Merced Regional Macready Field

Merced Regional Macready Field is a practical entry point for Yosemite National Park, sitting closer to the valley floor than most California airports with commercial or charter service. The airport is uncongested with no slot requirements, and private aircraft typically move from wheels-down to FBO in minutes. There are no commercial airline operations to contend with during peak travel periods.

The airport is named for John A. Macready, a U.S. Army Air Service pilot who set numerous altitude and endurance records in the 1920s. The field handles general aviation and charter traffic for the Merced area and UC Merced, the newest UC campus, located about 7 miles from the terminal. Fuel and basic FBO services are available on the field.

Downtown Merced is roughly 3 miles from the airport, a 5 to 10 minute drive. Yosemite Valley is about 75 miles east via CA-140, typically 1.5 to 2 hours depending on season and whether the Big Oak Flat entrance is congested in summer. Fresno is 60 miles south on CA-99, about 45 minutes. San Francisco is roughly 130 miles northwest, around 2 hours without Bay Area traffic. Rental cars are the primary ground transport option; rideshare coverage is limited.