Whether you’re looking to skip the hassle of searching for a parking spot multiple times each day, want to reduce your carbon footprint, or are simply looking for a car-free way to explore the park, you’re in luck. Yosemite makes it easy for visitors to ditch driving and instead opt for public transportation. Here’s everything you need to know about Yosemite Valley’s free shuttle system, plus the regional bus system that services Yosemite.
Free Yosemite Valley Shuttle System
The free Yosemite Valley shuttle system provides offers park visitors complimentary rides throughout Yosemite Valley. Download a map and schedule at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm.
Valleywide shuttle: This route serves all stops in Yosemite Valley, including hotels, restaurants, campgrounds and trailheads. Buses arrive every 12 to 22 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
East Valley shuttle: This route only stops at Yosemite Village, Curry Village, the Pines campgrounds, and trailheads in eastern Yosemite Valley. Buses arrive every 8 to 12 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Mariposa Grove Free Shuttle Bus
This free shuttle provides service from the Mariposa Grove Welcome Plaza (near South Entrance) to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Visitors can’t access the grove by private vehicle, so the quick shuttle ride is the only option other than walking. The shuttle operates no earlier than April 1 and service ends no later than November 30, but dates vary from year to year, especially in spring (due to conditions).
Badger Pass Free Shuttle Bus
The free Badger Pass shuttle bus provides service twice daily between Yosemite Valley and Badger Pass Ski Area when the facilities at the mountain are open, typically mid-December through March.
Free Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Bus
The Tuolumne Meadows shuttle bus provides convenient access throughout the Tuolumne Meadows area between Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and Olmsted Point (including Tenaya Lake) during the summer, typically mid-June through early September. Note: This route does not run 2023-24. Check for 2025 updates at nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tmbus.htm.
Glacier Point Tour and Hiker Shuttle Bus
On this four-hour tour (for a fee), you’ll go from Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point—a 3,200-foot elevation gain. Many people purchase a one-way ticket on the Glacier Point Tour and take it from Yosemite Valley Lodge to Glacier Point, then hike back down to Yosemite Valley on the Four Mile Trail or the Panorama Trail. This bus does not make stops at other trailheads. Service is available when Glacier Point Road is open (typically late May through October).
Find more information at www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/guided-bus-tours/
Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows Tour and Hikers’ Bus
The Yosemite Valley-Tuolumne Meadows hikers’ bus provides service from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center and stops at various trailheads on Tioga Road. Service is available from approximately mid-June to early September.
The hikers’ bus can be flagged for pick-up or drop off at any trailhead along the way, provided there is room in the bus. Learn more at: www.travelyosemite.com/things-to-do/guided-bus-tours/
YARTS Bus and Shuttle
YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) serves locations along four major routes into the park: Highway 120/395 starting in Mammoth Lakes on the east side of the park, Highway 120 starting in Sonora to the west of the park, Highway 41 originating in Fresno or Oakhurst and Highway 140 starting in Merced through Mariposa. Along the way to the park, YARTS has stops at designated park and ride lots, campgrounds and RV parks. YARTS riders do not need additional peak-hours reservations for Yosemite during the summer months. Find the schedule at yarts.com.