The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is a regularly scheduled, fixed route, public transit system that operates year-round in the Yosemite region.
YARTS provides service into Yosemite National Park and gateway communities in comfortable, air-conditioned buses. Ride YARTS to avoid traffic and safely enjoy the scenery instead of watching the road. See the about YARTS page for more general information about the YARTS bus service. Below you can find links to pages that address specific policies regarding the service.
Walk-on service is available for YARTS on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to make your travel more convenient, YARTS offers reservations. Modifications may be delayed, please confirm your itinerary prior to booking your travel.
Important Changes Regarding COVID-19
Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) cannot prevent you or your children from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while using YARTS’ services or premises. It is not possible to prevent against the presence of the disease. YARTS is unable to pre-screen passengers for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and is unable to eliminate the risk to other passengers posed by an infected person. Therefore, if you choose to utilize YARTS’ services and/or enter onto YARTS’ premises, you may be exposing yourself and your family to, and/or increasing your risk of contract or spreading, COVID-19.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK – I have read and understand the above warning concerning COVID-19. I hereby choose to accept the risk of being exposed to or contracting COVID-19 for myself and/or my children in order to utilize YARTS’ services and enter onto YARTS’ premises. These services are of such value to me and/or to my children that I accept the risk of being exposed to, contracting, and/or spreading COVID-19 in order to utilize YARTS’ services and premises in person.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY – By using YARTS’ services and/or entering onto its premises, I understand that I am forever releasing and waiving any right to bring suit against YARTS, its owners, directors, officers, managers, employees, assigns, contractors, and all other representatives in connection with exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID-19.I understand that this waiver means I give up my right to bring any claims, for myself or my children, including for personal injury, death, disease, property loss, or any other loss and specifically including, but not limited to, claims of negligence, against YARTS and anyone connected to it.
In order to mitigate exposure to COVID-19, YARTS has made the following operational changes:
• Hand sanitizer will be available on all buses
• Enhanced daily sanitizing of the YARTS fleet
• Passengers experiencing any signs of illness should avoid riding YARTS
Finally, please note that the volume of air circulation and type of air ventilation on the bus is that of a standard coach, and windows are not able to be opened for additional air flow.
Bus stops and request drop-off policy
YARTS drivers will stop at all designated stops. Additional stop locations may be requested, drivers will determine locations that are safe and accessible for unloading only. YARTS travels on narrow roads and YARTS does not provide pick up anywhere other than designated stops.
Highway 395/120E stop requests may be made to your driver upon boarding for various trailheads along the route. Drivers will stop if safe. Pick-ups will only occur at designated stop locations.
If additional assistance is needed while boarding, please contact YARTS 48 hours prior to your boarding.
Parking
Drop off your car and travel car free while getting around Yosemite. On the Hwy 140 route, extended free parking is available in various locations in Merced, such as Merced Transpo and the downtown district garage, which are within walking distance to the bus stops. In Mariposa and Midpines, free Park & Ride facilities are available for day, overnight and multi-day uses.
Please view the websites below to find out more about your parking options.
Baggage
Bags are allowed on YARTS buses, including backpacks of any size. Larger bags may need to be stored in compartments under the passenger seating.
Bicycles
Transportation of bicycles cannot be guaranteed due to limited space. Bikes are allowed in the storage compartments under the bus, as space allows, on a first come, first served basis, but may have to be disassembled in order to be transported. Bikes are not allowed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Bikes can also be rented inside Yosemite National Park.
Pets and Service Animals
No pets are allowed to ride with the exception of service animals being allowed on all YARTS buses.
For information on Yosemite National Park’s pet policy, visit their pets page.
Accessibility
All YARTS buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with wheelchair lifts. To ensure your accessible seat is available on the bus, please contact YARTS 48 hours prior to your boarding, or indicate while making your reservation accessible seating is required. Doing so will ensure your trip is accommodated.
If additional assistance is needed while boarding, please contact YARTS 48 hours prior to your boarding.
Service animals are allowed on all YARTS buses.
Terms and Conditions
Please see YARTS terms and conditions, including our refund policy.