Top Yosemite Tours from San Francisco
As no train goes directly and its limited accessibility without a car, bus tours serve as a great alternative for visiting the park. Several different companies offering San Francisco to Yosemite bus tours. They are all fairly similar in price and itinerary. Search for those who have received good reviews, knowledgeable guides, and schedules that align with your likes and dislikes.
Evaluate the various tour packages provided by different companies, taking into account factors like length of time, activities included, choices for transportation, lodging options (if relevant), size of group, and price.
Each also offers complimentary hotel pick-up from most hotels in San Francisco, departing between 5:00 am and 7:00 am.
After selecting a tour package that fits your needs, make sure to reserve it ahead of time as numerous companies mandate bookings, particularly in busy periods. Ensure to carefully review the terms and conditions before finalizing your reservation.
After the 3.5-hour drive to Yosemite, guests are given a 1-hour bus tour of the area followed by 2-4 hours of free time to explore on their own.
Here are a few of Yosemite Valley’s most famous viewpoints that you can expect to see::
- Yosemite Falls
- El Capitan
- Half Dome
- Bridalveil Falls
- Sierra Nevada Mountains
- Merced River
- And more!
Visitors can also visit locations like the Ansel Adams Gallery for free, rent a bike and ride around the park, check out the rangers’ station, and more.
Because these tours involve lots of driving with the potential for delays due to traffic or weather, time allotments are often inexact.
However, regardless of any transportation issues, all guests seem in agreement about the impressive beauty of Yosemite.
SAN FRANCISCO TO YOSEMITE BUS TOURS (One Day)
| Tours | Best Bay Area Tours | Extranomical Tours | Gray Line Tours | Incredible Adventures | Dingo Tours |
| Duration Timing | 14 hours 6 : 00 am | 14 – 15 hours 5: 20 am | 13 hours 6: 20 am | 15 hours 6: 00 am | 12 hours 6: 00 am |
| Inclusions | ✓National park fees ✓Live tour guide ✓Foreign language audios 🗙Food and drinks 🗙Tips | ✓ National park fees ✓Live tour guide ✓Foreign language audio 🗙Food and drinks 🗙Tips | ✓ National park fees ✓Live tour guide 🗙Foreign language audios 🗙Food and drinks 🗙Tips | ✓ National park fees ✓Live tour guide 🗙Foreign language audios 🗙Food and drinks 🗙Tips | ✓Live tour guide with foreign languages ✓Transportation tolls 🗙Park admission fees 🗙 Tips |
| Rating / Customer reviews | 5 / 2021 reviews | 4.4 / 1071 reviews | 4.5 / 128 reviews | 4.4 / 552 reviews | 10 reviews |
| Price | Adult – 224 $ | Child – 149 $ ( Age 12 and younger ) | Adult – 209 $ |Child – 188 $ ( Age 11 and younger ) | Adult – 215 $ Child (Age 5-11) – 165 $ | Free – children under 5 | Adult – 209 $ | Child – 179 $ (age 12 and younger) | 272 $ per person | Best for private groups of 5 |
| For booking and more info | For booking and more info | For booking and more info | For booking and more info | For booking and more info |
SAN FRANCISCO TO YOSEMITE BUS TOURS (Multi Days)
For individuals who want to spend a lot of time in Yosemite, the best choice is to take a multi-day tour of the park. Tours can vary from 2-5 days and may or may not include lodging.
Multi-day tours are generally much more expensive than single-day tours, even if lodging is included or not in the price.
However, for starters, the longer itinerary gives you more than enough time to go at your own pace and explore each stop on your trip. Nevertheless, the main advantage of choosing a tour that spans multiple days is the opportunity to fully experience Yosemite, which is a common downside of one-day tours in general.
If you enjoy hiking or renting bikes, this tour allows you ample time to explore various areas of Yosemite Valley at your desired speed.
| Tours | Incredible Adventures | Extranomical Tours | Incredible Adventures | Incredible Adventures | Incredible Adventures |
| Duration | 2-Day tour | 2-Day tour | 3-Day Camping Adventure | 2-Day tour | 4-Day tour |
| Inclusions | ✓ Live Tour Guide ✓ Overnight hotel accommodation ✓ Park entrance fee 🗙Food and drinks 🗙Guide Tips | ✓ Live Tour Guide ✓ 8 foreign language audios ✓ Park entrance fee 🗙Food and drinks 🗙Accommodation | ✓Live tour guide ✓National Park entrance fee ✓Tents, sleeping pads, and camping gear ✓5 fresh meals 🗙Meals on the first day 🗙Sleeping bag 🗙Guide Tips | ✓ Live tour guide ✓ Yosemite Park entrance fee ✓Accommodation at Cedar Lodge 🗙 Tips for guide 🗙 Meals | ✓ Narrated guided tour✓ Park entrance fees✓ Hotel or campsite accommodations 🗙Sleeping bag 🗙Tips for Guide 🗙Meals |
| Rating / Customer reviews | 4.5 / 307 Reviews | 4.4 /7 reviews | 4.7 / 103 reviews | 4.8 / 37 reviews | |
| Price | 529 $ | Group size 13 person | Adult – 279$ | Child – 249$ (Age 11 and younger) | Adult –679 $ | Child – 485 $ | Limited to 13 person | 529 $ per person | Best for groups of 4 | 1209 $ per person |
| For booking and more info | For booking and more info | For booking and more info | For booking and more info | For booking and more info |
DEALS AND DISCOUNTS
For the budget-conscious traveler, several websites regularly offer discounts on tours of Yosemite. Here are some of the best websites to browse through in search of a deal:
Viator
Viator is a booking platform that curates lists of handpicked tours to sell directly to guests. They promote several different tours of Yosemite, each of which varies immensely in price.
This is a good place to browse through a wide selection of tours so that you can compare prices and itineraries. Learn more.
Groupon and Living Social
Additionally, several other discount websites such as Groupon and LivingSocial periodically offer discounted tours of Yosemite.
These companies update their deals regularly, so be sure to check each website to learn more about what special discounts are on offer.
Conclusion:
- After comparing the tours, we hope you have a better idea of which one suits your preferences and needs.
- Remember to consider factors like duration, destinations, amenities, and price when making your decision.
- Whichever tour you choose, we wish you an unforgettable adventure!
FAQS
Is it worth going to Yosemite from San Francisco?
Absolutely, if you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, Yosemite is worth visiting from San Francisco. From iconic landmarks to outdoor adventures like hiking and photography, there’s something for everyone. It offers breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and plenty of recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. Be mindful of peak seasons and plan for accommodation and crowds
Is there a train from San Francisco to Yosemite?
There isn’t a direct train route from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park. However, you can take an Amtrak train from San Francisco to Merced, which is the nearest city to Yosemite with an Amtrak station. From Merced, you can then take a bus or arrange for other transportation options to reach Yosemite National Park.
Is Yosemite really worth it?
Absolutely! Yosemite National Park is a gem waiting to be explored whenever there is an opportunity. With stunning waterfalls, towering cliffs, and lush forests, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Whether you’re hiking, taking photos, or just soaking in the scenery, Yosemite offers unforgettable experiences. While it can get busy in spring and summer, with fewer crowds in the fall offers a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an outdoor adventure.
What is the cheapest way to visit Yosemite from San Francisco?
The cheapest way to visit Yosemite is by traveling by public transport like Greyhound and Amtrak to Merced town. Then transfer onto YARTS to get to Yosemite. YARTS offers public transport to and from places such as Merced, Mariposa, and Groveland. Consider staying in these towns to save money on hotels.
Do you need a car in Yosemite?
Having a car can be convenient for exploring Yosemite National Park. Although some roads are closed from around November through May/June tire chains may be required on open roads from around October through April (depending on conditions). You can use the Shuttle System or Bike to explore the park.
How much time is needed in Yosemite?
If you’re short on time, a day trip to Yosemite is still worthwhile. You can visit iconic attractions like Yosemite Valley, see famous landmarks such as Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, and take short hikes to scenic viewpoints. However, if you want to see all the things, plan for 2 to 4 days.
What are the best months to visit Yosemite?
For the most comfortable temperatures and the best chances of blue skies, visit in June or September. Yosemite receives 95% of its rainfall between October and May, making June and September two of its driest months.
