Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Yosemite National Park, CA, USA from $65: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$65 - AutoBest price

607.15 kmDistance

7h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Barbara 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.

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Traveling From Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park

Journeying from Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park offers a captivating shift from coastal charm to breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Best Neighbourhoods in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park features neighborhoods that highlight its stunning diversity.

Yosemite Valley

• Iconic views of El Capitan and Half Dome.

• Access to popular hiking trails and scenic spots.

Wawona Campground

• Serene setting among towering trees.

• Easy access to the Hetch Hetchy area.

Glacial Point

• Unmatched panoramic views of the park.

• Great spot for sunset photography.

Best Times To Visit Yosemite National Park's Attractions

Timing your visit can greatly enhance your experience in Yosemite.

Yosemite Valley

Visit early in the morning during weekdays to avoid crowds and fully enjoy iconic views.

Glacier Point

Mid to late May offers stunning wildflower blooms and fewer visitors.

Mariposa Grove

Visit in early fall for cooler weather, vibrant foliage, and quieter trails.

Yosemite National Park Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Yosemite experiences a diverse climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters, shaping the best times for your visit. Understanding this weather patterns helps you plan adventures, whether enjoying summer hikes or winter scenes.

Dining Recommendation in Yosemite National Park

Consider trying the hearty elk burger at the Mountain Room Restaurant, which contrasts sharply with the fresh seafood culture of Santa Barbara. The rustic atmosphere and focus on locally sourced ingredients create a dining experience that celebrates the park's natural beauty and flavors.

Santa Barbara - Yosemite National Park operators

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

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles

Average Duration

2h 56m

Estimated price

$1006-1007

Train from Bakersfield to Merced

Average Duration

3h 1m

Estimated price

$8027-8021

Train from Hanford to Merced

Average Duration

1h 34m

Estimated price

$657-80275

Train from Sacramento to Merced

Average Duration

2h 9m

Estimated price

$1006-3003

Train from Richmond to Merced

Average Duration

2h 40m

Estimated price

$3005-1004

Train from Fresno to Merced

Average Duration

57m

Estimated price

$3006-80270

Train from Bakersfield Train Station to Merced Bus Stop

Average Duration

3h 45m

Estimated price

$1002-30055

Bus

Contact phone

+1 877-989-2787

Website

yarts.com

Bus from Merced Amtrak to Curry Village

Average Duration

2h 36m

Estimated price

$1009-8029

Bus from Merced Transpo to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center

Average Duration

2h 51m

Estimated price

$1001-658

Bus from Merced Amtrak to Yosemite Valley Visitors Center

Average Duration

2h 41m

Estimated price

$1001-658

Bus from Merced Airport to Curry Village

Average Duration

3h 1m

Estimated price

$1001-658

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Santa Barbara to Bakersfield

Average Duration

3h 25m

Estimated price

$0-0

Bus from Bakersfield Train Station to Merced Bus Stop

Average Duration

3h 45m

Estimated price

$1002-30055

Contact phone

+1 800-470-8818

Website

centralcoastshuttle.com

Bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles Airport, CA

Average Duration

2h 35m

Estimated price

$65-3003

Plane

Website

advancedaircharters.com

Plane from Hawthorne to Mammoth Lakes

Average Duration

1h 18m

Estimated price

$2125-2126

Plane from Hawthorne to Merced

Average Duration

1h 18m

Estimated price

$2127-2128

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Santa Barbara to Sacramento

Average Duration

1h 18m

Estimated price

$2129-8020

Plane from Santa Barbara to Oakland

Average Duration

1h 8m

Estimated price

$8021-8022

Website

united.com

Plane from Santa Barbara to Sacramento

Average Duration

3h 10m

Estimated price

$8023-650

Plane from Santa Barbara to San Francisco

Average Duration

1h 17m

Estimated price

$2129-8024

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park.

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The distance between Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park is approximately 275 miles. The typical travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By car, the journey usually takes around 5-6 hours, while by bus or train, it can take up to 10 hours. Flying is the fastest option, with a flight time of around 1.5 hours from Santa Barbara to nearby airports like Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park would be to drive by car. This allows for flexibility in schedule and the ability to make stops along the way. Additionally, carpooling with friends or family can help reduce costs while providing a fun road trip experience. Alternatively, flying to a nearby airport and then renting a car to drive to Yosemite could also be a relatively quick and convenient option, though it may be more expensive.

The prices for traveling from Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. Driving by car would typically incur costs such as fuel, tolls, and possibly parking fees at Yosemite. Taking a bus or train could range from around $50 to $150 for a one-way ticket, depending on the service provider and the time of booking. Flying from Santa Barbara to a nearby airport like Fresno could cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more for a one-way ticket, with additional costs for renting a car or taking a shuttle to reach Yosemite.

To get from Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park without using public transportation, you can opt to drive your own car or rent a car for the journey. The drive will take approximately 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Alternatively, you could consider carpooling with a friend or using a ride-sharing service for a more budget-friendly option.

To travel from Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park without a car, you can consider taking a bus or train to a nearby city like Fresno or Merced, and then using a shuttle service or taxi to reach the park. There are also tour companies that offer guided trips from Santa Barbara to Yosemite with transportation included. Additionally, you could explore carpooling options through online platforms or forums to share rides with other travelers heading to Yosemite.

There is no direct link in terms of public transportation between Santa Barbara and Yosemite National Park. Travelers typically need to transfer in cities like Fresno or Merced when using buses or trains. However, some tour companies do offer direct guided trips from Santa Barbara to Yosemite that include transportation. Private transportation options like driving, carpooling, or hiring a shuttle service might also provide a more direct link between the two locations.

There are no airports directly serving Yosemite National Park, so there are no direct flights from Santa Barbara to Yosemite. Travelers typically fly to nearby airports like Fresno Yosemite International Airport, which is approximately a 1.5-hour flight from Santa Barbara. Flight prices can vary depending on factors like booking time, airline, and seat class, but generally range from $150 to $300 for a one-way ticket. Additional transportation would be needed from the airport to Yosemite National Park.

There are several lodging options available near Yosemite National Park, including hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, and campgrounds. Some popular areas to stay near the park are Mariposa, Oakhurst, and Fish Camp. In addition, there are accommodations within the park itself, such as the Yosemite Valley Lodge and the historic Ahwahnee Hotel. It's recommended to book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Santa Barbara, CA, USA to Yosemite National Park, CA, USA from $65: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

How to Get from Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From Santa Barbara to Yosemite National Park

Best Neighbourhoods in Yosemite National Park

Best Times To Visit Yosemite National Park's Attractions

Yosemite National Park Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation in Yosemite National Park

Santa Barbara - Yosemite National Park operators

Frequently asked questions

Trips from Santa Barbara

Trips to Yosemite National Park

Popular routes