Amtrak does not offer a direct train service to Yosemite National Park, but it provides a connecting service through buses and trains. Passengers can travel to Merced Station, the closest Amtrak station to the park, and then take a bus ride of about two hours. The Gold Runner train journey is about 3 hours, making the total travel time 5 hours. The ticket fare starts from $30. However, people get complimentary snacks and drinks on board Amtrak to Yosemite. In addition, it offers multiple vacation packages covering various destinations.
Amtrak Trains to Yosemite Route
The journey of Amtrak to Yosemite National Park generally starts with a train from San Francisco, stops at Merced, and then continues by bus to the final destination.
- Train Line: Gold Runner
- Duration of the journey: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Distance: 131 miles
- Frequency: About 10 departures daily between San Francisco and Merced.
- Departure Station: Amtrak Emeryville Station (EMY)
- Arrival Station: Amtrak Merced Train Station (MCD)
Traveling to Yosemite: Journey Overview
To travel through Amtrak to Yosemite, passengers should know that trains don’t provide a direct route. Therefore, they will travel in segments.
- Nearest Train Station: The closest train station to Yosemite is Merced Train Station, which is about 78.6 miles. The Gold Runner train drops passengers at this station.
- Bus Connection: To reach Yosemite from Merced, people can use the YARTS bus system or Amtrak Thruway buses that run at different hours of the day.
- Personal Transport: Visitors using personal transport will have to pay a reservation fee for their cars at the national park.
Gold Runner Train Schedule and Tickets
Primarily, the Gold Runner Train serves this route of Amtrak to Yosemite National Park, offering tickets at affordable prices. The journey is about 2 to 3 hours from San Francisco, while the return journey can be longer, for about 4 hours on average.
Amtrak from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park
| Amtrak Train | Days of Operation | Departure and Arrival Timings | Duration | Coach Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 711 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 8:05 a.m. and 10:58 a.m. | 2 hours 53 minutes | $30 |
| 701 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 10:05 a.m. and 12:58 p.m. | 2 hours 53 minutes | $30 |
| 713 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 12:05 p.m. and 2:57 p.m. | 2 hours 52 minutes | $30 |
| 715 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 2:05 p.m. and 4:57 p.m. | 2 hours 52 minutes | $30 |
| 717 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 5:11 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. | 2 hours 48 minutes | $30 |
| 719 Gold Runner | Monday to Saturday | 7:11 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. | 2 hours 49 minutes | $20 |
| 703 Gold Runner | Sunday | 9:05 p.m. and 12:57 a.m. | 2 hours 53 minutes | $14 |
| 703 Gold Runner | Monday to Saturday | 9:11 p.m. and 12 a.m. | 2 hours 49 minutes | $30 |
| 1719 Gold Runner | Sunday | 7:01 p.m. and 9:50 p.m. | 2 hours 49 minutes | $30 |
| 719 Gold Runner | Sunday | 8:11 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. | 2 hours 49 minutes | $30 |
Amtrak from Yosemite National Park to San Francisco
| Amtrak Train | Days of Operation | Departure and Arrival Timings | Duration | Coach Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 702 Gold Runner | Daily service | 5:20 a.m. and 9:23 a.m. | 4 hours 3 minutes | $32 |
| 704 Gold Runner | Monday to Saturday | 3:34 p.m. and 7:34 p.m. | 4 hours | $32 |
| 704 Gold Runner | Sunday | 4:34 p.m. and 8:34 p.m. | 4 hours | $32 |
| 710 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 8:18 a.m. and 11:23 a.m. | 3 hours 5 minutes | $32 |
| 712 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 10:28 a.m. and 1:23 p.m. | 3 hours 5 minutes | $32 |
| 714 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 12:28 p.m. and 3:23 p.m. | 3 hours 5 minutes | $32 |
| 716 Gold Runner | Daily Service | 2:28 p.m. and 5:23 p.m. | 3 hours 5 minutes | $32 |
| 718 Gold Runner | Sunday | 5:58 p.m. and 8:47 p.m. | 3 hours 11 minutes | $32 |
| 718 Gold Runner | Monday to Saturday | 5:58 p.m. and 8:47 p.m. | 3 hours 11 minutes | $32 |
| 1718 Gold Runner | Sunday | 6:58 p.m. and 9:47 p.m. | 2 hours 49 minutes | $32 |
Amtrak Vacation Packages Yosemite
Amtrak offers more than 20 packages for traveling to Yosemite National Park. These packages include accommodations for multiple days and nights with sightseeing, meals, and round-trip tickets.
- Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon: 13 days, 8 destinations, from $3239 per person.
- Grand Canyon to Yosemite Roundtrip from Chicago: 11 days and 5 destinations, starting from $2169 per person.
- Yellowstone to Yosemite by Rail: 11 days and 5 destinations; prices start at $ 2,599 per person.
- Essential Grand Canyon to Yosemite Roundtrip Chicago: 9 days and 4 destinations, prices from $1079 per passenger.
- Essential Rocky Mountains to Yosemite: 6 days and 4 destinations, from $1159 per passenger.
- Ultimate Grand Canyon to Yosemite with Muir Woods: 9 days and 5 destinations, from $1679 per person.
- National Rail Experience with Yosemite National Park: 9 days and 4 destinations, from $1229 per passenger.
- Rocky Mountains to Yosemite Roundtrip Chicago: 11 days and 6 destinations, from $1959/person.
- National Parks of the West with Canyon Spirit: 13 days and 9 destinations, from $5659 per person.
- The Californian: 9 days and 5 destinations, from $!449 per person.
- Grand National Parks Discovery on the California Zephyr: 13 days and 11 destinations, from $4109 for a person.
- Peaks to Pacific Journey: 10 days and 6 destinations, from $2729 per person.
- Yellowstone to Yosemite by Rail- Teddy Roosevelt Trail: 14 days and 5 destinations, from $3279 per passenger.
- Rocky Mountains to Yosemite: 8 days and 5 destinations, from $1389 per reservation.
- Essential Grand Canyon to Yosemite: 6 days and 4 destinations, from $1079 per ticket.
- Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, round-trip from Washington, D.C.: 15 days and 9 destinations, starting from $3589 per person.
- Grand Canyon to Yosemite: 8 days and 4 destinations, prices starting from $1489 per individual.
- National Parks of America: 26 days and 18 destinations, starting from $7929 per ticket.
- Grand Pacific Coast Rail Journey: 21 days and 10 destinations, from $4629 per passenger.
- Ultimate San Francisco and Yosemite Gateway: 6 days and 2 destinations, from $1149 per person.
- Peaks to Pacific Grand Rail Journey: 11 days and 6 destinations, from $2729 per person.
- Peaks to Pacific Journey Roundtrip from Chicago: 13 days and 7 destinations, from $3529 per person.
- Grand National Parks of the West: 12 days and 10 destinations, from $5099 per person.
- Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, round-trip from New York: 15 days and 8 destinations, from $3699 per ticket.
- Grand National Parks with Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, round-trip from Los Angeles: 14 days and 7 destinations, from $2759 per reservation.
Yosemite Train and Bus Connection
After reaching the Merced Train Station, passengers will have to take a bus to Yosemite National Park or a nearby location. They can either use YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) or Amtrak Bus Connections.
YARTS Buses from Merced to Yosemite National Park
All of these buses operate daily with several stops in between:
- Merced, CA (MCD)
- Mariposa, CA- Midtown YARTS Bus Stop (MRM)
- Mariposa, CA- Park and Ride Lot (MRP)
- Midpines, CA (MDP)
- El Portal, CA (EPL)
- Yosemite National Park, CA- Curry Village (YOC)
- Yosemite National Park, CA- Visitor Center (YOV)
- Yosemite National Park, CA- Yosemite Valley Lodge (YOS)
| Thruway Number | Operational Days | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8448 | Monday to Sunday | 6:10 a.m. | 8:55 a.m. |
| 8400 | Monday to Sunday | 7:25 a.m. | 10:46 a.m. |
| 8402 | Monday to Sunday | 9:10 a.m. | 11:46 a.m. |
| 8416 | Monday to Sunday | 5:55 p.m. | 9:16 p.m. |
| 8412 | Monday to Sunday | 12:15 p.m. | 3:13 p.m. |
| 8417 | Monday to Sunday | 1 p.m. | 4:09 p.m. |
| 8419 | Monday to Sunday | 1:10 p.m. | 4:29 p.m. |
| 8415 | Monday to Sunday | 2:25 p.m. | 4:49 p.m. |
| 8457 | Monday to Sunday | 4:00 p.m. | 6:53 p.m. |
| 8403 | Monday to Sunday | 5:00 p.m. | 8:09 p.m. |
Features of Amtrak Cabins to Yosemite National Park
Passengers traveling to Yosemite on the Gold Runner train primarily board in Coach Class, which is the only cabin type available on this service.
Amtrak Coach Class:
The Gold Runner seats are arranged two-by-two with no middle seat, offering generous legroom for the three-hour ride to Merced. Each seat includes a reclining backrest, a fold-down tray table, reading lights, and power outlets for charging devices. Overhead storage racks and under-seat space are available for carry-on luggage, and restrooms are located at the ends of each car.
Amtrak provides complimentary onboard wifi on the Amtrak Gold Runner, suitable for light browsing, streaming, and staying connected throughout the journey from Emeryville to Merced.
Checked and Carry-On Baggage:
Each passenger may bring two carry-on bags up to 50 lbs each and two personal items. Merced Station provides staffed baggage services, and people can access them upon arrival.
Bicycle Policy:
Passengers may bring bicycles on board the Gold Runner as carry-on items, provided the bicycle is standard-sized, weighs no more than 50 lbs, and has a maximum tire width of 2 inches.
Complimentary snacks and drinks:
All passengers get free food and drinks on board the Gold Runner Amtrak train to Yosemite National Park.
- Snacks include Doritos, white cheddar popcorn, Grandma’s cookies, Dots Pretzels, Mini Cliff Bars, and more.
- Drinks include Coca-Cola, Diet Coca-Cola, water, Dr. Pepper, and Pepsi.
Deals on the Amtrak Gold Runner Train to Yosemite
Several discounts and deals are available to passengers on the Gold Runner, making the journey to Yosemite even more affordable.
Amtrak Children Discount: One child aged 2 to 12 years traveling is eligible for a flat 50% discount on the lowest available Coach fare. Children under 2 years old who do not occupy a full-seat travel free of charge with a fare-paying adult.
Amtrak Senior Discount: Passengers aged 65 and older are eligible for a 10% discount on most Amtrak train fares, including the Gold Runner.
Amtrak Student Discount: Students aged 17 to 24 with a valid student ID can save 15% on Gold Runner Coach fares. Tickets with a student discount must be booked at least one day before travel.
Amtrak Military Discount: Active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses, and dependents are eligible for a 10% discount on most Amtrak fares when presenting a valid military ID. Veterans of the U.S. Military are also eligible for the same 10% discount on these trains.
Amtrak Guest Rewards: Signing up for Amtrak’s loyalty program allows passengers to earn points on every journey, which can be redeemed for future travel. Frequent travelers on the Gold Runner can accumulate points quickly, especially when combined with Amtrak vacation package bookings.
Best Tips for Traveling to Yosemite
Passengers traveling to Yosemite through Amtrak should keep these tips in mind for booking trains and buses.
- Book the Train and Bus Connection Together: Amtrak’s Thruway Bus connection from Merced to Yosemite can be booked directly alongside your Gold Runner train ticket on the official Amtrak website, eliminating the need to purchase bus tickets at the destination station.
- Train to Match the Bus Schedule: Before booking, cross-check the train arrival time at Merced against the bus departure schedule. The earliest YARTS bus departs Merced at 6:10 a.m. and the last at 5:00 p.m., so a late-evening train arrival may require an overnight stay in Merced.
- Arrive at Emeryville Station Early: Allow extra time for transit from San Francisco- the Bay Bridge to the station, during peak hours. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Getting from San Francisco to Emeryville: Passengers traveling from San Francisco can take Amtrak’s free connecting bus service from the San Francisco Ferry Building to Emeryville Station. This bus runs in coordination with Gold Runner departures.
- Reserve Entry to Yosemite in Advance: Yosemite National Park requires reservations for vehicle entry during peak season, which is typically from May through September.
- Consider Amtrak Travel Packages: Passengers planning a multi-destination and multi-day trip should consider the Yosemite packages that also cover accommodation expenses.
Amtrak to Yosemite is an affordable and convenient option as it provides both train and bus connections. Passengers must book the tickets in advance and plan their arrival accordingly to avoid layovers at the Merced Station. Additionally, YARTS also runs at different hours of the day, dropping people off at Yosemite National Park.
FAQs
No, Amtrak trains operate only up to Merced Station. From there, passengers must continue to Yosemite using YARTS or Amtrak Thruway buses.
Merced Train Station (MCD) is the nearest Amtrak station to Yosemite National Park, which is about 79 miles away from there.
The train journey from Emeryville to Merced takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes, while the complete trip with the bus connection can take 5 to 6 hours, depending on schedules.
Yes, Amtrak allows passengers to book both the train and the Thruway bus connection to Yosemite National Park in a single reservation through its official website.
The Gold Runner is the primary train serving the Emeryville-Merced route for Yosemite passengers.
Yes, Amtrak Vacations offers several Yosemite travel packages that include hotels, sightseeing, and rail tickets.
The Gold Runner provides complimentary snacks and beverages to all passengers traveling to Yosemite.
Yes, Amtrak provides a connecting bus service from San Francisco to Emeryville Station.
Promotional fares of Gold Runner to Yosemite can start from around $14 to $20, depending on travel date and availability.
