How to Get to Fresno. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Fresno

Airports & Routes

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is just six miles (10 km) east of downtown Fresno, offering convenient access. It is a smaller, user-friendly airport.

Major Airports:

FAT: Non-stop flights to major U.S. Centers such as LAX, SFO, PHX.
Limited direct international flights; connect via major U.S. Gateways.
Flight prices fluctuate seasonally; higher during holidays and summer.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

FAT provides a range of facilities: rental car services, dining, retail, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi. Ground transportation includes rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and public transit.

Getting to/from FAT:

Renting a car at FAT is recommended for area exploration.
Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are available at designated pick-up areas.
FAX Route 26 offers bus service from FAT to the central business district Fresno.

Find Cheap Flights

Explore flight deals with services like Dollar Flight Club.

Compare Airfares

Use airfare comparison sites like Skyscanner for the best options.

Car Rental Booking

Book your rental car in advance via DiscoverCars.com.

Other Nearby Airports

Larger Hubs

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) - ~3-hour drive.
Oakland International Airport (OAK) - ~2.5-hour drive.
San Jose International Airport (SJC) - ~2.5-hour drive.
The City of angels International Airport (LAX) - ~3.5-4-hour drive.

Considerations for Hubs

Potentially lower fares and more flight options.
Factor in expense and time for rental car or bus/train connection to Fresno.
Offers a wider scope for starting your California exploration.

Airport Photo

Fresno Yosemite International Airport terminal

Image: The modern terminal building at Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Airlines Serving FAT

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Volaris.

International Connections

Most international travelers connect through LAX, SFO, or PHX before flying to Fresno.

Land Transportation to Fresno

Train & Bus Connections

You can reach Fresno by train or long-distance bus, offering flexibility depending on your starting point within California or the U.S.

Services Available:

Amtrak San Joaquins connects Fresno to Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, and Bakersfield.
Greyhound and FlixBus offer intercity bus services to/from Fresno.
Train journeys through the Central Valley showcase California's agricultural landscape.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving Information:

Valid U.S. Driver's license or foreign license having Global Driving Permit.
Major freeways (CA-99, CA-41, CA-180) and local roads are generally well-maintained.
Be aware of dense Tule fog in winter and extreme heat in summer.

Road Conditions and Safety

Tule fog in winter has the main road safety concern, reducing visibility to near zero. Always check local weather and road conditions before driving during winter months.

Safety Tips:

Reduce speed, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra travel time during fog.
Summer heat requires keeping your vehicle's cooling system in good order.
Be mindful of large agricultural vehicles on rural roads during harvest seasons.

Sea/River Arrivals

Fresno is a city not on the coast, so sea or commercial river arrivals are not applicable. The San Joaquin River, which borders Fresno, is used for fun purposes only.

Water Transport:

No ferry services or cruise ports in Fresno.
San Joaquin River for recreational use (kayaking, canoeing, fishing).
No commercial or public transportation services on the river.

Road Driving Laws & Parking

Drive on the correct lane for traffic.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Hands-free cell phone use is the law.

Right turns on red after a full stop are generally permitted (unless prohibited by sign).
Parking is ample, but check meters/signs in downtown/Tower District.
California's freeways can experience heavy traffic during peak hours.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees apply when departing from Fresno. Standard airline and airport taxes are included in your flight ticket price.

Timing Recommendations:

Domestic Flights (FAT): Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
International Flights (FAT): Be at the AIRPORT a minimum of 2 hours before departure.
Amtrak or Bus Stations: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) offers dining options, retail shops for last-minute souvenirs, restrooms, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi.

Available Services:

Dining and shopping options at FAT.
Free Wi-Fi and charging stations at FAT.
Amtrak and Bus Stations provide basic waiting areas and restrooms.

Confirm Schedules

Always confirm your flight, train, or bus schedule 24-48 hours before departure.

Check for Delays

Check for any delays or changes, especially during adverse weather conditions like winter Tule fog.

Allow Ample Time

Allow ample time for travel to the airport or station to avoid rushing.

Land Travel Considerations

Train Travel

Amtrak San Joaquins service connects Fresno to Northern and Southern California cities. The journey displays the Central Valley's agricultural landscapes.

Amtrak Fresno Station:

Location: 265 H Street, Fresno.
Basic waiting area and services available.
Connections to Sacramento, Oakland, Sf, and Bakersfield.

Bus Travel

Long-distance bus services offer additional intercity links for Fresno travelers.

Bus Companies:

Greyhound functions from the Fresno Greyhound station.
FlixBus also provides intercity bus services.
Check specific station locations, as they may vary from Amtrak.

Rental Car Photo

Car rental lot at Fresno airport

Image: Rental cars waiting at a lot, ready for travelers to explore Fresno and outside the area.

Car Rental Benefits

Offers the most flexibility for exploring the region and national parks.

Rental Requirements

Valid driver's license, often credit card for deposit, minimum age requirements (21-25).

Travel Insight:

Border crossing information is not applicable as Fresno is located within the United States. All travel to Fresno from other U.S. States is domestic.

How to Get to Fresno