public transit to yosemite

Ryan has always wanted to take public transit to Yosemite.  When we weren't able to coordinate a ride with friends, this seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Turns out the train is fun, easy, and affordable.  

We left our apartment at 6:30am took Muni to Civic Center station then transferred to BART.  BART took us to Richmond station, where there is a transfer point for Amtrak.  After a seven minute wait, we were on our way.  

Sitting on the upper level of the train, we were able to stretch out, get coffee and breakfast, enjoy Bay views, and, best of all, we were not sitting in weekend traffic.

Two hours later, we were in Merced, where we transferred to a bus, YARTS.  The bus is part of Amtrak, and does not need to be booked separately.   

Waiting for the bus at Merced Station

The bus arrived after a 10 minute wait

The two hour bus ride took us right to Curry Village, where we were staying in a heated tent cabin, although the bus does make other stops in the park. 

There is a free shuttle, in the valley, so once there, a car is really unnecessary.  

At 1:35pm our trip was complete, and then, well, we were in Yosemite, so it was time to enjoy the park and our friends.  We did a mini-hike on Saturday and cross country skiing from Badger Pass to Dewey Point on Sunday. 

Alpenglow on Half Dome

Lunch break at Dewey Point

Dewey Point

If you're headed to the valley, Amtrak is the way to go.  I would definitely use public transit to the park again.  

Perks: No traffic, space to stretch out and move around, views, Amtrak fare includes $20 park entrance fee.

Lesson learned:  Between drunk strangers wanting to chitchat, families playing The Itsy Bitsy Spider on repeat, and a crazy punk kid singing along to Beyonce on his iPod, it became clear that headphones or earplugs are a must.

Muni: $2

BART: $4.30

Amtrak: $41 

Total: $47.30 each (one way)