How to get to Wawona Hotel from nearby airports
Quick answer: The Wawona Hotel is inside Yosemite National Park on Wawona Road (Highway 41). From commercial airports the fastest drive is usually from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) via Highway 41; limited regional service is available at Mariposa–Yosemite (RMY) and Merced (MCE), and seasonal public bus service (YARTS) connects Fresno/Oakhurst/Fish Camp with Wawona during the late spring–early fall season. Note: the hotel has been closed since December 2, 2024 for a National Park Service condition assessment—check official reopening updates before travel.
In this guide
Before you go: current hotel status and phone
The Wawona Hotel is currently closed for a comprehensive National Park Service condition assessment that began December 2, 2024; there is no announced reopening date. Do not assume on‑site services, dining, or lodging are available without checking official updates.
If you need help from BookResorts agents, 24/7 support is available at +1 (888) 605-1350. For the latest park and concessioner notices, consult the National Park Service and the property’s official pages.
- Wawona Hotel address: 8308 Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389, US
- Property closed for assessment since December 2, 2024—confirm reopening before traveling
- BookResorts agents (24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Hotel status | Closed for condition assessment since Dec 2, 2024 |
| Phone (BookResorts) | +1 (888) 605-1350 |
Nearest commercial airports and typical travel times
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the closest major airport with regular commercial service and is commonly used for trips to Wawona. Driving from FAT to the Wawona Hotel follows Highway 41 north into the park.
Smaller regional airports include Mariposa–Yosemite (RMY), which has very limited service, and Merced Regional Airport (MCE). Distances and drive times vary by road conditions and season; always check current road status before departing.
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT): about 53 miles; typically the fastest commercial-airport drive to Wawona
- Mariposa–Yosemite Airport (RMY): small airport ~39–45 miles; limited/no regular commercial service
- Merced Regional Airport (MCE): another regional option ~50 miles, but longer drive times reported
| Airport | Typical distance noted in sources | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno Yosemite International (FAT) | ~53 miles | Major commercial service; drive via Highway 41 |
| Mariposa–Yosemite (RMY) | ~39–45 miles | Very limited commercial service; availability varies |
| Merced Regional (MCE) | ~50 miles | Regional airport; longer drive times often reported |
Driving from Fresno (FAT) — common route
Most travelers drive north on CA‑41 (Highway 41) from Fresno toward Oakhurst and Fish Camp, then continue into Yosemite toward the park’s South Entrance and Wawona. Highway 41 becomes Wawona Road as you approach the hotel.
There is no hotel airport shuttle; the property provides free self parking on site. Road conditions in winter may require chains or different routings—check current park road alerts before you travel.
- Typical route: Fresno → CA‑41 north → Oakhurst/Fish Camp → South Entrance → Wawona Road (Hotel at 8308 Wawona Road)
- No confirmed hotel shuttle from Fresno—plan a rental car, private transfer, or YARTS + local taxi
- Check park road conditions and chain requirements for winter travel
| Step | What to expect |
|---|---|
| On the highway | CA‑41 north toward Oakhurst/Fish Camp |
| Approaching park | Follow signs for Yosemite National Park South Entrance |
| In Wawona | Wawona Road / Highway 41; hotel driveway is on Wawona Road |
Public transit option: YARTS (seasonal bus service)
YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) operates a Highway 41 route that links Fresno, Oakhurst, Fish Camp and Wawona with Yosemite Valley on a seasonal schedule (service dates vary from year to year). The YARTS stop serving Wawona is typically at the Wawona Store; the hotel itself does not list a dedicated YARTS stop at its driveway.
YARTS fares and schedules change annually—check the official YARTS website for current routes, dates, and fares. Even when YARTS runs, you will likely need a short taxi or rideshare from the Wawona Store to the hotel if the stop is not directly at the property.
- Seasonal Highway 41 YARTS route connects Fresno/Oakhurst/Fish Camp with Wawona and Yosemite Valley
- Typical round-trip fare examples have been published; check yarts.com for current fares and booking
- Hotel does not operate its own airport shuttle—confirm local pickup options if arriving by YARTS
| Transit | Useful note |
|---|---|
| YARTS Highway 41 | Seasonal service—check dates on yarts.com |
| Wawona Store stop | Common YARTS stop for Wawona area; short onward trip to hotel may be needed |
Arriving by small/regional airports or private plane
Mariposa–Yosemite Airport (RMY) and Merced Regional Airport (MCE) are regional options used by some travelers, but commercial service is limited at RMY and drive times from MCE can be longer. If flying into a regional field, confirm scheduled service and ground-transport options in advance.
If you charter or fly privately into a nearby general aviation field, plan ground transportation to Wawona—rental car availability and local taxi services can vary. The Wawona Hotel does not provide air/ground transfers listed on its official pages.
- RMY: closest small airport by distance but very limited scheduled commercial flights
- MCE: another regional option—confirm ground transport and rental-car availability before booking
- No hotel-provided transfers from regional airports are documented—arrange private transfer or rental car in advance
| Airport type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Regional (RMY) | Closest by miles | Very limited commercial service |
| Regional (MCE) | Alternative to Fresno | Longer drive times; limited services |
Typical arrival tips and what to expect at the hotel site
The Wawona Hotel historically offers free self parking; however, the property is currently closed for assessment, so parking access and on‑site services may be restricted. The hotel’s dining room, Sunroom, and golf course are seasonal and may be closed while the property is not operating.
If your trip depends on Wawona Hotel facilities (dining room, Room types, pool), confirm the hotel’s operational status first. The hotel’s single listed room type is: Room (; beds: 1 Queen Bed).
- Hotel address for GPS: 8308 Wawona Road, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
- No elevator service at the historic property; some public areas are wheelchair accessible
- Confirm whether seasonal amenities (dining room, pool, golf) are operating before relying on them
| On arrival | What to check |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free self/guest parking historically provided |
| Amenities | Seasonal—dining, pool, golf may be closed during assessment |
| Accessibility | Dining room and lobby wheelchair accessible; no elevator service |
