports, Access, and Transportation
The most convenient airport is Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), about 56 miles from the Kings Canyon entrance and 62 miles from the Sequoia entrance, or a 1- to 1.25-hour drive. From France, most travelers fly through Los Angeles and add 3.5 to 4 hours of driving. Either way, you'll need a rental car. No regular public transportation serves the parks independently.
Airports around the park (5)
- Airport Eastern Sierra Regional Airport BIH · 47 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Fresno Yosemite International Airport FAT · 63 miles from the park · international Directions ↗
- Airport Mammoth Yosemite Airport MMH · 65 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Meadows Field BFL · 92 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
- Airport Merced Regional Macready Field MCE · 114 miles from the park · regional Directions ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Where to Fly: Which Airport for Sequoia and Kings Canyon
The Closest Regional Airport: Fresno (FAT)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the most convenient gateway. It's about 56 miles from Big Stump Entrance (Kings Canyon, Highway 180) and 62 miles from Ash Mountain Entrance (Sequoia, Highway 198). The drive from the airport is direct and straightforward except during snowy periods. Direct flights connect Fresno with San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix, but there are no transatlantic flights from here.
International Hubs: Los Angeles and San Francisco
Los Angeles International (LAX) handles most direct flights from France. From LAX, allow about 230 miles to Ash Mountain Entrance, or 3.5 to 4 hours via northbound Highway 99, taking the Visalia exit. Be aware that I-405 leaving Los Angeles can add 30 to 45 minutes on Friday late afternoons.
San Francisco International (SFO) is the other strong option, especially if you're combining the trip with Yosemite. From SFO, it's 180 miles to Fresno, about 2.75 hours, followed by another 56 miles to the Kings Canyon entrance. Allow 4 to 4.5 hours total.
Getting to Sequoia and Kings Canyon from France
No flights connect Paris directly with Fresno or Visalia. You'll need a layover on the West Coast. Two routes are the most common.
Option 1: Paris-CDG to Los Angeles (LAX). Take a direct Air France or Corsair flight, about 11 hours, then rent a car for the 3.5- to 4-hour drive. This is the route most French travelers take.
Option 2: Paris-CDG to San Francisco (SFO). Take a direct flight, about 11 hours, then drive 4 hours to the entrances. This works well if you're combining Yosemite and Sequoia and Kings Canyon in the same Sierra Nevada road trip.
For your overall trip budget, our Rates & Passes page breaks down park entrance fees and pass options.
By Car: Distances and Drive Times from Gateway Cities
A car is the only realistic way to reach and explore the parks freely. Two highways provide direct access: Highway 180 from Fresno and Highway 198 from Visalia.
| Starting city | Entrance | Distance | Estimated drive time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visalia | Ash Mountain (Highway 198) | ~48 miles | 1 hour |
| Fresno | Big Stump (Highway 180) | ~56 miles | 1.25 hours |
| Los Angeles | Ash Mountain (Highway 99 + 198) | ~230 miles | 3.5 to 4 hours |
| San Francisco | Big Stump (Highway 99 + 180) | ~242 miles | 3.75 to 4.25 hours |
| Las Vegas | Ash Mountain (I-15 + Highway 99 + 198) | ~348 miles | 5.5 hours |
| San Diego | Ash Mountain (I-15 + Highway 99 + 198) | ~249 miles | 4 hours |
These drive times apply in clear weather and outside busy weekends. In winter, tire chains may be required on high-elevation roads inside the park.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon Entrances
The $35-per-vehicle entrance fee is valid for 7 days throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon, regardless of which entrance you use.
Ash Mountain Entrance (Highway 198, Sequoia)
The southern entrance is the busiest and the easiest to reach from Los Angeles or Visalia. Three Rivers, a few miles before the entrance, is the last town, so fill up before you go in. The road then climbs toward Foothills Visitor Center and on to Giant Forest, General Sherman Tree, and Moro Rock via Generals Highway. This entrance is open year-round. The high-elevation section may require tire chains in winter.
Big Stump Entrance (Highway 180, Kings Canyon)
The northern entrance leads to Grant Grove, then to the Cedar Grove areas at the bottom of the canyon, 19 miles farther via Kings Canyon Scenic Byway. Highway 180 from Fresno is direct and easy to drive. Cedar Grove Road closes every year from November through about late April, depending on snowfall.
The annual pass shared by the two parks costs $70. All fees are listed on our Rates & Passes page.
Getting Around the Park
Once you've entered, Generals Highway, the internal shuttles, and parking each have their own rules. You'll find everything you need to know in the guide to getting around Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
Other Options: Guided Excursions
If you don't rent a car or have only one day from Los Angeles or San Francisco, operators offer minibus excursions departing from both cities. These trips generally cover only Giant Forest and Grant Grove, but they're a workable introduction. Contact local operators directly because schedules change each season.
Public transportation doesn't serve the parks independently, except for the seasonal Sequoia Shuttle from Visalia, which costs about $15 round-trip.
In Summary: The Best Access Based on Your Starting Point
From France, the most convenient route is a direct Paris-CDG to Los Angeles flight, followed by a rental car to Visalia and Highway 198 to Ash Mountain Entrance. Allow about 15 hours door to door.
From the U.S. West Coast, Fresno is the ideal base. It's an hour from either entrance and has all the amenities you'll want before heading into the park, including gas, a supermarket, and a pharmacy. In summer, arrive early. The internal roads and parking lots are already busy by midmorning.
For help planning your entire stay, see the Sequoia and Kings Canyon guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Kings Canyon?
The main route to Kings Canyon is Highway 180 from Fresno via Big Stump Entrance, about 56 miles and a 1.25-hour drive. Cedar Grove Road, which descends to the bottom of the canyon, is closed from November through late April.
Is it worth driving to Kings Canyon?
Yes. Kings Canyon Scenic Byway down to Cedar Grove is one of California's most spectacular roads, with sheer granite walls and the Kings River below. A car is also the only way to explore it freely.
How do you get to Sequoia National Park?
From the south, take Highway 198 from Visalia to Ash Mountain Entrance, about 48 miles and a 1-hour drive. From the north, Highway 180 from Fresno leads to Big Stump Entrance, then to Sequoia via Generals Highway.
How much does it cost to enter Sequoia National Park?
The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days in both parks. The annual pass costs $70. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the national parks Rates & Passes page.