Getting Around Yosemite: Access, Entrances, Shuttles, and Parking
You need a car to reach Yosemite from California's major cities. Yosemite Valley is a different story: parking lots fill up before 10 a.m. in peak season, and the free shuttle becomes the practical way to get around.
How to Get to Yosemite
Yosemite is in California's Sierra Nevada, about 185 miles east of San Francisco, 310 miles north of Los Angeles, and 56 miles northeast of Fresno.
By plane. The closest airport is Fresno-Yosemite International (FAT), a 1.5-hour drive from the valley. San Francisco (SFO) offers more international connections, but adds 3.5 to 4 hours to the drive.
By car. Three roads from the west stay open year-round: Highway 41 from Fresno (South Entrance), Highway 140 from Merced (Arch Rock entrance), and Highway 120 from Manteca (Big Oak Flat). Highway 120 from the east, near Lee Vining, closes from November through late May or June, depending on snow conditions.
By bus. YARTS connects Merced and Fresno with the valley year-round, and San Francisco in summer. Our guide to getting to Yosemite has the latest schedules and fares.
Park Entrances and Access Conditions
The park has five entrances; our guide to getting to Yosemite covers the roads and which entrance to choose based on your starting point. Keep two restrictions in mind when planning your trip:
- Tioga Pass (Highway 120 east): summer access only, from the Lee Vining side, for direct access to Tuolumne Meadows.
- Hetch Hetchy: a secondary entrance open only from sunrise to sunset.
In peak season, access to the valley may require a timed entry reservation. Check the official NPS website before you leave. If you show up without a reservation, you may be turned around at the gate.
The entrance fee is $35 per private vehicle in 2025; the America the Beautiful pass costs $70 per year. Our Fees & passes page explains entrance fees and passes.
Getting Around the Park
By Car
A car gives you access to every part of the park: the valley, Glacier Point Road (open into the fall), Wawona, and Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows in summer. The speed limit is 35 mph in Yosemite Valley and 45 mph on the main roads. Signs are posted in miles per hour, so remember: 35 mph in the valley and 45 mph elsewhere.
Outside the valley, a car is essential. Tioga Road runs about 62 miles from Big Oak Flat to Tioga Pass. Allow two hours without stops, although no one drives this stretch without pulling over every five minutes.
By Shuttle
The Yosemite Valley Shuttle is free and runs year-round between the valley's main stops: Yosemite Village, Curry Village, Yosemite Falls, Happy Isles, and Mirror Lake. In peak season, a shuttle comes every 10 to 20 minutes. In July, we left the car at Curry Village and reached Yosemite Falls in a few minutes by shuttle, while the area's parking lots were already full by 8:30 a.m.
In summer, additional shuttles expand the network:
- El Capitan Shuttle: serves the El Capitan area and climbing spots (free).
- Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle: runs from Olmsted Point to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge, with stops at trailheads (free).
- Wawona-Mariposa Grove Shuttle: required to reach the sequoia grove from the main parking lot (free).
By Bike
The valley has about 11 miles of flat, paved bike paths. It's a great way to get from Yosemite Village to Curry Village or get close to Yosemite Falls without relying on the shuttle. You can rent regular and electric bikes at Curry Village and Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Where to Park: Lots, Parking, and Parking Tags
Yosemite Valley parking lots fill between 8 and 10 a.m. in July and August. The rule to remember is simple: arrive before 9 a.m., or leave the car and take the shuttle.
The valley's main parking lots include:
- Yosemite Village: the largest lot, with direct access to the Visitor Center and shops.
- Curry Village (Half Dome Village): for hikers heading to Happy Isles or climbing toward Half Dome.
- Yosemite Falls: limited parking that fills very early in the morning.
Parking is free throughout the park's lots. Outside the valley, each area (Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove, and Tuolumne Meadows) has its own parking lot, which is generally less competitive.
For the best arrival times by season and the months to avoid, our guide to the best times to visit Yosemite provides a month-by-month look at crowds.
Distances and Drive Times Between Areas
Yosemite covers about 1,200 square miles. Distances between areas are substantial, so plan ahead. Here are a few rough estimates (without traffic):
| Route | Distance | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite Valley → Glacier Point | ~30 miles | 1 hour |
| Yosemite Valley → Mariposa Grove | ~33 miles | 1 hr 10 min |
| Yosemite Valley → Tuolumne Meadows | ~56 miles | 1 hr 45 min |
| Yosemite Valley → Hetch Hetchy | ~45 miles | 1.5 hours |
In summer, add 20 to 40 minutes in the valley and near the busiest trailheads. Our Yosemite itinerary guide helps you sequence the areas over 2, 3, or 5 days without backtracking.
Special Cases: RVs, Vans, Accessibility, and Pets
RVs and vans. The road to Mariposa Grove is closed to vehicles over 22 feet long. The tunnel on Wawona Road (Highway 41) accommodates vehicles up to about 13 feet high. The gas stations inside the park can handle larger vehicles. Our Yosemite RV guide lists suitable sites and length restrictions for each campground.
Accessibility. The valley shuttle is fully accessible. Designated parking spaces are available near all major sites. Wheelchair-accessible trails are listed on the Yosemite page.
Pets. Dogs are allowed on paved roads, in campgrounds, and on bike paths. They're not allowed on unpaved trails or in the backcountry. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
Transportation Tips: Gas, Cell Service, and Apps
Gas. There are two gas stations inside the park: Crane Flat (open year-round, at the intersection of Highways 120 and Tioga Road) and Tuolumne Meadows (open in summer). Prices are higher than at stations outside the park. Fill up in Merced, Fresno, or Groveland before you enter.
Cell service. Coverage is nearly nonexistent in Yosemite Valley and on most park roads. Tuolumne Meadows gets occasional service in summer. Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me, or the NPS Yosemite app) before you reach the gates, and share your itinerary with family or friends before you lose service.
Official app. The free NPS Yosemite app shows real-time parking availability, shuttle schedules, and road alerts. It's essential during the busy season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you park in Yosemite?
Parking is concentrated in Yosemite Valley, with main lots at Yosemite Village, Curry Village, and Yosemite Falls. In peak season, arrive before 9 a.m.; spaces fill up in the morning. The free Valley Shuttle then takes you to all the sites without having to hunt for parking.
What time should you arrive at Yosemite to find a parking spot?
What time should you arrive to be sure of finding a spot? Before 9 a.m., ideally between 7 and 8:30 a.m. in July and August. After 10 a.m., nearly all of the valley's parking lots are full.
Is parking free in Yosemite?
Yes, parking in the park's lots is free. The entrance fee ($35 per vehicle in 2025) covers park access for seven days, but not camping nights or lodging.
Can you visit Yosemite by car?
Yes. A car is allowed and gives you access to every area of the park. In Yosemite Valley, driving becomes difficult during peak season because parking lots fill up, so the free shuttle is the most efficient way to get from one site to another.
How do you get around Yosemite National Park?
How you get around Yosemite depends on the area you're visiting. A car covers the outlying areas (Glacier Point, Tuolumne Meadows, and Hetch Hetchy). In the valley, the free Valley Shuttle serves all the main sites year-round, running every 10 to 20 minutes in summer. Biking on the valley's 11 miles of bike paths is another option.
Is there cell service in Yosemite National Park?
Cell service is very limited inside Yosemite National Park. The valley has virtually no coverage, while Tuolumne Meadows gets occasional service in summer. Download offline maps and the NPS Yosemite app before you enter.