Air Service & Getting Here

Getting to Bishop, CA

Bishop and the beautiful Owens Valley have been described as “California’s Hidden Treasure.” While it’s true that the treasures abound here in the Eastern Sierra, Bishop is not quite as “hidden” as you might imagine. In fact, Bishop is located in the very middle of California, where Highways 6 and 395 intersect. Whether you are traveling from Southern or Northern California, or a major city in Nevada, you’ll drive 4 1/2 to 5 hours to reach Bishop. From any direction, the roads are well maintained and the views are spectacular. Getting here is part of your vacation and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Off the Beaten Airstrip – Fly to Bishop, CA

Bishop Airport is the new entrance gate to California’s Eastern Sierra

Fly to Bishop during summer and winter with the newly established commercial service offering flights from San Francisco and Denver. These seasonal flights connect Bishop to the world and open up a world of adventure for visitors to the Eastern Sierra. Our beautiful big backyard just got bigger as this seasonal service makes access to two of our country’s most beautiful National Parks, Death Valley and Yosemite, easier and quicker. After a short flight of less than an hour, you could be hiking, fishing, climbing, biking, and sightseeing in minutes.

Commercial flights are available this winter from both San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN)

Seasonal flights connect Bishop Airport to anywhere in the world via San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN)

United – Book Now

Quick Links

Bishop Airport (BIH) Commercial Flights

Winter/Spring: December – March

San Francisco (SFO-BIH) AND Denver (DEN-BIH)

Summer/Fall: July – October

San Francisco (SFO-BIH)

Daily flights will resume this winter, with service to/from San Francisco (SFO) starting on December 12th, 2024, and from Denver (DEN) beginning on December 19th, 2024. Both routes will operate through March 30th, 2024.

For your convenience, there are two United Self Check-In Kiosks.

Additional flights may be added for holiday periods, and all schedules are subject to change. Please check in 1.5 hours prior to the flight. Gate closes 45 minutes before flight time.

Book Now on United

Mammoth Airport (MMH) Charter Flights

Advanced Air offers public charter service to Mammoth Lakes from Hawthorne (HHR) and Carlsbad (CLD).

Imagine leaving work Friday afternoon, heading to the airport and boarding your flight to Mammoth Lakes without having to deal with TSA and arriving at your winter vacation in record time. That’s the experience you’ll get when you fly on Advanced Airlines, Mammoth Lakes’ newest luxury air service offering service from Southern California to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (45 minutes North of Bishop).

Book Now on Advanced Airlines

Love this cute little baggage claim!

Bishop is beautiful! Love this cute little baggage claim!

- Nita R.

Airport Services

Bishop Airport Terminal Services

Terminal Map

The Terminal opens at 8:00 a.m. and remains open until the last flight of the day clears, typically by 5pm. Other businesses in the Terminal have different operational hours, as noted for the individual businesses.

Onsite Restaurant
- Thai Thai Restaurant
- See Dining Page for More Options
WiFi Service Available
Charging Stations Limited
Water Bottle Filling Station in Gate Area
Drinking Fountain in Lobby

Airport Parking

Parking Map

Day Parking – FREE
Overnight – $6/night – please pay in advance at the Airport Operations Desk in the terminal.
Outdoor, uncovered parking is available at Bishop Airport.

Ground Transportation to & Around Bishop

Ground Transportation

Several ground transportation options are available from the Bishop Airport. There are non-hotel shuttle services, cab service, VIP service, local fixed route transit service, and bus/charter services available. Check individual providers for availability, schedules, and reservations.

Shuttle

Mammoth All Weather Shuttle (Mammoth)

Mammoth All Weather Shuttle aka MAWS provides scheduled point-to-point shuttle service. Tickets for a transfer shuttle from the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport to Mammoth Lakes will be available from the Bishop Airport (BIH) to Mammoth Lakes and returning to BIH. Seats on a shared shuttle can be booked. Private shuttles are also available for groups of up to 5, 11 or 25 guests.

Advanced reservations are highly recommended. MAWS may be able to accommodate walk-up bookings, however, during busy holiday times, walk-ups cannot be guaranteed. Reserve your shared or private shuttle on the MAWS website.

Call for a MAWS reservation 760-709-2927.

Eastern Sierra Transit Authority

Eastern Sierra Transit provides passenger bus service between and in the rural communities of Inyo and Mono County. Check out the routes and schedule. Need a pick-up? Call Dial-a-Ride. 1-800-922-1930

Sierra Shuttle Service (Bishop/Mammoth)

Book group shuttle service to locations around town, including to and from the airport Mammoth Mountain lodges and more, with Sierra Shuttle Service. Long-distance rides to trailheads and regional destinations are also available. Call to Book your Shuttle 760-914-2746.

Rideshare Services

Uber/Lyft

No Uber or Lyft at Bishop Airport (updated 10/15/24). Note: the apps may show rides available, but will not allow you to actually book the service.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are the best option if you’re staying in Bishop. Pick up is available at the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport with Enterprise Car Rentals (93514). Supply is LIMITED, reservations are strongly recommended. Call ahead to confirm your reservation ~ 909-204-1759.

Taxi

Mammoth Taxi

Get to and from the Bishop Airport to Mammoth Lakes with Mammoth Taxi. Reservations are required for long trips – call Mammoth Taxi 760-924-8294.

Bus

The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) provides transit service throughout Inyo and Mono Counties, and inter-city service as far north as Reno and as far south as Lancaster. For more information, call 760.872.1901 or 800.922.1930 (toll-free), or visit the website at estransit.com.

Yosemite Transportation

YARTS ( Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) is a bus system that runs daily from the communities of Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Lee Vining to Yosemite Valley

Note: SR 120, Tioga Pass Road (east entrance into Yosemite Park) is normally closed from Nov. to late May of each year due to a heavy snow pack. During that time period, there is no access to Yosemite Nat’l Park via Tioga Pass from US 395 at Lee Vining (60 miles north of Bishop). Visitors to Yosemite must cross the Eastern Sierra on Hwy 50 (155 miles north of Bishop) or SR 58 (150 miles south of Bishop) to access highways into Yosemite Park.

Regardless of how you get here, it is worth the trip. The rural isolation is part of the charm and the reason that folks return to visit the High Sierra year after year. The clean, clear, cool night air, the brilliant stars, and the beauty of the Eastern Sierra await you.

Trip Advisor

I was an accidental tourist at the Bishop Visitor Center, but felt it was incumbent upon me to openly share the positive experience and embarrassment of riches that followed. Excited to ski a Mammoth for the first time following an epic snowstorm, I arrived with all the unchecked enthusiasm of surfer chasing a tidal wave. Sadly, I missed my ride due to a late-arriving flight, and would have been marooned at the Bishop airport but for Joe from the local Chamber of Commerce who rescued me. Upon arriving at the Bishop Visitor Center, I was warmly welcomed with sincere greetings, light hospitality, and an education about the local region that rivaled that given at visitor centers operated by the National Park Service. For example, I learned that this county boasts the highest point in the continental United States (Mount Whitney), the lowest point in the continental United States (Badwater Basin in Death Valley), and the oldest living organism in the world (Bristlecone Pine Trees, which are purportedly 5000 years old). I also got an outstanding healthy meal recommendation which I followed - The Rolling Chef 395 - where I am not exaggerating - I consumed the best burrito I have ever eaten in my life. I then walked it off by taking a safe stroll down Main Street where I observed many vibrant businesses bristling with activity like the famous Erik Schat’s Bakkery. Simply put, I could not overstate the good fortune that ensued my unexpected stopover at the Bishop Visitor Center, and my “rescuer” Joe concluded my “stay” by later dropping me at my ride. I not only am recommending a stop here for friends en route from Southern California, but also vowing to come back!

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Air Service & Getting Here

Getting to Bishop, CA

Off the Beaten Airstrip – Fly to Bishop, CA

Bishop Airport is the new entrance gate to California’s Eastern Sierra

Seasonal flights connect Bishop Airport to anywhere in the world via San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN)