The 3 Closest Airports to tenaya lodge

by Posted on

The 3 Closest Airports to Tenaya Lodge

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is located in Fish Camp, California, just two miles from the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park. Choosing the right airport depends on your priorities, balancing flight availability, cost, and driving time to the lodge. Here are the three airports generally considered closest in terms of practical travel time and accessibility.

1. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

This is the closest major airport to Tenaya Lodge and the most popular choice for visitors flying in to access the southern region of Yosemite National Park. It offers a good balance of flight options and proximity.

  • Distance to Tenaya Lodge: Approximately 65 miles (around 1 hour 30 minutes drive, conditions permitting).

  • Address: 5175 E Clinton Way, Fresno, CA 93727

  • Pros: Closest major airport, reasonable drive time, good selection of domestic flights, plentiful car rentals. | Cons: Can experience fog delays (especially in winter), still requires a significant drive.

  • Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United, Volaris, AeroMexico (check current). | Car Rental: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty.

  • Official Website: flyfresno.com

  • Phone: (559) 621-4500

  • Rating: Generally considered the most convenient airport for Tenaya Lodge and southern Yosemite access.

2. Merced Regional Airport (MCE) / FlyMerced

Merced is a very small regional airport located west of the park. While geographically close, its extremely limited flight schedule makes it less practical for most travelers compared to Fresno.

  • Distance to Tenaya Lodge: Approximately 80 miles (around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours drive).

  • Address: 20 Macready Dr, Merced, CA 95341

  • Pros: Small airport means potentially quick passage through terminal, geographically close. | Cons: Very limited commercial flights (often just one carrier with limited routes), limited car rental options, may not save time overall due to flight connections.

  • Airlines: Currently served primarily by Advanced Air (check carrier status). | Car Rental: Limited availability, typically Hertz/Enterprise (verify availability when booking).

  • Official Website: flymercedairport.com

  • Phone: (209) 385-6873

  • Rating: Only convenient if the limited flight schedule happens to align perfectly with your travel plans.

3. Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Although significantly further than Fresno, Sacramento is a major airport offering potentially more flight options, sometimes at lower prices, and serving as a viable alternative if flights into Fresno are unsuitable or expensive.

  • Distance to Tenaya Lodge: Approximately 170 miles (around 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes drive, traffic dependent).

  • Address: 6900 Airport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95837

  • Pros: Major airport with extensive flight options (domestic & some international), often competitive fares, abundant car rentals. | Cons: Considerably longer drive compared to Fresno or Merced.

  • Airlines: Serves most major domestic carriers (Southwest, Delta, United, American, Alaska, JetBlue, etc.) and some international. | Car Rental: All major rental companies available.

  • Official Website: sacramento.aero

  • Phone: (916) 929-5411

  • Rating: A good option if you prioritize flight choice/cost over minimizing drive time, or if visiting areas north of Yosemite as well.

Conclusion:

The closest airport to Tenaya Lodge in terms of practical drive time and services is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). It is also the closest major airport, offering the best balance of proximity and flight availability for most travelers visiting Tenaya Lodge and the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park. Merced (MCE) is geographically close but has very limited service, while Sacramento (SMF) offers more flights but requires a significantly longer drive.

Rate this post

Published by admin