1map logoGo to main page

San Jose, CA, USA to Yosemite National Park, CA, USA from $30: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Jose, United States
to
Yosemite National Park, United States

How to Get from San Jose to Yosemite National Park: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$30 by carBest price
412.76 kmDistance
3h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose to Yosemite National Park with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Train
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
7h  57m
Estimated price
$24-172
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  51m
Estimated price
$30-50
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 412.76 km
Duration: 3h 51m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
8h  36m
Estimated price
$135-187
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
8h  32m
Estimated price
$152-202
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Taxi
Average Duration
7h  8m
Estimated price
$216-240

Traveling From San Jose to Yosemite National Park

Embarking on a journey from San Jose to Yosemite National Park offers a striking contrast between the urban energy of Silicon Valley and the tranquil natural beauty of towering cliffs and serene valleys.

Best Neighbourhoods in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park features diverse neighborhoods, each with unique attractions.

Yosemite Valley
• Stunning views of El Capitan and Half Dome.
• Convenient access to hiking trails and visitor services.
Wawona Campground
• Offers a serene forest atmosphere with nearby river access.
• Great base for exploring the lesser-known areas of the park.
Glacier Point
• Provides panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.
• Accessible via scenic drives and hiking trails.

Best Times To Visit Yosemite National Park's Attractions

Planning your visit around optimal times elevates your Yosemite experience.

Yosemite Valley
Visit in early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning light.
Glacier Point
Aim for weekdays in late spring or early fall to enjoy peaceful views.
Mariposa Grove
Explore in midweek during the shoulder seasons for a quieter trek among giant sequoias.

Yosemite National Park Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Yosemite experiences a diverse climate, with warm summers and snowy winters, making it essential to choose your visit carefully. Being aware of seasonal weather patterns enhances your outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking under the summer sun or stunning scenery in winter's snow.

Dining Recommendation in Yosemite National Park

Try the bison burger at the Wawona General Store, where locally sourced ingredients elevate the flavors to a whole new level. The rustic charm of dining surrounded by towering pines and breathtaking vistas offers a stark contrast to the urban dining scene in San Jose.

San Jose - Yosemite National Park operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Jose and Yosemite National Park, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
1800-411-7245
Website
acerail.com

Train from San Jose Amtrak Station to Stockton- Robert J Cabral Amtrak Station

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$246-247

Train from Stockton to Merced

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$1727-1728
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Jose to Stockton

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$248-249

Train from Stockton to Merced

Average Duration
1h 13m
Estimated price
$1727-1728
Bus
Contact phone
+1 877-989-2787
Website
yarts.com

Bus from Merced Amtrak to Midtown Mariposa

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$1525-1526

Bus from Merced Transpo to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center

Average Duration
2h 51m
Estimated price
$1723-17273
Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553
Website
tufesainternacional.com

Bus from Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose to Los Baños, CA

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$17276-1520
Website
mercedthebus.com

Bus from San Luis Plaza to Transpo

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$1527-248
Contact phone
+1 760-872-1901
Website
estransit.com

Bus from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to Lee Vining - Chevron, 51557 US 395

Average Duration
3h 1m
Estimated price
$17270-1520
Taxi

Taxi from Lee Vining - Chevron, 51557 US 395 to Yosemite-Nationalpark

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$17290-152760
Plane
Website
southwest.com

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Reno (RNO)

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$244-245

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Jose to Yosemite National Park.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Jose and Yosemite National Park is approximately 170 miles. By car, the travel time typically ranges from about 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you opt for a bus, the journey can take around 5 to 7 hours, including transfer times. There are no direct trains to the park, but train travel combined with a bus could take approximately 6 to 8 hours.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient option for traveling from San Jose to Yosemite National Park is to drive, as it provides flexibility and convenience, with travel times of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. If you don't have access to a vehicle, taking a bus may be the next best option, although it typically takes longer, about 5 to 7 hours.
Travel prices from San Jose to Yosemite National Park vary based on transportation mode. Driving typically incurs fuel costs ranging from $30 to $60, depending on your vehicle's efficiency and current gas prices. Bus tickets can cost between $30 to $60 one way, depending on the service provider and booking time. If considering ridesharing, fares can range from $20 to $100 per person, depending on demand and distance shared among travelers.
To get from San Jose to Yosemite National Park without using public transportation, you can drive your own vehicle, which offers the most flexibility for exploring the park.
Traveling from San Jose to Yosemite National Park without a car can be accomplished by utilizing a combination of taxi services and private shuttles. You can book a private shuttle service that operates from San Jose directly to the park, which will provide a convenient and direct option. Alternatively, you might consider renting a bike once you arrive at the park, or you could connect through a nearby area using rideshare services. While this option may take longer and require some planning, it allows you to enjoy the scenic route to Yosemite.
There is no direct public transportation link connecting San Jose to Yosemite National Park. Travelers typically need to use a combination of buses, shuttles, or private transport to reach the park. For instance, you can take a bus from San Jose to a nearby city like Merced and then transfer to a shuttle that goes into Yosemite.
There are no direct flights between San Jose and Yosemite National Park, as the park doesn't have an airport. The closest major airport is in Fresno or Merced, which are both around 70-90 miles from the park. A connecting flight from San Jose to Fresno typically takes about 1-1.5 hours, but with layovers, it could be longer. Flight costs can vary widely, generally ranging from $100 to $300, depending on the time of booking and season.
There are several lodging options near Yosemite National Park, including hotels, lodges, and campgrounds. Inside the park, places like the Majestic Yosemite Hotel and Wawona Hotel provide unique experiences and easy access to park attractions. For alternative accommodations, towns such as Mariposa, Oakhurst, and Groveland offer a variety of hotels and vacation rentals.