The 3 Closest Airports to the sequoia national park
The 3 Closest Airports to the Sequoia National Park
Planning a trip to the majestic Sequoia National Park involves figuring out the best way to get there. Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel time and convenience. Here’s a look at the three airports located nearest to the park’s main entrances.
Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS)
Visalia Municipal Airport is the geographically closest airport to the main entrances of Sequoia National Park. However, it’s a very small regional airport with extremely limited commercial flight options.
- Distance to Sequoia National Park (Ash Mountain Entrance): Approximately 45 miles (about 1 hour driving)
- Address: 9501 W Airport Dr, Visalia, CA 93277
- Pros: Closest proximity to the park. Cons: Very few flights, limited airlines, often requires connections, fewer rental car options. Airlines: Typically served by one regional carrier (e.g., United Express operated by SkyWest). Car Rental: Limited major agencies available (e.g., Avis, Enterprise).
- Official Website: https://flyvisalia.com/
- Phone: (559) 713-4201
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the closest major airport to Sequoia National Park. It offers a much wider selection of flights, airlines, and services compared to Visalia, making it the most popular and practical choice for most visitors flying into the region.
- Distance to Sequoia National Park (Ash Mountain Entrance): Approximately 65 miles (about 1.5 hours driving)
- Address: 5175 E Clinton Way, Fresno, CA 93727
- Pros: Good balance of proximity and flight options, multiple major airlines, extensive car rental choices, more amenities. Cons: Further than Visalia, drive time can vary with traffic. Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United, Volaris, Aeromexico (subject to change). Car Rental: All major agencies available (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty).
- Official Website: https://flyfresno.com/
- Phone: (559) 621-4500
Meadows Field Airport (BFL)
Located in Bakersfield, Meadows Field Airport is another regional option, situated south of Sequoia National Park. It’s further away than both Visalia and Fresno but can sometimes be a viable alternative depending on flight availability and pricing from your departure city.
- Distance to Sequoia National Park (Ash Mountain Entrance): Approximately 95 miles (about 2 hours driving)
- Address: 3701 Wings Way, Bakersfield, CA 93308
- Pros: An alternative regional airport, serves the southern Central Valley. Cons: Significantly further than Fresno and Visalia, limited flight options compared to FAT. Airlines: American, United (subject to change). Car Rental: Major agencies available (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National).
- Official Website: https://www.meadowsfield.com/
- Phone: (661) 391-1800
Conclusion
While Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS) is the absolute closest airport geographically, its limited service makes it less practical for many travelers. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest major airport and generally offers the best combination of flight availability, services, and reasonable driving distance to Sequoia National Park, making it the recommended choice for most visitors flying to the area. Meadows Field (BFL) serves as a secondary, more distant option.