Using public transport to get to Yosemite may be a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and more pleasant method to experience the place. Yosemite offers various transportation choices for those that rely on public transit. But is there a shuttle service from Wawona to Yosemite?
Since 2000, the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) has operated in the Yosemite region, providing a solution to leading nearly one million users. YARTS is a secure, pleasant, cost-effective, and convenient mode of transport.
YARTS offers summer service on State Highway 41 between Fresno and Yosemite, connecting to Yosemite/Fresno International Airport (FAT). It stops at the Wawona Store on its way to Yosemite Valley. However, because COVID-19 precautions limit bus capacity, you may need to make an online reservation to obtain a seat.
If you are planning to visit Wawona to Yosemite Valley, you might be curious to learn more regarding the YARTS Highway 41 Route shuttle. Know the expense, the duration of the trip, the location of the shuttle stops, and other crucial travel information in this article. Let’s begin!
How much does it cost to travel from Wawona to Yosemite Valley by YART?
There are two ways to get to Yosemite National Park from Wawona. For one, you can drive there or take the bus. Although many assume that driving to Yosemite National Park is less costly, taking the YARTS shuttle is far more convenient.
Day access to Yosemite National Park is part of your YARTS ticket. Bear in mind that your ticket, however, does not provide access to Yosemite National Park via personal or private car.
YARTS operates on a zone-based pricing structure. To determine your fare, you must first specify the origin and destination of your travel. As per the YARTS website, one-way tickets from Wawona to Yosemite will cost $9, and round-trip tickets will cost $15. In contrast, you will only pay $5 for a one-way ticket and $9 for a round-trip ticket when the passenger is eligible for reduced fares.
Those eligible for reduced rates are seniors 62 years and older, veterans, and those with disabilities with valid ID cards. Whereas children under the age of five rides for free. Similarly, one kid between the ages of 6 and 12 rides free for each paid adult trip, while more children between 6 and 17 years old pay a discounted rate.
To get YARTS tickets, visit the YARTS website or pay with a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit card on the bus. You can also pay with cash on the bus, but you must bring the actual amount since they don’t give out change. Alternatively, if you are near the YARTS administration office at 369 W. 18th Street, Merced, you may obtain your ticket there as well.
How long is the YART ride from Wawona to Yosemite Valley?
From May through September, the Highway 41 service is open daily. Instead of paying attention to the road, you can ride the YARTS to escape traffic and comfortably enjoy the view. YARTS Highway 41 offers three journeys each day. Its route begins in Fresno. The first bus leaves Fresno at 6:18 a.m. and arrives at Wawona Store at 9:03 a.m.
Additionally, the distance between Wawona and Yosemite National Park is 36 kilometers, and it takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes to go this distance. It implies that if you take the first trip, you will arrive at the Yosemite Valley Visitors Center at 10:13 a.m. However, keep in mind that, depending on traffic conditions, exact arrival and departure times may differ from the planned schedules.
When does the YART pick up from Wawona and Yosemite Valley?
As once stated, the HWY 41 service runs three times daily from and to Yosemite. If you arrive in Fresno by car and take the YARTS to Yosemite, there are paid parking lots around the city, including at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.
Alternatively, you can drive to Wawona and then catch the shuttle there. YARTS vehicles will make a stop at all specified stops. As noted before, the first pick-up will be at the Wawona Store at 9:03 a.m. For other available trips, you must be at Wawona Store by 10:57 a.m. for the second trip and 3:35 p.m. for the last trip.
The first trip departs from Yosemite Lodge at 11:15 a.m. While the second trip departs the center at 4:06 p.m., the last journey departs at 6 p.m. Always arrive minutes before the pick-up time to avoid missing the shuttle.
Due to the large volume of summer riders, YARTS identify the no-shows. These passengers make reservations and do not turn up on time for their trip. Consequently, their reservations will be forfeited. Additionally, walk-ins will seat after reserved passengers on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Accessible is the YARTS Shuttle to Yosemite?
All YARTS buses have wheelchair lifts and are mobility-friendly. To ensure that an accessible seat is readily accessible on the bus, please contact YARTS 48 hours before boarding. Or you may specify that an accessible seat is necessary when booking.
If you want special support during boarding, notify YARTS 48 hours in advance. Additionally, YARTS also allows having service animals inside the buses.
You can carry bags of any size on YARTS buses. Similarly, you can bring your bicycle and place it in the storage enclosures beneath the bus on a first-come, first-served basis. Each shuttle, however, can haul only two bicycles.
What are the Covid Restrictions of the YARTS shuttle?
YARTS is unlikely to screen all passengers for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and cannot remove the danger provided by an infectious person to other passengers. As a result, by using YARTS’ services or entering its shuttle, you may be subjecting yourself and your family to COVID-19 or raising your risk of contracting or spreading it.
Therefore, if you choose to go to Yosemite by YARTS, you will be asked to sign a waiver admitting the danger of exposure to COVID-19. You must also wear face masks when riding YARTS. If you do not bring a mask, they’ll give you one upon boarding.
To combat the spread of COVID-19, YARTS conducts increased daily sanitization of its entire fleet. Additionally, hand sanitizer is available on all buses.
Finally, keep in mind that the bus’s airflow and ventilation systems are identical to those of a regular coach. You cannot open windows to provide extra air circulation.
Are changes and cancellation of YARTS reservation possible?
Changes in the booking are time-consuming and may result in delays. Thus, you must confirm your travel dates and times before scheduling your trip since prompt adjustments are not always doable.
You can modify your booking online by setting up an account. Navigate to the bookings page of YARTS and click the ‘Sign In‘ button. You can change client names, travel dates, and departure times there.
Bookings for same-day trips are not possible. Reservations close 24 hours before each run’s time of departure. Additionally, if you want to cancel, all YARTS rates have a non-refundable convenience charge of $2.50 per ticket for all online purchases.
Refunds can also be processed online. You may ask for a refund by emailing YARTS at tickets@yarts.com. Take note that you will only get refunds if asked at least 72 hours before the trip.
Furthermore, tickets will not be reimbursed after the date set on the booked ticket, except in the case of a natural disaster or service disruptions. These special provisions shall be allowed only upon receipt of a written request within seven days of the occurrence.
Final Thoughts
Parking in Yosemite, especially during the summertime, may be challenging. Therefore, it is advised that you leave your car and ride the shuttle to and from Yosemite Valley. YARTS is the greatest option. It is not only accessible but also convenient and affordable, as it already includes a day-use entrance to Yosemite National Park.
Because summer is considered the peak season for shuttle passengers, it is advised that you purchase your ticket in advance. Please be aware of your pick-up time as well, since refunds may not be possible if you miss your bus. If you’d like to make changes to your booked ticket, do it at least 72 hours before your scheduled travel.
Additionally, wear a mask inside the YARTS shuttle to protect yourself and others. COVID-19 and its variants are still a threat to human health on a global scale. But with YARTS, you will be at ease knowing they sanitize their shuttles daily. When you plan your trip, there are smaller windows for possible mishaps. The information in this article hopefully has helped you plan your Yosemite trip. You can visit the YARTS website to know more about their trips from different locations.
