Getting to Bishop, CA
Bishop and the beautiful Owen 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.
In winter experience a new type of luxury with Advanced Airlines service to Mammoth Lakes. Beginning December 17, 2020, this public charter service began to fly from Burbank, Carlsbad, and Hawthorne (LA) to the Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Enjoy the convenience of a private experience at commercial airline cost with benefits such as skipping TSA and complimentary beverages and snacks.
Air Transportation
BIH Bishop Airport Commercial Flights
The Bishop Airport is proud to bring you the best in commercial aviation services to the Eastern Sierra.
In a move to boost its flying to outdoor-friendly destinations, United will launch flights to the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport near Bishop, California (BIH), from three of its hubs: Denver (DEN), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO).
This marked the first commercial service that the airport has seen this century. Seasonal service to Bishop commenced on Dec. 19, 2021, and ran through March 26, 2022. You can expect something similar this year.
SUMMER/FALL 2022
You can fly June 4 through June 19, 2022, via San Francisco on Saturdays and Sundays.
Fly June 24 through September 6, 2022, via San Francisco DAILY SERVICE except for Saturday. Be sure to look at our Air Service page for more information.
Regional Commercial Air Service
Get a full High Sierra trip in and use one of the Alternate Airports for one-way travel from Death Valley and Yosemite/Lake Tahoe.
- Mammoth Lakes (MMH) (a 40-minute drive north of Bishop)
- Reno-Tahoe International Airport (3 3/4 hour drive north of Bishop)
- McCarran International Airport (in Las Vegas, a 4.5-hour drive)
Small Craft Airport
US Highway 395 is the route that most visitors drive to reach Bishop, but “the infinite highway of the air” is another, more spectacular, and almost limitless, approach to Bishop. Flying above the Owens Valley is an experience that leaves an indelible impression on everyone who takes to the skies here. The magnificent topographic features that make Bishop so incredibly photogenic, also make Bishop a unique flying destination. Bishop’s Eastern Sierra Regional Airport provides a destination for those with a sense of adventure… and a pilot’s license! Read more about the history of the airport and flying in the Owens Valley.
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 www.estransit.com.
Bishop Creek Shuttle service begins June 17, 2022 and will operate 7 days a week through September 11, 2022. The Shuttle will depart Bishop at 8:00am and 4:00 pm and will travel to South Lake and Lake Sabrina before returning to Bishop. The Shuttle will stop for passengers along the route anywhere that it is safe for the bus to stop. The one-way adult fare is $20 for non-residents and $5 for local residents. Proof of residency is required. For more information click here: Bishop Creek Shuttle 2022
Car Rentals
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.
FREE INFORMATION GUIDE
Flip through the pages of the new Bishop Information Guide! Or Download a FREE Visitor Guide or request one sent to your home today.