Itinerary and blog by Annemarie Wong (Follow @TrainGirlSummer on TikTok to see her adventures)
Think you need a car to experience Yosemite National Park? Think again. On our recent three-day trip, we traveled from San Francisco to Yosemite—completely car-free—and had an incredible, stress-free adventure. Whether you’re a city-dweller without a vehicle, trying to lower your carbon footprint, or just want a relaxing ride into nature, this itinerary walks you through exactly how we did it.
Here’s a breakdown of our car-free Yosemite escape:
Day 1: From the City to the Sierra—No Driving Required
We took Amtrak from San Francisco at 6:55 am (via a bus-train combo), then transferred to a YARTS bus in Merced, which dropped us off right at Yosemite View Lodge by 2:00 PM. The lodge is conveniently located along the YARTS route—no car needed to get to the park or your hotel.
With the rest of the day to unwind, we explored the lodge’s outdoor spaces, relaxed in the game room, and enjoyed dinner at Parkside Pizza, which is on the property. The night ended with a soak in the hot tub and s’mores by the fire pit—a perfect lodge experience.
Day 2: Full Yosemite Adventure—Via Bus & Foot
We started early again to maximize our day inside Yosemite. The first YARTS bus picked us up from the hotel at 6:40 AM (make sure to check seasonal schedules), and in about 30 minutes, we arrived at Curry Village.
Breakfast at the Curry Village Dining Pavilion gave us energy for our first hike: the Mirror Lake Loop, which we accessed using the AllTrails app. We began the trail near Lower Pines Campground and made our way to Mirror Lake, taking in snow-dusted landscapes and quiet forest paths.
From there, we walked toward Yosemite Village and had lunch at Degnan’s Kitchen. This was followed by a quick, family-friendly hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall.
After browsing the gift shops and visitor center, we caught the YARTS bus back to Yosemite View Lodge, where we wrapped up the day with dinner at their River Restaurant and Lounge.
Day 3: One More Meal, Then the Ride Home
On our final morning, we had breakfast at the lodge’s restaurant, checked out, and began our return trip to San Francisco the same way we came—YARTS to Amtrak, and home without ever turning a key.
How You Can Do It Too: A Car-Free Yosemite Game Plan
Step 1: Get to Merced
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From San Francisco, book an Amtrak ticket that includes the Thruway Bus to Merced.
Step 2: Transfer to YARTS
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Catch the YARTS bus from Merced to Yosemite View Lodge or the park.
Step 3: Stay Somewhere YARTS-Accessible
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Yosemite View Lodge is ideal—it’s right on the YARTS route, close to the park entrance, and packed with amenities.
Step 4: Use Park Shuttles and Walking Paths
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Inside Yosemite, most major sights are walkable or accessible by shuttle (when in service). No need to drive!
Why Go Car-Free?
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Avoid mountain driving, especially in wet conditions.
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No parking stress in the park (especially in peak seasons).
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Eco-friendly travel that supports sustainable tourism.
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More time to relax and take in the views on the ride in and out.
Yosemite without a car is not only doable—it’s downright delightful. With YARTS, Amtrak, and a little planning, you can trade traffic for towering trees and make your next trip to Yosemite a low-stress, high-reward adventure.