Sequoia National Park is one of the nation’s most famous and oldest national parks. Known for its magnificent giant sequoia trees, the park welcomes over 1.2 million visitors per year. Many visitors flying in from out of state wonder, what is the closest airport to Sequoia National Park? This article provides information to help travelers identify the best airport options to access Sequoia and how to get to the park entrance from each airport.
What is the Closest Airport to Sequoia National Park?
The closest major airport to Sequoia National Park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), located about 57 miles from the park’s north entrance at Highway 180. FAT offers the most direct access and the widest selection of flights.
Some key details about FAT airport:
- Distance from Sequoia’s Highway 180 entrance: 57 miles
- Drive time to Sequoia’s Highway 180 entrance: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Nonstop flight destinations: 16 major airports including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, and more
For visitors looking for convenience, affordability, and direct access, FAT is the clear choice when identifying the nearest major airport to Sequoia National Park.
Alternative Smaller Airport Options
While FAT is the closest major airport and offers the most nonstop flight routes, some smaller regional airports may be closer or more convenient depending on the visitor’s specific location and preferences.
Visalia Municipal Airport, also known as Visalia Airport (VIS), is another option approximately 42 miles from Sequoia’s entrance at Highway 180. With a drive time of less than 1 hour, VIS may be a good alternative, however, it offers primarily Los Angeles and Las Vegas flights via contractors of major airlines.
Fresno Chandler Executive Airport (FCH), 35 miles east of the park, serves private and corporate jets. While smaller, FCH provides proximity for travelers with access to private aviation.
For those entering Sequoia from the south, consider Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in Bakersfield, located about 85 miles from the park’s south entrance near Three Rivers and Highway 198.
Mammoth Yosemite Airport offers the closest access to those also visiting Sequoia’s neighboring Sierra parks, with seasonal direct flights from major hubs as well as year-round charter service.
Airport Distance from Park Entrances
Here is a comparison of the major airports’ proximity to Sequoia Park’s northern Highway 180 entrance and southern Three Rivers entrance:
| Airport | Distance to Highway 180 Entrance | Distance to Three Rivers Entrance |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno Yosemite Intl | 57 miles | 112 miles |
| Visalia Muni | 42 miles | 98 miles |
| Fresno Chandler Executive | 35 miles | 91 miles |
| Bakersfield Meadows Field | 150 miles | 85 miles |
As shown, FAT and VIS provide closer access to the main Highway 180 park entrance, while BFL is closer to the Three Rivers area in the south section of the park near Highway 198.
Directions to Sequoia from Nearest Airports
To access Sequoia National Park from the closest major airports, follow these directions:
From Fresno Yosemite International Airport:
- Head southeast from the airport terminal area on N Airport Dr
- Merge south on CA-41 toward Yosemite
- Continue as CA-41 merges into CA-180 E
- Follow CA-180 E for approximately 57 miles to Sierra National Forest
- Turn right onto Generals Hwy into Sequoia National Park
From Visalia Municipal Airport
- Head northeast on S Aviation Dr away from the airport
- Turn right to merge west on CA-216 toward Three Rivers
- Continue straight as CA-216 becomes CA 198E
- Take CA-198 E for 42 miles and turn left onto Generals Hwy to enter Sequoia National Park
Fresno Chandler Airport
- Head southwest on E Anderson Ave
- Turn left heading south on N Thorne Ave
- Take the ramp right to merge onto CA-41 S toward Yosemite
- Follow signs to merge left onto CA-180 E / Kings Canyon Hwy
- Travel 35 miles and turn right onto Generals Hwy into Sequoia National Park
As shown above, the main access route is CA-180 E from FAT and VIS airports to Sierra National Forest leading directly to Generals Highway and the northern park entrance.
Transportation Options from Airports to Park
Visitors flying in have several options to travel onward to explore Sequoia National Park without a rental car:
Sequoia Shuttle from Visalia
The most popular and affordable way is taking the Sequoia Shuttle which offers daily round-trip transport between Visalia and Sequoia Park between late May through early September. The shuttle picks up from several Visalia hotels as well as the Visalia Transit Center, providing direct access to the park without transfers. Reservations are recommended well in advance.
Rental Cars
Visitors arriving at FAT, VIS, and BFL airports can rent cars from on-site rental providers like Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, or Thrifty to drive to the park entrance. Travelers under 25 may have to pay extra rental car fees.
Private Park Transfers
Several dedicated transportation providers offer private SUVs and shuttle vans to bring visitors directly from California airports to hotels just outside Sequoia Park’s entrance, such as Three Rivers. These private Sedan shuttles allow flexibility for groups and provide knowledgeable drivers familiar with the area.
Public Transit Connections
Travelers can also access Sequoia using connecting public transportation like YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) seasonal buses from Merced or Fresno stations to the park. This involves coordination and transfers but avoids driving mountain roads. Visitors taking trains or intercity buses can transfer to YARTS to complete the journey to Sequoia’s visitor areas.
Winter Access Considerations to Sequoia National Park
Winter snowstorms transform Sequoia National Park into a frozen, ethereal wonderland but pose challenges to access. Generals Highway routes close temporarily during heavy snow. Carry chains, warm clothing, food, and emergency equipment in vehicles. Forward traction control or 4-wheel drive with higher clearance provides needed mobility through icy, unplowed sections.
Parking lots and facilities shut down so prepare for limited amenities and remote isolation. Reduced visibility from fog and snow demands safe winter driving. Watch for ice and snowplows. While summer lures crowds, the muffled serenity of a frosted Giant Forest rewards those braving colder temps and shorter days to marvel at one of Earth’s most magical settings glistening in the morning light.
Conclusion
In summary, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) located 57 miles from Sequoia’s entrance at Highway 180 is the closest and most convenient major airport option for visitors. FAT offers the widest selection of nonstop flights as well as direct access to Sequoia National Park. For those entering Sequoia’s south side, Meadows Field in Bakersfield is an 85-mile drive.
Smaller regional airports like Visalia Municipal provide proximity under an hour’s drive but fewer flight routes. Travelers can arrange shuttles from Visalia or Fresno, take tours, or rent cars to reach Sequoia to begin their Sierra adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Accessing Sequoia National Park
What Airport is closest to Sequoia National Park?
The closest and most convenient major airport to Sequoia National Park is Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT). Located 57 miles from the Highway 180 northern park entrance, FAT offers the most nonstop flight destinations and the fastest access to Sequoia.
How far is Visalia Airport from Sequoia National Park?
Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS) is located approximately 42 miles from Sequoia’s entrance at Highway 180, with a drive time under 1 hour. As the largest regional airport near Sequoia, VIS serves primarily routes to/from Los Angeles on major airline partners.
Which Airport is better for Sequoia – Fresno or Visalia?
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is better for access to Sequoia National Park owing to its selection of 16 nonstop destinations on major carriers, closer proximity of 57 miles (one hour drive), and direct route via CA-180 East to the park.
What is the easiest way to get from Fresno Airport (FAT) to Sequoia?
The easiest transport options from FAT Airport to Sequoia are renting a car and driving directly via CA-180 East in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or booking the Sequoia Shuttle bus from Visalia (a 20-minute drive from FAT) for direct seasonal transport to the park.
How far is Sequoia National Park from Bakersfield?
The distance from Bakersfield’s Meadows Field Airport to Sequoia’s southern entrance near Three Rivers is 85 miles. This south entrance is less used but does offer closer access for travelers arriving via Bakersfield.
Which entrance should I use to access Sequoia from Fresno?
Visitors flying into Fresno Airport (FAT) should enter Sequoia National Park through the northern Highway 180 entrance, as it provides the fastest and most direct route into the park at only 57 miles (1-hour 10-minute drive) from FAT.
Is there public transportation from Fresno Airport to Sequoia National Park?
Yes, there is a YARTS bus route that offers public transit access a few times daily from Fresno Airport to Sequoia Park between June and September. This bus route involves transfers at the Fresno transit center and heads south on CA-180 into the park.
How far is Sequoia from Mammoth Lakes Airport?
The distance between Sequoia National Park and the closest airport at Mammoth Lakes offering seasonal commercial service (MMH) is approximately 129 miles and a drive time of 3 hours via CA-203 and Generals Highway.
Can you take a train to Sequoia National Park?
No, there is no direct passenger train service to Sequoia National Park currently. Travelers can take Amtrak trains to stops in Hanford or Fresno then transfer to YARTS buses taking CA-180 to access the park.
Where is the nearest Greyhound bus stop to Sequoia Park?
The nearest Greyhound bus station with routes to Sequoia National Park is in Fresno. From Fresno, visitors would need to transfer to YARTS public buses that provide summer routes into Sequoia and Kings Canyon parks.
Which side of Sequoia National Park is easiest to reach from San Francisco?
The easiest and most efficient side of Sequoia to access from the San Francisco Bay Area airports is the north/main entrance via Highway 180 (Generals Hwy) given its direct access to CA120/CA99/CA 180 routes to Northern California.
Which entrance allows the quickest access to the Giant Forest area in Sequoia?
The northern entrance at Highway 180 provides the fastest route to access Sequoia’s famous Giant Forest, with Generals Highway leading directly south to the Lodgepole area at the base of Giant Forest within Sequoia after entering the park.
Where is the closest hotel outside Sequoia National Park?
The closest hotels just outside Sequoia National Park’s entrance at Highway 180 are located about 3 miles south along Generals Highway in the unincorporated area of Three Rivers, where visitors can find a range of hotel options fitting any budget.
How far is Sequoia Kings Canyon airport?
There is no commercial airport named specifically Sequoia-Kings Canyon. The Fresno Yosemite International Airport located 57 miles north of Highway 180 entrance offers the closest major airport access to both parks.
Is there an airport inside Sequoia National Park?
No, there are no airports located within Sequoia National Park. Private helicopters can access designated landing areas in the park’s backcountry with permits, but otherwise, the closest public airports are located outside the park boundaries with Fresno and Visalia airports being the most convenient.
What attractions are between Fresno Airport and Sequoia National Park?
Top attractions to consider visiting on the drive from Fresno Yosemite International Airport to Sequoia include Castle Air Museum displaying vintage aircraft, River Center indoor adventure park, Skydive Fresno for incredible valley views, and Forestiere Underground Gardens featuring an underground mansion network south of Visalia.
Where should I fly from the East Coast for the Sequoia trip?
For East Coast visitors traveling specifically to see Sequoia National Park, the most convenient airport to fly into is Fresno Air Terminal (FAT) which offers the best travel hubs across the country and the quickest direct access to Sequoia National Park less than 1.5 hour drive from the terminals.
Which option saves more driving – Las Vegas or LA airport for a Sequoia trip?
Travelers from Southern California and Las Vegas will save more driving by flying into Fresno vs Los Angeles airports when visiting Sequoia National Park. Fresno airports take a 1-hour drive while LA airports take a 4+ hour drive through Bakersfield or Central Valley, making flight access via Fresno more time efficient.
I want to see both Sequoia and Yosemite National Park – which airport?
The best airport to fly into for visitors hoping to visit both Yosemite and Sequoia is Fresno-Yosemite International Airport, as it provides the fastest access to highways leading north to Yosemite Valley as well as south to Sequoia along Generals Highway, both approximately 1 to 1.5-hour drives.
Which Sequoia entrance has food options nearby?
The northern Sequoia park entrance at Highway 180 near Generals Highway offers the most food options nearby, with multiple eateries, markets, and camping supply stores located 3 miles south in the Three Rivers community at the foothills of the Sierra National Forest just outside the park border.
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My name is David James I am an adventurous hiker based in California. Through this weblog, I percentage my passion for exploring nature’s wonders, documenting breathtaking trails and hidden gemstones.