Transport Options from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Yosemite

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

August 30, 2025

Yosemite National Park, located approximately 274 kilometers from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), is a crown jewel in the National Park System, showcasing the raw beauty of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

To journey from SFO to Yosemite, you have a few options. Traveling by road with either a local San Francisco Airport taxi or a private transfer will take around 3-4 hours, in light traffic. This is the most direct method, and the only way to guarantee you’ll arrive at your destination on the same day.

A more cost-effective way to get from SFO to Yosemite National Park is to take a combination of trains and buses, including an Amtrak train from downtown San Francisco to Merced, but this entire journey will take closer to 8 hours.

Alternatively, buses, like Greyhound and Flixbus, also offer routes from San Francisco to Merced, from where you can transfer to a YARTS bus, but this option, while the cheapest, offers a much more limited number of departure times. This option takes at least 8 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to San Francisco at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€724	210min	24/7
Bus + Train	€106.2	450min	05:00–16:40
Bus	€94	480min	05:00–17:00
Welcome Airport Transfer	€635	210min	24/7

How to get from SFO to Yosemite National Park by taxi

Traveling from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite by taxi is easily one of the most convenient transport methods. As long as you have decent weather and the traffic is good, you’ll be dropped directly at the Big Oak Flat Entrance in around 3.5 hours.

San Francisco Airport taxis can seat up to 5 passengers, and you’ll be charged by the meter, which can result in a fairly hefty bill on arrival, so make sure you’re aware of your payment options before starting your ride.

How much is a taxi from SFO to Yosemite?

While most San Francisco taxi companies are technically capable of driving the distance from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite National Park, they may not be willing to undertake such a long journey.

As a rough estimation, considering the road distance of approximately 274 km, the cost of a taxi from SFO to Yosemite would be around $840 (€724) for up to 5 passengers, not including tolls or the $6 (€5.20) airport surcharge.

To secure a set-rate fee with no extra charges, why not book a private transfer in advance with Welcome Pickups?

Cost

$840 (€724)

Trip Duration

3 Hrs. 30 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Taxis are available 24/7 at San Francisco Airport (SFO).

Where do I get a taxi from?

At San Francisco International Airport, taxis can conveniently be found at marked zones outside the Baggage Claim areas of Domestic Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and near the Arrivals section of the International Terminal, post-customs. During busy periods (07:00-02:00), on-site taxi coordinators are present to help manage the line and address specific needs.

Convenience

Traveling from SFO Airport to Yosemite Park by taxi offers great convenience. The door-to-door service means you won’t have to navigate multiple public transport networks or manage various connections. However, this convenience does come at a steeper price compared to other options. For travelers who prioritize comfort, efficiency, and a hassle-free start to their Yosemite escapade, and are willing to factor in the cost, this remains a top choice.

Editor’s Note

Bear in mind that most taxi companies don’t typically offer such extended trips from SFO to Yosemite on demand. It's highly recommended to pre-arrange a private transfer in advance to ensure availability and to avoid any inconvenience upon arrival. When planning, always inquire directly with providers about their rates and policies for long-distance journeys.

Useful Tips

Always ask for a fare estimate upfront to avoid surprises at the end of your journey.

Ensure the taxi is equipped for any seasonal conditions, especially when traveling during Yosemite's winter months.

Pre-book your taxi in advance to ensure availability.

Since you'll be traveling more than 15 miles beyond the San Francisco city center, you'll be charged 150% of the standard metered fare rate (as estimated above).

How to get from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite National Park by train and bus

While not as convenient as a taxi, using public transport offers a much more affordable alternative for solo and budget-conscious travelers. The quickest of these options is a combined bus and train journey, which will take you from SFO to Yosemite National Park in roughly 7.5 hours – not including any time spent waiting or transferring between services.

To start your journey, take the Red or Yellow Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train line from the airport to the Embarcadero or Montgomery Street station in downtown San Francisco, which takes about 32 minutes. From there, walk 5 minutes to the San Francisco SFC Amtrak Station and board a 3.5-hour train to Merced, one of the main junctions for visitors to Yosemite.

Merced is well-connected to the park via the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), where you can use the 140 Bus Line to reach Yosemite Village, which takes another 3.5 hours. If that’s your final destination, fantastic, but if you need to reach the Big Oak Flat Park Entrance Gate, you can get there via the 120 Bus Line, which takes a further 50 minutes.

How much does the train and bus cost?

Starting with the BART from SFO to downtown San Francisco, the cost will be $11.15 (€9.60) per person. The Amtrak fare from the city to Merced typically starts at $28.50 (€24.50) each way but can fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you purchase your ticket. Finally, the YARTS bus from Merced to Yosemite will cost $22 (€19) one-way. In total, expect to pay around $61.65 (€53.10) per person, though prices can vary based on the season and availability.

Cost

$61.65 (€53.10)

Trip Duration

7.5 Hrs.

BART trains depart regularly, but there can be several hours wait time between AMTRAK and YARTS services.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The BART is available Mon-Fri 05:00 to 00:00; Saturday from 06:00 to 00:00; Sunday from 08:00 to 00:00. The Amtrak Train from SFC to MCD is available Mon-Fri from 06:55 to 16:40. The YARTS bus operates from 06:30 to 19:30 daily.

Where do I get the train from?

To travel from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite National Park using a train and bus, start with the BART from SFO’s International Terminal to downtown San Francisco. Next, walk around the corner to Mission Street to find the Amtrak Station. Upon arrival in Merced, the YARTS bus to Yosemite departs directly from the Merced Amtrak station.

Convenience

While this option is budget-friendly, the multiple transfers from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite can prove challenging, particularly for those with heavy luggage or those traveling with young children. Additionally, the total travel time is very long, especially if you have to stay overnight in Merced. Given these considerations, it might be more convenient for some travelers to opt for personalized transport service like Welcome Pickups for a direct and hassle-free experience.

Timetables

BART Schedules

SFO Airport – Embarcadero

AMTRAK Train

Trip Planner

YARTS Bus

Schedules & Routes

Editor’s Note

If you're arriving after midday, it's likely that you'll have to stay in Merced overnight, as you won't make the last bus. Be sure to factor the cost of an overnight hotel into your plans when making your decision.

Useful Tips

It's advisable to book your Amtrak tickets and YARTS bus reservations in advance.

Plan your schedules carefully to ensure smooth connections.

Keep a close eye on your luggage during transfers, especially at busy stations.

Carry snacks and water, as the combined journey can be lengthy, without onboard refreshments.

How to get from San Francisco to Yosmite by bus

Unfortunately, getting from SFO to Yosemite by bus isn’t any more straightforward than taking the train, so it’s really a matter of preference. Nevertheless, this route provides a picturesque and economical option for reaching the park, totaling about 8 hours of travel time.

Similar to the train option, your trip will start with a 38-minute BART ride to West Oakland on the Red or Yellow Line. Once downtown, board a Flixbus or Greyhound bus towards Fresno for 3 hours, until you reach Merced. As per the train option, from here you can transfer to the YARTS bus, which will take you directly into Yosemite National Park.

How much is the bus from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite?

The bus journey from SFO to Yosemite costs a total of $54.40 (€47). This includes a $11.40 (€9.90) BART fare from SFO to downtown San Francisco, a $21 (€18.10) bus ticket from San Francisco to Merced on either Flixbus or Greyhound, and a $22 (€19) fare for the YARTS bus from Merced to Yosemite.

Tickets for each part of the journey can be purchased on the respective provider’s website or at the station where the service departs from, using cash or a credit/debit card.

*Extra fees may apply for purchasing your ticket in person or online. To reach the Big Oak Flat Park Entrance Gate from Yosemite Valley, you’ll need to pay an additional $16 (€13.80) for the bus.

Cost

$54.40 (€47)

Trip Duration

8 Hrs.

The BART departs every 10-20 minutes, depending on the day. Greyhound and Flixbus services only have 1-4 services daily. There are approximately 7 YARTS services daily.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The BART line operates between 05:00 and midnight on weekdays, from 06:00 onwards on Saturdays, and 08:00 on Sundays. The Greyhound/Flixbus services operate from 09:05 to 11:00 daily. YARTS bus operates from 04:00 to 17:00 daily.

Where do I get the bus from?

To embark on your bus journey from SFO Airport to Yosemite, start at the BART station within SFO’s International Terminal, accessible by foot or AirTrain from other terminals.

After reaching downtown San Francisco, head to the Greyhound Station at 200 Folsom Street or locate your Flixbus stop, which will be specified on your ticket.

Upon arriving in Merced, the YARTS buses to Yosemite are conveniently located at the Merced Transit Center at 710 W 16th Street, often the same location where the intercity buses arrive, making for an easy transfer.

Convenience

Covering the distance from SFO to Yosemite National Park by bus is a cost-effective way to travel, but it does come with certain limitations. Specifically, Greyhound or Flixbus departures are usually limited to 1-3 services each morning, which rules this option out for afternoon arrivals. Moreover, if you miss your bus or your flight is delayed, you could be waiting until the next day to depart.

While this option can save money, it’s important to consider these potential drawbacks and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth journey. On the plus side, there is minimal walking involved, and you can stop overnight in Yosemite Village to break up the trip, so that you head into the park the following morning feeling refreshed.

It’s also possible to travel directly to the park when you pre-book a private transfer. Not only will this cut your journey time in half, but you can leave at any time of day.

Timetables

BART Schedules

SFO Airport – West Oakland

Greyhound/ Flixbus Schedule and Tickets

West Oakland – Merced Bus Station

YARTS Bus Schedules

Merced Bus Station – Yosemite Village/ Big Oak Flat Park Entrance Gate

Editor’s Note

Navigating from SFO to Yosemite using the bus services is affordable, but it requires a couple of transfers, which can be problematic with bulky luggage or when adhering to a strict timetable.

Useful Tips

Check the Greyhound/Flixbus and YARTS schedules to ensure smooth connections between buses, and book in advance to avoid the inconvenience of a sold-out bus.

Keep an eye on your belongings during transfers and have a backup plan in case of missed connections or delays.

Always verify the latest schedules and pick-up points before you set out as winter and summer timetables often differ.

Luggage storage isn't always available in Yosemite, so be sure to only pack what you can carry on your back, or leave the bulk of your luggage behind in San Francisco.

Children aged 5 and under can ride the YARTS for free.

Your entrance to the park is included in the YARTS ticket price.

How to get from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite by private transfer

If reliability and convenience are your top priorities when planning your trip to Yosemite, a private San Francisco Airport transfer is the way to go. Welcome Pickups provides premium, fully personalized transfers between SFO and Yosemite, with friendly local drivers. We’ll take care of everything, from the moment you land until you’re gaping in awe at the mountainous views.

Your private transfer will include:

Airport meet and greet
Trained English-speaking driver
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed on-time pickup
Competitive fixed-fare prices
24/7 customer support

On top of that, your driver will point out famous landmarks in the region on the way to your destination, giving you a sneak peek of what you can expect once inside the park.

How much does a private transfer cost from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite?

When you book a private transfer from San Francisco Airport, you won’t need to worry about fluctuating taxi prices. Instead, you’ll be offered a fully inclusive set rate fee that won’t change, even if your flight is delayed or you get stuck in traffic.

Moreover, your ride can be booked and paid for well in advance, so on arrival, you’ll be able to slip straight into holiday mode. Booking is super easy and can be done in under a minute via our Welcome Pickups app or website. Simply enter a few personal details, the preferred date and time of pickup, and your flight number. We’ll then send you a bespoke quote.

For a private transfer from SFO to Yosemite National Park, the cost is $739.50 (€635) for a comfortable 3-seater sedan. If your group is a little larger, our 5-seater SUVs cost $963.10 (€825) for the 3.5-hour journey. Lastly, our spacious minibuses cost $3706 (€3175) and can accommodate up to 12 passengers.

Cost

$739.50 (€635)

Trip Duration

3 Hrs. 30 Min.

*A driver and vehicle will be ready on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from San Francisco International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

After landing and collecting your luggage, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by your friendly English-speaking driver. No need to wait in line for a taxi, your driver will be waiting, holding a sign with your name on it, ready to help you with your luggage as they show you to your pre-selected private vehicle. If your flight is delayed, don’t worry, all of our drivers receive live updates on any flight changes, and up to 1-hour free waiting time is included in the service.

Convenience

For less than the price of a regular taxi and with zero waiting time, a private transfer can drop you directly at Yosemite National Park, so you can be exploring in no time. While still a more costly option, you’ll benefit from the flexibility and ability to select your vehicle in advance, providing you with the assurance that someone will be there to greet you when you land, and that you won’t be stranded without a ride.

Editor’s Note

A private transfer is the only direct and completely reliable transport option that can drop you right at the entrance of the park. If your budget allows it, there's no better way to travel.

Useful Tips

A standard sedan can comfortably seat three passengers and a large suitcase each.

Baby booster seats and wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be requested at the time of booking.

A day before you travel, you'll be emailed your driver's name and photo to ensure you recognize them on arrival.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in San francisco. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

Is there a shuttle from the airport to Yosemite?

It’s possible to take a private shuttle with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups. The direct and door-to-door service takes roughly 3.5 hours, and you can choose between a smaller sedan for 3 people, an SUV for 5 people, or a minivan for larger groups of up to 12 passengers.

How do I get from San Francisco to Yosemite without a car?

If you don’t have your own car or you don’t wish to hire one, there are four main transport options from the San Francisco Airport to Yosemite that you can choose from.

If you want to travel directly to the park without any stops or transfers, you can either take a taxi on arrival or pre-book a private San Francisco Airport transfer. With a private transfer, you’ll be guaranteed a ride, whereas some taxi drivers may be hesitant to accept such a long trip.

Alternatively, you can use public transport. This is the cheapest way to travel, but since there isn’t a direct SFO to Yosemite train or bus, it also requires multiple transfers, and you’ll be traveling for at least 7-9 hours, with a possible overnight stay.

Your options include taking the BART train to the city center, where you can connect with either a Greyhound/Flixbus bus or an Amtrak train to the town of Merced. From there, you can use the local YARTS bus service to travel the rest of the way to Yosemite Village and the park.

How far is Yosemite from the San Francisco Airport?

From SFO to Yosemite, the distance is approximately 274 km (170 miles). If you’re driving from San Francisco International Airport to the park, you can expect a journey of around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route chosen by your driver.

What is the cheapest way to visit Yosemite from San Francisco Airport?

Since taking a taxi or private transfer can cost upwards of $739.50 (€635), using public transport to reach your destination is a much more cost-savvy option.

If you opt for the train option, the prices start at around $61.65 (€53.10) per person for a one-way journey, whereas using buses to reach Yosemite will cost about $54.40 (€47) per person.

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How to get from SFO to Yosemite National Park by taxi

How much is a taxi from SFO to Yosemite?

$840 (€724)

3 Hrs. 30 Min.

Taxis are available 24/7 at San Francisco Airport (SFO).

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite National Park by train and bus

How much does the train and bus cost?

$61.65 (€53.10)

7.5 Hrs.

The BART is available Mon-Fri 05:00 to 00:00; Saturday from 06:00 to 00:00; Sunday from 08:00 to 00:00. The Amtrak Train from SFC to MCD is available Mon-Fri from 06:55 to 16:40. The YARTS bus operates from 06:30 to 19:30 daily.

Where do I get the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

BART Schedules

SFO Airport – Embarcadero

AMTRAK Train

Trip Planner

YARTS Bus

Schedules & Routes

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from San Francisco to Yosmite by bus

How much is the bus from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite?

$54.40 (€47)

8 Hrs.

The BART line operates between 05:00 and midnight on weekdays, from 06:00 onwards on Saturdays, and 08:00 on Sundays. The Greyhound/Flixbus services operate from 09:05 to 11:00 daily. YARTS bus operates from 04:00 to 17:00 daily.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

BART Schedules

SFO Airport – West Oakland

Greyhound/ Flixbus Schedule and Tickets

West Oakland – Merced Bus Station

YARTS Bus Schedules

Merced Bus Station – Yosemite Village/ Big Oak Flat Park Entrance Gate

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite by private transfer

How much does a private transfer cost from San Francisco Airport to Yosemite?

$739.50 (€635)

3 Hrs. 30 Min.

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from San Francisco International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

Is there a shuttle from the airport to Yosemite?

How do I get from San Francisco to Yosemite without a car?

How far is Yosemite from the San Francisco Airport?

What is the cheapest way to visit Yosemite from San Francisco Airport?

The best way to arrive in San Francisco

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