Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT) serves as the gateway to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, handling over 2.6 million passengers annually. What always surprises me is how efficiently it transitions travelers from plane to natural beauty – though it can feel busy during peak periods. Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, it’s perfectly positioned for national park adventures.
The airport is also expanding to meet growing demand, with the ongoing FAT Forward terminal project and new nonstop service recently added to cities like San Diego and Portland. It’s long been the gateway for some great park adventures, and it has just enough amenities to make your journey comfortable and convenient.
Airlines at Fresno Yosemite airport
Several major airlines serve Fresno Yosemite Airport with domestic flights, including United, American, Delta, Allegiant, Alaska, Southwest, Aeromexico and Volaris. You’ll find non-stop service to Chicago (seasonal), Dallas/Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle – making it quite convenient for a quick vacation.
The international offering isn’t as wide-ranging, but it’s improving. Aeromexico and Volaris both offer international flights to Mexico, with non-stop routes to Guadalajara, Morelia and León. For other international spots, you’ll likely need a connecting flight from another major city.
FAT layout
Fresno Yosemite Airport has one terminal building housing check-in, ticketing and security under a single roof. You can’t really get lost here – the straightforward design and clear signage guide you from check-in to boarding gates without confusion.
Gate areas are spacious and well-organized, so getting to your boarding or arrival zone is easy. The airport is also in the middle of a major terminal expansion as part of the FAT Forward program that will add a new concourse, expanded TSA checkpoint and a new Federal Inspection Station designed to triple international arrivals capacity, plus more parking and amenities. Just a heads-up, things might look a little different from your last visit while construction is ongoing.
Transport to and from the airport
Getting from the airport to your next stop is pretty straightforward, whether you’re heading to the national parks or just into town. The most convenient option is to rent a car. To me, a California road trip is hard to beat, and FAT makes it easy with on-airport car rental services. You’ll find familiar brands from Hertz to Avis, and you can book in advance (which I recommend for peak season) or on arrival. Fresno has joined the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS), which provides seasonal bus service to Yosemite National Park from May through September – check the YARTS website for current routes and stops. You’ll definitely need to book in advance – it’s popular and sells out often.
To get into Fresno itself, Fresno Area Express (FAX) provides bus service to the city. You’ll also find taxis and rideshare drivers waiting just outside arrivals, and it’s a quick trip to the city center.
Parking at FAT
Parking at FAT is straightforward compared to larger city airports. The main lot offers covered and uncovered sections with hourly or daily rates. There’s also an economy lot with flat daily fees for long-term parking – but I have to warn you, it fills up quickly during peak periods and there’s no pre-booking, so it’s first come first served.
For extended parking needs, check with the airport directly about their policies.
Driving an electric vehicle? No problem. EV charging stations are available in the parking lots, so you can juice up while you’re away.
Security at Fresno Yosemite airport
FAT recommends arriving two hours before domestic departures, though security is generally quicker than that. The airport dedicates most of its terminal to domestic flights, and it’s quite efficient – except during peak summer holidays when it can get crowded.
For international flights, the official advice is to arrive three hours early. The lines are generally short. Just be sure you have all your documents ready for the more thorough screening process.
International arrivals are also pretty streamlined. You’ll clear customs with the usual forms and screening, but with so few flights, you’ll rarely face a long wait.
Business amenities at the airport
FAT doesn’t have premium business lounges, but there are solid alternatives for working before your flight. I tend to head to the Art Lounge for its comfortable seating, charging points and beautiful local artwork. The complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the terminal is better than most major airports – it works everywhere from check-in to your gate, so you’ll never be offline.
Where to snack
As a regional airport, FAT has limited dining options – but you’ll still find solid spots for coffee and quick bites before your flight. You’ll find a Starbucks pre-security and a Peet’s Coffee post-security for your caffeine fix and grab-and-go snacks.
If you need something more substantial, your best bet is the second-floor gastropub, Tap & Pour. It’s open from early morning to late night and serves regional dishes like the Yosemite Breakfast Plate or the Fresno Burger. It’s also a great spot to grab a local craft beer with your travel buddies before you fly out.
Best places to visit near Fresno Yosemite airport
Once you’ve landed, it’s all about the great outdoors. The main destination is Yosemite National Park, but be prepared for a bit of a drive. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the South Entrance and 2.5 hours to get to Yosemite Valley, home of El Capitan and Half Dome, though times can vary with traffic and road conditions.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are also about 1.5 hours away, depending on traffic and weather. This is where you’ll find the Giant Forest and the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth. It’s a must-see.
If you’re looking for something a little closer, Shaver Lake is about an hour’s drive north of the airport, though travel times may vary. It’s a beautiful spot in the Sierra National Forest with plenty of hiking, fishing and boating.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
