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Yosemite is a long day trip: the National Park Service lists 195 miles and about 4 hours of driving from the Bay Area. Most visitors make it an overnight. Winter closures matter now, because the NPS says some park roads close from around November through May or June.
Facts below come from two NPS pages read on November 3, 2026 (fees page last updated January 9, 2026; the driving page shows no update date).
| Item | What the NPS says |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $35.00, 7 consecutive days, covers everyone in the vehicle (15 or fewer passenger seats) |
| Motorcycle | $30.00, 7 days |
| Per person | $20.00, 7 days; ages 15 and under free |
| Annual pass for this park | $70.00, 12 months, for U.S. citizens and permanent residents |
| Non-U.S. residents | An extra $100 per person, ages 16 and older, unless entering with an annual or America the Beautiful pass |
| Payment | No cash; cards and mobile payments at entrances |
Getting There
The NPS says you can use public transportation to reach Yosemite all year, and lists the drive as 4 to 5 hours, 195 miles. We read no bus schedule, so the transit options are not confirmed here. If you only have one day in the region, our Day Trips hub covers closer trips that fit a single day.
What We Could Not Confirm
- Whether a reservation or timed entry is required for your dates: the NPS fees page says only that fees “may apply” where such systems are in place. Check nps.gov/yose before you drive.
- Which roads are closed today: the NPS says some close around November through May or June but the page we read does not name them. Check the current road conditions on the NPS site.
- Bus (YARTS) routes, fares and times: the NPS page mentions public transportation only in general. We did not read the operator’s site.
- Lodging and in-park shuttle details: not researched for this page.
Questions People Ask
Can I do Yosemite in one day from San Francisco?
The NPS lists the drive at about 4 hours each way, so a one-day trip means roughly 8 hours in the car. Many visitors stay overnight.
How much does it cost to enter?
$35 per private vehicle for 7 days, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person on foot, per the NPS. Non-U.S. residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 per person without an annual pass.
Sources
- NPS, Yosemite driving directions: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/driving.htm (read November 3, 2026)
- NPS, Yosemite fees and passes: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/fees.htm (read November 3, 2026)