Can You Take a Train to Yosemite National Park? What April 2025 Visitors Should Know
Thinking about hopping on a train right into Yosemite National Park? It’s a common question, but here’s the deal: no passenger trains run directly into the park these days. Back in the day, there were trains nearby, especially for logging and freight, but Yosemite itself never served as a final train stop for visitors.
So why no trains? Yosemite’s rugged landscape and strict conservation efforts have kept railways out of the park. The rail history in the area is pretty interesting though. Logging trains buzzed through the surrounding forests to move timber, and several small rail lines in the Sierra Nevada foothills once linked towns close to Yosemite.
Today, you won’t find a direct train route straight to Yosemite Valley. Instead, the best way to get close by rail is to take an Amtrak train to Merced or Fresno. From there, the park operates buses and shuttles that will take you right up to Yosemite’s entrance. This means if you really want a train adventure combined with Yosemite’s beauty, you’re looking at a combined trip involving train, bus, or shuttle.
For road trippers, driving still wins for flexibility. But if your heart’s set on avoiding cars, planning with bus and shuttle timings is smart. The park’s shuttle service inside Yosemite Valley is free and super convenient once you’re there.
So, no train directly inside Yosemite, but plenty of ways to mix and match transport. Whether you choose rail, bus, or driving, knowing these options helps make your Yosemite trip smoother and more enjoyable. Planning your trip in April 2025? The weather is usually cool and less crowded than summer, so it’s a great time to explore this way.
