The 3 Closest Airports to yosimite

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The 3 Closest Airports to Yosemite

Yosemite National Park, while renowned for its natural beauty, doesn’t have its own commercial airport within its boundaries. Flying is a common way to reach the region, but all options require a subsequent scenic drive to enter the park itself.

Here are the three airports geographically closest to Yosemite National Park:

1. Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)

This is a small, seasonal airport located near the town of Mammoth Lakes, east of the Sierra Nevada mountains. While geographically the closest, its direct access to Yosemite is limited by the seasonal closure of Tioga Pass (Highway 120 East).

  • Distance to Yosemite: Approx. 45 miles (1 hr) to Tioga Pass Entrance (Requires Tioga Pass to be open, typically late May/June to Oct/Nov); Approx. 100 miles (2.5+ hrs driving around) to Yosemite Valley via western entrances when Tioga Pass is closed.

  • Address: 1 Airport Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

  • Pros: Closest proximity, especially to Tuolumne Meadows and the Eastern Sierra (when Tioga Pass is open).

  • Cons: Very limited flights/airlines, seasonal operation (mainly summer and winter ski season), access highly dependent on Tioga Pass status, few amenities.

  • Airlines: Limited seasonal service (e.g., United Express, Advanced Air – check current schedules).

  • Car Rental: Limited onsite (e.g., Enterprise often requires shuttle/arrangements).

  • Official Website: https://www.visitmammoth.com/fly-mammoth-yosemite-airport/ (via Visit Mammoth)

  • Phone: (760) 934-3813

  • Rating: Approx. 4.0 stars (Google)

2. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

Fresno Yosemite International is the closest multi-carrier, year-round commercial airport to Yosemite, making it a popular and practical choice for many visitors. It offers good access to the park’s South Entrance (Highway 41) and Arch Rock Entrance (Highway 140).

  • Distance to Yosemite: Approx. 65 miles (1.5 hrs) to the South Entrance (near Mariposa Grove); Approx. 95 miles (2-2.5 hrs) to Yosemite Valley via Arch Rock Entrance.

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

  • Pros: Closest major airport, reliable year-round service from numerous cities, good selection of airlines and rental cars, direct driving routes to popular park entrances.

  • Cons: Still requires a substantial drive (1.5-2.5 hours) to reach the heart of the park (Yosemite Valley).

  • Airlines: Alaska, Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United, Volaris, AeroMexico (check current).

  • Car Rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty.

  • Official Website: https://flyfresno.com/

  • Phone: (559) 621-4500

  • Rating: Approx. 4.4 stars (Google)

3. Merced Regional Airport (MCE) / MacReady Field

Merced Regional Airport is a small airport geographically quite close to Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance (the all-weather Highway 140 route). However, its commercial flight service is extremely limited, often making it impractical for most travelers.

  • Distance to Yosemite: Approx. 70 miles (1.5-2 hrs) to Yosemite Valley via Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy 140).

  • Address: 20 Macready Dr, Merced, CA 95341

  • Pros: Very close geographically to the main Yosemite Valley entrance via the reliable Hwy 140.

  • Cons: Extremely limited commercial flight options (often just one small carrier with few destinations), very few amenities or rental car choices readily available.

  • Airlines: Very limited service (e.g., Advanced Air – check current status and destinations).

  • Car Rental: Limited options (e.g., check Boutique / may need off-airport arrangements).

  • Official Website: https://www.flymerced.com/

  • Phone: (209) 385-6873

  • Rating: Approx. 3.8 stars (Google)

Conclusion

The geographically closest airport is Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH), but its usability is heavily restricted by seasonal operation and the opening of Tioga Pass. The closest major airport with reliable, year-round service and a good selection of flights and rental cars is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), making it the most practical choice for the majority of visitors flying to the region to access Yosemite Valley and the southern parts of the park. Merced (MCE) is geographically close but offers very limited flight services.

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