Yosemite overnight travel options

Question

Hello,

I managed to book accommodation for 1 night in Curry Village in September. I am trying to decide the best way to get there without driving ourselves (we are Australian and don't like the idea of driving overseas). From what I have found Extranomical tours and Grayline both offer one way travel or overnight tour options. The price is pretty similar but Grayline appears to have longer at Yosemite (arriving in the valley around 12:30pm 1 day and pick up at 3:30pm the next). Extranomical picks up at 2pm on the return day as it includes a tour of a Sequoia grove on the return to SF.

Does anyone have any feedback on what option is better? I'm leaning towards Grayline as it is basically travel there and back, giving us most time to explore on our own once we get there. But interested in feedback or something I might have missed.

Thank you

Answer

For your overnight stay at Curry Village in Yosemite, choosing between Gray Line and Extranomical Tours depends on how you want to balance time in the park with structured activities.

Gray Line:

Pros: Arrives in Yosemite around 12:30 p.m. and picks up at 3:30 p.m. the following day, giving you most of the afternoon, evening, and morning to explore the park at your own pace.
Allows more flexibility to hike, visit viewpoints, and enjoy the valley without being on a strict schedule.
Less structured, so you can prioritize your own itinerary, which is ideal if you want a more relaxed, independent experience.
Cons: No extra sightseeing on the way back, so your travel day is mostly just transit.

Extranomical Tours:

Pros: Includes a stop at a Sequoia grove on the return to San Francisco, which adds a unique experience without needing to arrange extra transport.
Pick-up time on return day is later (around 2 p.m.), giving a bit more morning in the park.
Structured itinerary means you don’t have to plan extra stops yourself, and it can be helpful if you want guided highlights.
Cons: Slightly less flexibility to explore the park fully on your own, as there’s a set schedule.

Considerations:

If your priority is maximizing independent time in Yosemite for hiking, photography, and exploring Curry Village surroundings, Gray Line is likely the better choice.
If seeing a Sequoia grove along the way back is a priority and you don’t mind a slightly more structured schedule, Extranomical offers that added experience.
Both services offer safe and comfortable transport without needing to drive yourself, which is ideal for international visitors.

Overall, since your main goal seems to be enjoying Yosemite at your own pace, Gray Line appears to align best with your preferences. Extranomical would be better if you value the guided stop at the Sequoia grove and don’t mind a bit less flexibility in the park itself.

Yosemite overnight travel options

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